Norcold 3163X Owner's Manual
Owner’s Manual
For models 3163X - a 1.8 cu. ft., 3-way refrigerator.
The letter “X”, in the model number above, stands for a letter or a numeral which means a
refrigerator option.
!
WARNING
Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service or maintenance
can cause personal injury or property damage. Refer to this manual.
For assistance or additional information, contact a qualied installer,
service agency, or the gas supplier.
FOR YOUR SAFETY
Do not store or use gasoline or other ammable vapors and liquid in the
vicinity of this or any other appliance.
FOR YOUR SAFETY
If you smell gas:
1. Open windows
2. Don’t touch electrical switches.
3. Extinguish any open ame.
4. Immediately call your gas supplier.
NORCOLD, Inc.
P.O. Box 4248
Sidney, OH 45365-4248
English
Norcold Customer Suport Dept.
Telephone: 800-543-1219
Fax: 734-769-2332
Web Site: www.norcold.com
Part No. 636287A (12/5/2013)
Table of Contents
For dened warranty terms, please see the one page warranty statement included in the product information packet.
Safety Awareness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
About Your Refrigerator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Storage volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Leveling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Operation during travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Food compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Ventilation fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Operating the Refrigerator Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Ignition-propane gas operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Do a test of the gas safety valve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Start up - AC operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Start up - DC operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
DC operation precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
DC operation guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Shut down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Effects of High Altitude on Propane Gas Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Effects of Freezing Temperatures on Refrigerator Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Refrigerator Care Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Defrosting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Door Sealing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Refrigerator Maintenance Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Refrigerator Storage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Refrigerator Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Gas ame appearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Remove and clean the burner orice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Remove the Refrigerator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Reinstall the Refrigerator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Refrigeration Failure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Wiring Diagram and Pictorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Replacement Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Safety Awareness
Read this manual carefully and understand the contents before you use the refrigerator.
Be aware of possible safety hazards when you see the safety alert symbol on the refrigerator and in this manual. A signal word follows
the safety alert symbol and identies the danger of the hazard. Carefully read the descriptions of these signal words to fully know their
meanings. They are for your safety.
!
WARNING
!
CAUTION
This signal word identies a hazard, which if ignored, can cause dangerous personal injury, death, or much
property damage.
This signal word identies a hazard, which if ignored, can cause small personal injury or much property
damage.
Owner’s Manual 2
Safety Instructions
!
WARNING
- The storage of ammable materials behind or around the refrigerator creates a re hazard. Do not use the area
behind the refrigerator to store anything, especially ammable materials (gasoline, cleaning supplies, etc.)
- Do not remove the round ground prong from the refrigerator’s AC power cord. Do not use a two prong adapter or
extension cord on the AC power cord.
- A circuit overload can result in an electrical re if the wires and/or fuse are not the correct size. Either use the wire
and fuse sizes as written in this manual or refer to your local codes or the applicable RVIA Standards for the correct
wire and fuse sizes.
- Incorrect installation, adjustment, change to, or maintenance of this refrigerator can cause personal injury, property
damage, or both. Have service and maintenance work done by your dealer or by an Norcold authorized service
center.
- Disconnect both the AC and DC power sources before doing any maintenance work on the refrigerator. All service
work on this refrigerator must be done by a qualied service technician.
- Do not bypass or change the refrigerator’s electrical components or features.
- When you discard an appliance, remove all doors to prevent accidental entrapment and suffocation.
- Do not spray liquids near electrical outlets, connections, or the refrigerator components. Many liquids are electrically
conductive and can create a shock hazard, electrical shorts, and in some cases, re.
- The refrigerator cooling system is under pressure. Do not try to repair or to recharge a defective cooling system. The
cooling system contains sodium chromate. The breathing of certain chromium compounds can cause cancer. The
cooling system contents can cause severe skin and eye burns, and can ignite and burn with an intense ame. Do not
bend, drop, weld, move, drill, puncture, or hit the cooling system.
- At regular intervals, make sure that the refrigerator ue, the burner, the vent areas, and the ventilation air pathway
between the vents are completely free from any ammable material or blockage. After a period of storage, it is
especially important to check these areas for any ammable material or blockage caused by animals.
!
CAUTION
- The rear of the refrigerator has sharp edges and corners. To prevent cuts or abrasions when working on the
refrigerator, be careful and wear cut resistant gloves.
About Your Refrigerator
Storage volume:
This refrigerator is made for food storage.
Total capacity .................................................1.8 cubic feet
Leveling:
!
CAUTION
The refrigerator is made to operate within 3° off level side-to-side and 6° off level front-to-back (as looking
at the front of the refrigerator). Operating it at more than these limits can cause damage to the cooling
system and create a risk of personal injury or property damage. Make sure the vehicle is level before you
operate the refrigerator.
Operation during travel:
While the refrigerator should be level when the vehicle is stopped, performance during travel is not usually effected.
Owner’s Manual 3
Food compartment:
Start up the refrigerator and let it cool for eight hours before loading with food. If the refrigerator does not start to cool down after about
two hours, contact your dealer or a Norcold authorized service center.
For the best cooling performance:
- Let air move freely inside the entire food compartment.
- Do not cover the shelves with plastic, paper, etc.
To decrease the amount of ice that forms on the cooling ns:
- Cover all liquids and moist foods.
- Let hot foods cool before putting them in the refrigerator.
- Do not open the door any longer than necessary.
Ventilation fan:
The refrigerator has a thermostat controlled ventilation fan to move air across the refrigerator cooling system. The fan runs when the
interior temperature of the vehicle is 85° F. or higher.
When leaving the vehicle unattended, it is advisable to leave windows or the roof vents open to help keep the vehicle’s interior
temperature less than 85° F. These temperatures allow the refrigerator to operate efciently, minimize fan operation, and limit the
current draw from the battery.
Operating the Refrigerator Controls
Controls:
The refrigerator control panel is located above the refrigerator door (See Art02429). Unlike refrigerators with electric controls, this
refrigerator will operate on one energy source, independently of the others.
Gas safety valve ..............................................................91
Thermostat .......................................................................96
Flame indicator ..............................................................217
Selector switch ...............................................................207
The gas safety valve [91] is controlled by a thermocouple that is
located in the burner ame. As long as a ame is present, the
safety valve is open and allows propane gas to ow to the burner.
Any loss of ame (empty gas tank, blow out, etc.) closes the safety
valve and stops the ow of propane gas. During ignition of propane
gas operation, you must hold in the gas safety valve until a ame is
present at the burner.
The thermostat [96] controls the temperature inside the refrigerator during operation in both propane gas and AC modes. You can
change the refrigerator temperature to the desired setting by putting the gas control at any position between “START” and “5”. Position
“5” is the coldest temperature setting.
The selector switch [207] changes the energy source of the refrigerator between propane gas (
(
), and OFF ( ).
91 96
207
), AC electric ( ), DC electric
217
Art02429
Owner’s Manual 4
The refrigerator has an electronic ignition. When you turn the selector switch to propane gas (
by sparking at the burner. The sparking continues until the propane gas has ignited and the thermocouple senses that a ame is
present.
The ame indicator light [217] illuminates when a ame is present at the burner and indicates that the refrigerator is operating on
propane gas.
), the electronic ignition begins ignition
Ignition - propane gas operation:
NOTICE
1. Open the valve at the propane gas storage tank.
2. Turn the thermostat to the “START” position.
3. Turn the selector switch to propane gas (
4. Push and hold in the gas safety valve.
- Hold in the gas safety valve until the ame meter illuminates.
- Continue to hold in the gas safety valve for about 15 seconds only.
- Do not hold in the gas safety valve for more than 30 seconds.
- If the ame meter does not illuminate, release the gas safety valve and turn the selector switch to OFF (
- Wait ve minutes and do Steps 3 and 4 again.
5. Turn the thermostat to the desired temperature setting.
During warm and humid weather conditions, operate the refrigerator in either AC mode or DC mode for a minimum of
ve minutes before you try to start up the refrigerator in propane gas mode.
).
Do not hold the gas control in for more than 30 seconds. If there is no ame in this time, wait at
!
WARNING
least ve minutes before you try ignition again. If you continue to hold the gas control in, gas will
collect in the burner area. This could cause a re or an explosion and result in dangerous personal
injury or death.
Do a test of the gas safety valve:
).
With an established ame in propane gas mode:
1. Close the manual gas shutoff valve of the refrigerator.
2. After the ame is extinguished, you should hear a sharp “click” sound within three minutes.
NOTICE
3. Open the manual gas shutoff valve of the refrigerator.
4. Turn the selector switch to propane gas (
5. Do not push in the gas safety valve. The burner ame should not ignite. This means that the gas safety valve is working correctly.
The gas safety valve should close with a sharp “click“ sound.
).
Start up - AC mode operation:
- Turn the selector switch to AC electric ( )
- Turn the thermostat to the “5” position.
- Allow the refrigerator to operate at this setting for 6- 8 hours before changing to the desired temperature setting.
Owner’s Manual 5
Start up - DC mode operation:
- Turn the selector switch to DC electric ( ).
The refrigerator receives its DC power from the 12 volt system of the vehicle; either the vehicle engine battery or an auxiliary (house)
battery. The 12 volt system of the vehicle supplies DC power not only to the refrigerator but also to any other DC appliances of the
vehicle. When operating on DC, the refrigerator has a high current draw and can cause a rapid battery discharge.
DC operation precautions:
This refrigerator is made to operate on DC power while your vehicle is “in transit” and AC power or propane gas sources are not
available. Operate the refrigerator on DC power only when the vehicle engine is running.
For the refrigerator to operate correctly on DC power, the battery must be maintained in a fully charged condition.
For the battery to be fully charged at all times during refrigerator operation on DC, the vehicle engine must be running and the battery
charging system must be in good operating condition.
Keep in mind the following electrical precautions for DC operation of the refrigerator:
- Good battery condition is necessary for correct DC operation.
- The capacity of the battery charging system must be more than what is necessary for the refrigerator and other DC appliances.
- While the vehicle engine is running, have a qualied service technician make sure the voltage of the DC power supply leads at the
refrigerator is more than 11.5 VDC.
DC operation guidelines:
DC operation is intended only to maintain the temperature of the refrigerator and its contents when they are already cool.
The DC operation is not intended for the initial start up and cooling of the refrigerator. Always use either the AC operation or propane
gas operation to initially start up and cool the refrigerator. The refrigerator must be cooled and the temperature must be steady before
you operate the refrigerator on DC.
Keep in mind the following guidelines for DC operation of the refrigerator:
- Use DC operation of the refrigerator while the vehicle is in transit.
- Do not use DC operation until the refrigerator and its contents are completely cooled.
- Only use DC operation if the vehicle battery and battery charging system are in good operating condition.
Shut down:
- Turn the selector switch to OFF ( ).
Effects of High Altitude on Propane Gas Operation
When you operate the refrigerator on propane gas at altitudes higher than 4000 feet above sea level:
- You may experience reduced cooling performance of the refrigerator.
- You may experience burner outages.
To avoid these possible problems, Norcold recommends that you operate the refrigerator on AC or DC when at altitudes higher than
4000 feet above sea level. An optional high altitude vent kit is available through your dealer for propane gas operation at altitudes of up
to 10,000 feet above sea level.
Owner’s Manual 6
Effects of Freezing Temperatures on Refrigerator Operation
A gas absorption refrigerator is not designed to operate in freezing temperatures. If the refrigerator is not equipped for low temperature
operation, and if the cooling system of the refrigerator is exposed to temperatures of 32° F. or lower for an extended period of time,
the refrigerator operation may be disrupted. The refrigerator operation will resume when the cooling system of the refrigerator warms
sufciently.
If the refrigerator is equipped for low temperature operation, the refrigerator will operate in temperatures down to 0° F.
Disrupted operation of the refrigerator, due to extended exposure to temperatures of 32° F. or lower, and any costs incurred to warm the
cooling system of the refrigerator are not covered by the Norcold limited warranty. Please contact your local RV dealer for information
about how to resume refrigerator operation or about how to equip your refrigerator for operation in freezing temperatures.
Do not change the installation or the venting of your refrigerator. Refrigerator failures, which are the result of changes to either the
refrigerator installation or to the venting, are not covered by the Norcold limited warranty.
Refrigerator Care Checklist
Your refrigerator will give you years of trouble free service if you do these simple checks every three to six months:
- Keep the food compartment and the freezer clean. See “Cleaning”.
- Defrost the refrigerator as necessary. See “Defrosting”.
- Make sure the door seals correctly. See “Door Sealing“.
- Be aware of any cooling changes that are not because of weather, loading, or thermostat changes. If changes occur, contact your
dealer or service center.
- Make sure the gas supply is propane gas only and is not butane or a butane mixture.
- When in propane gas operation, examine the appearance of the ame. See “Gas Flame Inspection”.
- Make sure the air ow through the refrigerator coils and condenser is not blocked or decreased.
- Make sure the area behind the refrigerator is clear. Do not use the area behind the refrigerator for storage of anything, especially
gasoline and other ammable vapors and liquids.
Defrosting
The cooling ns of the refrigerator operate at below freezing temperature and will naturally form frost from humidity, which is always
present in the air. The humidity inside the refrigerator increases:
- with higher outside temperature and humidity.
- with the storage of non-sealed fresh foods or warm foods.
- with the amount of time that the door is open.
- with any air leakage into the refrigerator.
It is normal for frost to collect inside the refrigerator. Excess frost decreases the cooling performance of the refrigerator. Defrost the
refrigerator as necessary:
- Remove all food from the refrigerator.
- Turn the refrigerator OFF.
Owner’s Manual 7
NOTICE
- Put dry towels (etc.) inside the refrigerator to absorb melted frost.
Defrosting the refrigerator makes excess water inside the refrigerator.
!
CAUTION
- To increase the speed of defrosting, put pans of WARM water in the refrigerator.
- Remove the wet towels (etc.) and dry the interior.
- Start up the refrigerator.
- Allow the refrigerator to cool down.
- Return all food to the refrigerator.
High temperatures can cause the inside surfaces of the refrigerator to warp or melt. Do not use pans of
HOT water, a hair dryer, or any other high temperature devices to defrost the refrigerator. Do not use any
hard or sharp objects to remove frost. Damage to the interior of the refrigerator can occur.
Cleaning
A good time to clean the refrigerator is just after you defrost it. To avoid food odors, clean the inside of the refrigerator as often as
necessary:
- Remove all food from the refrigerator.
NOTICE
- Wash the interior with a solution of dish detergent and warm water.
- Rinse with a solution of baking soda and clean water.
Do not use abrasive cleaners, chemicals, or scouring pads because they can damage the interior of the refrigerator.
- Dry with clean cloth.
- Put all food in the refrigerator.
Door Sealing
If the door does not seal correctly, excess frost will collect inside the refrigerator. Make sure the door seals correctly:
- Close the door on a piece of paper that is about the size of a dollar bill (See Art00980).
- Gently pull the paper.
- You should feel a slight drag between the door gasket and the cabinet.
- Do this on all four sides of the door.
- If you do not feel drag on the paper, the door gasket is not sealing correctly.
- Contact your dealer or Norcold authorized service center.
Art00980
Owner’s Manual 8
Refrigerator Maintenance Checklist
Read and understand the following maintenance sections of this manual.
NOTICE
Have a qualied RV dealer or a Norcold authorized service center do these annual safety and maintenance checks:
- Examine the intake air and the exhaust vent piping and make sure the connections to the burner and vent are secure.
- Adjust if necessary.
- Examine the gas supply lines for leaks.
- Replace or repair if necessary.
- Make sure the propane gas pressure is 11 inches of water column.
- Adjust if necessary.
- Make sure the burner and the burner orice are clean.
- Clean if necessary.
- Make sure the electrode spark gap [167] is 1/8 - 3/16 inch (See Art00955).
- Adjust if necessary.
- Make sure the AC voltage is 108 - 132 volts and the DC voltage is 10.5 - 15.4 volts.
- Adjust if necessary
- Make sure the thermocouple tip is clean and secure.
- Make sure the area at the rear of the refrigerator is free from any combustible materials,
especially gasoline and other ammable vapors and liquids.
Norcold is not responsible for installation, adjustment, alteration, service, or maintenance performed by anyone other
than a qualied RV dealer or a Norcold authorized service center.
Art00955
76
75
167
Refrigerator Storage
Before the refrigerator is stored for an extended (seasonal) period of time:
- Defrost and clean the interior of the refrigerator.
- Close the doors with the storage latch.
If the refrigerator is stored for an extended period of time, before start up:
- Make sure there are no obstructions in the vents, the ventilation air pathway, the burner, the orice, or the ue area.
Owner’s Manual 9
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