Norcold N10DCX Service Manual

Service Manual

Compressor Refrigerators

English

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!

!

!

ATTENTION

ATTENTION

ATTENTION

ATTENTION

DANGER

WARNING

AVERTISSEMENT

ADVERTENCIA

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 quali­fi ed installer, service
agency, or the gas
supplier.

!

ATTENTION

DANGER

Une installation, un
ajustement, une
modifi cation, une
réparation ou un entretien
incorrect peut causer
des blessures ou des
dommages matériels.
Consultez ce manuel.
Pour obtenir de l’aide ou
d’autres renseignements,
contactez un installateur
qualifi é, un service
de réparation ou le
fournisseur de gaz.

N10DCX

!

!

!

!

ATTENTION

ATTENTION

ATTENTION

ATTENTION

PELIGRO

WARNING

AVERTISSEMENT

ADVERTENCIA

Une installation, un
ajustement, une
modifi cation, une
réparation ou un
entretien incorrect peut
causer des blessures
ou des dommages
matériels. Consultez ce
manuel. Pour obtenir
de l’aide ou d’autres
renseignements,
contactez un installateur
qualifi é, un service
de réparation ou le
fournisseur de gaz.

Questions? / Des questions? / ¿Preguntas? 1-800-543-1219

© 2019 NORCOLD, INC. All rights reserved.

Part No. 640083 Rev. B 07.01.2019

CONTENTS

SAFETY .......................................................................................2

INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................3

About this Manual ...........................................................................................3

Certifi cation and Code Requirements .............................................................3

About Installation .............................................................................................3

Replacement Parts ..........................................................................................3

T echnical Assistance .......................................................................................3

SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................4

Refrigerator Model Number .............................................................................4

Exploded Views ...............................................................................................5

FIGURES

Fig. 1 - Refrigerator information label location ...............................................4

Fig. 2 - Front view ...........................................................................................5

Fig. 3 - Rear view ............................................................................................6

Fig. 4.1 - LED ..................................................................................................9

Fig. 4.2 - Female connectors ..........................................................................9

Fig. 4.3 - 12 VDC ...........................................................................................9

Fig. 4.4 - Adapter ...........................................................................................10

Fig. 4.5 - LED ................................................................................................10

Fig. 4.6 - 12VDC ...........................................................................................10

Fig. 5 - Mode Button will display Electronic Controls Fault Codes ................24

Fig. 6 - Wiring diagram ..................................................................................27

GENERAL INFORMATION ..........................................................7

Installation .......................................................................................................7

Ventilation .......................................................................................................7

Overview .....................................................................................................7

12 Volts DC Electrical Connection ..................................................................7

Polarity ........................................................................................................7

Parallel Battery ...........................................................................................7

DIAGNOSTICS .............................................................................8

Diagnostic Pre-Checks ....................................................................................8

Self-Test Diagnostics .......................................................................................9

Table of LED References ............................................................................9

Conducting the LED Evaluation ..................................................................9

Prepare to Connect the LED .......................................................................9

Connect the LED ........................................................................................9

Self-Test Diagnostic Chart .............................................................................10

Diagnostic Symptom Chart ...........................................................................10

Electronic Controls Fault Code Chart ............................................................10

TROUBLESHOOTING ...............................................................11

Troubleshoot Compressor Control Module ...................................................11

Test A, Battery Protection Cut-Out ............................................................11

Test B, Fan Over Current Cut-Out ............................................................13

Test C, Motor Start Error ...........................................................................14

Test D, Minimum Motor Speed Error ........................................................15

Test E, Thermal Cut-Out of Electronic Unit ..............................................16

Troubleshoot Symptoms ...............................................................................17

Test F, Not Cooling, Not Turning On .........................................................17

Test G, Refrigerator Gets Too Cold ...........................................................19

Test H, Refrigerator Builds Frost Inside ...................................................20

Test I, Runs But Does Not Cool Properly ..................................................21

Test J, Will Not Run On DC Power ...........................................................22

Test K, Voltage Within Cutout Range but Refrigerator Cuts Out ..............23

Troubleshoot Electronic Controls Fault Codes ..............................................24

Fault Code - "E1" ..........................................................................................24

Fault Code - "E2" ..........................................................................................25

Fault Code - "E3" ..........................................................................................26

Fault Code - "E4" ..........................................................................................26

WIRING DIAGRAM ....................................................................27

REFRIGERATOR ENCLOSURE ...............................................28

Remove Refrigerator ....................................................................................28

Replace Refrigerator ....................................................................................28

La version française commence à la page 29.

La versión en español comienza en la página 57.

SAFETY

It is not possible to anticipate all of the conceivable ways or
conditions under which the refrigerator may be serviced or to
provide cautions as to all of the possible hazards that may result.
Standard and accepted safety precautions and equipment should
be used when working on electrical circuits and handling toxic or
fl ammable materials. Safety goggles and other required protection
should be used during any process that can cause material
removal, such as when removing a leaking cooling unit and
cleaning components.

Read this manual carefully and understand the contents before
working on 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 identifi es
the danger of the hazard. Carefully read the descriptions of these
signal words to fully know their meanings. They are for your safety.

This signal word means a hazard, which

!

CAUTION

!

ATTENTION

WARNING

!

ATTENTION

WARNING

if ignored, can cause small personal
injury or much property damage.

This signal word means a hazard, which
if ignored, can cause dangerous personal
injury, death.

The storage of fl ammable materials
behind or around the refrigerator creates
a fi re hazard. Do not use the area
behind the refrigerator to store anything,
especially fl ammable materials (gasoline,
cleaning supplies, etc.).

A circuit overload can result in an
electrical fi re if the wires and/or fuses
are not the correct size. Use only the
wire and fuse sizes as written in the
“Installation Manual.”

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
authorized Norcold Service Center.

N10DCX

2

www.norcold.com

Safety, cont’d.

!

ATTENTION

WARNING

Disconnect the DC power sources before
doing any maintenance work on the
refrigerator.

Do not bypass or change the
refrigerator’s electrical components or
features.

Do not spray liquids near electrical
outlets, connections, or the refrigerator
components. Many liquids are electrically
conductive and can cause a shock
hazard, electrical shorts, and in some
cases fi re.

Do not touch the evaporator or other
metal parts inside the refrigerator cabinet
with wet hands because they can freeze
to the refrigerator.

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.refrigerator, be careful
and wear cut resistant gloves.

INTRODUCTION

About this Manual

This service manual provides maintenance, diagnostic, and repair

information for NORCOLD

a reference tool designed for technicians who are knowledgeable
in the theory and operation of AC/DC electrical systems as installed
in a variety of recreational vehicles (RV).

All information, illustrations, and specifi cations contained in this
publication are based on the latest product information available

at the time of publication. NORCOLD

changes at any time without notice.

®

N10DCX compressor refrigerators. It is

®

reserves the right to make

Certifi cation and Code Requirements

NORCOLD

edition of UL 60335-1 standards.

Electrical components are compliant.

®

compressor refrigerators are certifi ed under the latest

About Installation

Replacement Parts

Use only authorized NORCOLD
parts do not meet NORCOLD

and performance. The use of unauthorized aftermarket or generic

replacement parts voids the refrigerator’s limited warranty

coverage.

®

replacement parts. Generic

®

specifi cations for safety, reliability,

T echnical Assistance

If unable to resolve technical issues using the information provided

in this manual, technical support is available through NORCOLD

Customer Service Center:

Telephone: [phone]



Fax: [phone]



email [e-mail]

World Wide Web: www.norcold.com



®

Refrigerator installation must conform with the N10DCX Series

Installation Manual for the NORCOLD

effect. Installation must also comply with applicable local codes and
standards set by the relevant certifi cation agency.

www.norcold.com

®

limited warranty to be in

The following information is required to process technical support
requests:

■ Refrigerator Model Number

■ Refrigerator Serial Number

■ Recreational Vehicle (RV) Make/Model/Year

SERVICE MANUAL

3

Refrigerator Model Number

A

e

lum

o

V

Net

Nominale

n

o

i

274L

B

Mo

Input voltage /

Tot al I nput /

Rated

Gr

efr

R

Climate cl

Compress

del / Modé

Entrée du courant 12V DC

i

Pu

C

rrent/

cu

e

Volum

oss

Engorigene

/

gerant

i

a

or re

lass Clim

/ C

s

s

iger

r

f

le

N10DC

e total

ssanc

ourant nominal

ator

76L

2

:

/

290

R

atique: ST

SE288VDW00006

Volume

i

s

e

D

HIO

O

,

E

g

n Pr

4

D

essure

5373

Freezer

C

50g

RCOLD INC.

NO

NEY

D

SI

:

72L

Press

/

Fig. 1 - Refrigerator information label location

A Serial Number
B Model Number
C Amount of refrigerant in cooling system
D DC Voltage / Amperage

SPECIFICATIONS

N10DCX - Electronic

ON/OFF, Mode, Temperature Set

Multiple LED indicator lights

Five (5) Temperature Settings (Separate settings for freezer and fresh food compartments)

Night Mode

Rough Opening Dimensions ------------------59.88 - 60.01 high x 23.50 - 23.63 inched wide x 24.00 inches deep
Internal Capacity

Total capacity -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9.7 cubic feet

DC (Direct Current) Specifi cations

Electronic Controls DC voltage input requirement ----------------------------------------------------------- 10.4 to 15.4 VDC

Minimum (cut-out) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10.4 VDC

Restart (cut-in) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11.7 VDC

DC Fuse Requirements

DC Power Supply In-Line Fuse ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15 A

DC Resistance / Amperage Ratings

Exterior Cooling Fan ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0.18A

Interior Fan ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- .09A

Interior Light ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ .13A

Off-level Operating Limits

Side-to-side ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 10 degrees maximum at refrigerator

Front-to-back ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 degrees maximum at refrigerator

N10DCX

4

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Exploded Views

A

E

D

B

C

F

G

H

I

J

NOR000947A

Fig. 2 - Front view

No. Description

A Control Panel
B
C
D

E
F

G Light Housing
H Light

I Light Cover
J Door Light Switch

Control Panel Label
Control Board
Control Housing
Control Housing Bracket (3x)
Fan and Housing

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5

SERVICE MANUAL

Exploded Views, cont’d.

Fig. 3 - Rear view

D

A

B

NOR000948A

C

No. Description

A Exterior Fan Vent
B Exterior Fan
C

Drip Cup

D

Control Module

N10DCX

6

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GENERAL INFORMATION

Installation

To confi rm that installation is adequate, make sure:

■ Ventilation is adequate. Refer to "Ventilation" section.

■ Electrical components are installed and operating in a safe
condition.

■ Refrigerator is installed on a solid and level fl oor (not on carpet)
and secured.

■ The fl oor is able to support the weight of the refrigerator and all
of its contents.

Ventilation

Overview

The refrigerator is made for a built-in installation. Correct ventilation
is necessary for the correct operation of the refrigerator and to
increase the life of the refrigerator cooling system.

Ventilation allows the natural fl ow of air that is necessary for good
ventilation. Cooler air comes in through the lower vent, goes
around the refrigerator coils where it removes the excess heat
from the refrigerator components , and goes out through the upper
vent / control cover. If this air fl ow is blocked or decreased, the
refrigerator will not cool correctly. Do not install the refrigerator in a
completely enclosed area such as a closet or a cabinet.

The refrigerator has built-in vents at

!

ATTENTION

WARNING

the top and the bottom. Make sure that
the air fl ow through these vents is not
blocked in any way. Blockage of the air
fl ow through these vents can:

12 Volts DC Electrical Connection

To reduce the risk of electrical interference from other DC
appliances and induction from voltage spikes:

■ The refrigerator must have an independent 12 volt supply and
not be on the same circuit as other DC appliances.

■ Route the DC power supply wires, including the fuses, directly
from the battery to the refrigerator.

The use of a battery in parallel and

!

CAUTION

■ Power converters or battery chargers used to supply DC power
are examples of installations that should have parallel battery
operation.

■ If an electrically fi ltered DC power converter is used as the sole
source of power, it must have a maximum DC ripple voltage of
less than or equal to 250mV.

Polarity

!

CAUTION

■ Connect the DC (positive) supply wire from the battery to the
red wire of the refrigerator.

■ Connect the DC (negative) supply wire from the battery to the
black wire of the refrigerator.

between the refrigerator and any
electrically fi ltered DC power converter or
battery charger used to supply DC power
to the refrigerator is recommended.

If the DC leads are installed incorrectly,
the refrigerator will not operate.

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■ Shorten the life of the refrigerator cool-
ing system.

■ Cause poor cooling performance of the
refrigerator.

■ Cause continuous operation of the
refrigerator cooling system.

■ Cause fast battery discharge.

■ Void the refrigerator warranty.

SERVICE MANUAL

7

DIAGNOSTICS

Diagnostic Pre-Checks

Diagnosing problems begins by starting with the basics. In many
cases, the problem can be solved by verifying the unit is operating
in acceptable conditions. Before performing detailed diagnostics
make sure:

■ The refrigerator is turned ON.

■ The door is closed and sealing correctly.

■ The refrigerator is correctly installed and the vents are not
blocked.

■ The vehicle fuse or circuit breaker is intact.

There may be more than one (1) over-

NOTICE

■ The ambient temperature is not unusually high (more than 110°
F. / 43° C.).

■ The air circulation inside the refrigerator is not decreased by
foods or by shelves that are covered with plastic, paper, etc.

■ The freezer is defrosted.

current device in the refrigerator supply
circuit. Be sure to check both the RV and
refrigerator.

Then do the following procedure.

NOR000832B

Do the tests in “Self - Test
Diagnostics” section.

Are any

error codes

found?

YES

NO

If necessary, remove the
refrigerator from the enclosure.
Refer to the “Refrigerator Enclosure”
section.

Refer to “Self - Test Diagnostic Chart.”

Refer to “Diagnostic Symptom Chart.”

N10DCX

8

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Self-Test Diagnostics

The unit’s control module is equipped with a "Self-Test Diagnostic"
function which can be read using light emitting diode (LED) and
terminal connectors.

T able of LED References

References for Figs. 4.1 - 4.6

No. Description

A 10 mA LED With Wire Leads
A1 Black LED Wire (with connector attached)
A2 Red LED Wire (with connector attached)
B 1/4 Inch Push-On Female Connector (2x)
C 1/4 Inch Adapter With One (1) Female and Two (2) Male Connections
D 12 VDC Input Wire
E Positive (+) Terminal “+” of Control Module
F Terminal “D” of Control Module
G Control Module

Prepare to Connect the LED

You will need the following to conduct self-diagnostics:

B

N000033A

B

Fig. 4.1 - LED

■ A 10 mA LED with wire leads (See Fig. 4.1, A).

■ Two (2) 1/4 inch push-on female connectors (See Fig. 4.1, B).

■ A 1/4 inch adapter with 1 female to 2 male connections. (See
Fig. 4.1, C)

Do not leave jumpers in place for normal

NOTICE

operation.

A

C

Conducting the LED Evaluation

Follow the steps below. If an error code is activated in the control
module (Fig. 4.3, G) and the LED (Fig. 4.1, A) is connected, it will
fl ash a number of times. The number of fl ashes will depend on
what error was recorded. Each fl ash will last 1/4 second and after
the code is fl ashed there will be a delay, then the code will repeat.

Write down all error codes; then refer to "Self-Test Diagnostic
Chart" in this section.

Connect the LED

Refer to Figs. 4.2- through 4.6

Step 1. Attach Female Connectors.

A

N000019A-1

Fig. 4.2 - Female connectors

Attach a female connector to each LED wire lead.

Step 2. Disconnect 12 VDC

D

G

NOOOO19A-2b

_

12/24 Vdc

+

+
F
D
C
P
T

B
B

E

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Fig. 4.3 - 12 VDC

Disconnect the 12 VDC input wire from the positive terminal of the
control module.

SERVICE MANUAL

9