Norcold N41, N51 Owner's Manual
Owner’s Manual
For N41X models - 4.5 cu. ft., 2-way or 3-way, refrigerators.
For N51X models - 5.5 cu. ft., 2-way or 3-way, refrigerators.
The model numbers of 3-way refrigerators include “.3”. The model numbers of 2-way
models do not.
The letter “X” in the model number above, stands for a letter or a numeral which means a
refrigerator option.
!
WARNING
FIRE OR EXPLOSION HAZARD
If you smell gas:
1. Open Windows
2. Do not attempt to light appliance.
3. Do not touch electrical switches.
4. Extinguish any open ame
5. Shut off fuel supply.
6. Evacuate immediately and call emergency services.
Failure to follow these instructions could result in re or explosion, which could cause
property damage, personal injury, or death.
Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service or maintenance
!
WARNING
can cause 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
NORCOLD, Inc.
P.O. Box 4248
Sidney, OH 45365-4248
the vicinity of this or any other appliance.
English
Norcold Customer Support Dept.
Telephone: 800-543-1219
Fax: 734-769-2332
Web Site: www.norcold.com
Part No. 635480B (10/1/2014)
Table of Contents
For dened warranty terms, please see the one page warranty statement included in the product information packet.
Safety Awareness .....................................................................................................................................................................................2
Safety Instuctions .....................................................................................................................................................................................3
About Your Refrigerator ............................................................................................................................................................................3
Storage volume .................................................................................................................................................................................3
Leveling .............................................................................................................................................................................................3
Operation during travel ......................................................................................................................................................................3
Food compartment ............................................................................................................................................................................4
Flip-up shelf .......................................................................................................................................................................................4
Door bins ...........................................................................................................................................................................................4
Freezer compartment ........................................................................................................................................................................4
Door latch for travel and storage ....................................................................................................................................................... 4
Temperature control system ..............................................................................................................................................................4
Operating the Refrigerator Controls .........................................................................................................................................................5
Control Panel ............................................................................................................................................................................................5
Automatic mode operation ................................................................................................................................................................5
Removing the air from the propane gas supply lines ........................................................................................................................6
Set the controls to automatic mode operation ................................................................................................................................... 6
Set the controls to manual mode operation.......................................................................................................................................7
Cooling unit sensing ..........................................................................................................................................................................7
Backup operating system ..................................................................................................................................................................8
DC Operation Precautions (3-way models only) ......................................................................................................................................8
DC Operation Guidelines (3-way models only) ........................................................................................................................................9
Effects of High Altitude on Propane Gas Operation .................................................................................................................................9
Effects of Freezing Temperatures on Refrigerator Operation ...................................................................................................................9
Refrigerator Care Checklist ......................................................................................................................................................................9
Defrosting ...............................................................................................................................................................................................10
Cleaning ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Drip tray .................................................................................................................................................................................................11
Door Sealing ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Refrigerator Maintenance Checklist .......................................................................................................................................................12
Refrigerator Storage ...............................................................................................................................................................................12
Refrigerator Maintenance .......................................................................................................................................................................13
Gas ame appearance ....................................................................................................................................................................13
Remove and clean the burner orice ..............................................................................................................................................13
Remove the Refrigerator ........................................................................................................................................................................14
Reinstall the Refrigerator ........................................................................................................................................................................14
Replacement Parts .................................................................................................................................................................................15
Wiring Diagram and Pictorial ..................................................................................................................................................................15
Fault Codes ............................................................................................................................................................................................16
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
Owner’s Manual 2
This signal word means a hazard, which if ignored, can cause dangerous personal injury, death, or much
property damage.
This signal word means a hazard, which if ignored, can cause small personal injury or much property
damage.
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 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 fuses are not the correct size. Either use the wire
and fuse sizes as writtten in the “Installation 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 cause 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 to store fresh and frozen foods and for making ice.
N41X N51X
Total capacity 4.50 cubic feet 5.50 cubic feet
Freezer capacity .81 cubic feet .81 cubic feet
Food compartment capacity 3.69 cubic feet 4.69 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.
Owner’s Manual 3
Operation during travel:
While the refrigerator should be level when the vehicle is stopped, performance during travel is not usually effected.
Food compartment:
Ignite or 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 an authorized Norcold 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 collects on the cooling ns:
- Cover all liquids and moist foods.
- Let all hot foods cool before putting them in the refrigerator.
- Do not open the door any longer than necessary.
Flip-up shelf:
The ip-up shelf supplies a space to store tall bottles. To use the ip-up shelf, lift the center of the shelf and fold it up against the inside
wall of the refrigerator.
Door Bins:
You may put the door bins [52] of the fresh food compartment in a location that best meets your
need (See Art01114). To remove the bins, lift them over the locator and pull them forward. To
install the bins, push them onto the locator.
NOTICE
Do not wash the door bins in a dishwasher. The door bins are not dishwasher
safe.
Freezer compartment:
The freezer compartment is made to keep pre-frozen food frozen and not to quick freeze food.
Keep pre-frozen foods in the freezer compartment.
NOTICE
Do not put other items on the ice tray while the water is freezing. The water
freezes more rapidly if the thermostat is at the coldest temperature setting.
Door latch for travel and storage:
During travel, the door latch prevents the door from opening. There are no chains, slides, or any
devices that you must engage.
During storage, the door latch prevents the door from completely closing. Use it to
prevent odors when the refrigerator is shut down for a long period of time.
To use the door latch for storage (See Art00979):
- Open the door just so the door latch [161] is between the ribs [166] of the latch plate
[162].
Temperature control system:
166
161
52
Art01114
162
Although the refrigerator is not frost -free, it is made to limit frost on the cooling ns. At
regular intervals, the temperature control system automatically melts most of the frost
from the cooling ns. The water from the cooling ns drains into a collection cup that is
attached to the back of the refrigerator. The heat of the cooling system evaporates the
water from the collection cup.
Owner’s Manual 4
Art00979
Operating the Refrigerator Controls
Control panel:
The refrigerator control panel (see Art01562) is above the
refrigerator door. A 12 volt DC power supply is necessary for the
35
36
32
31
30
control functions of the refrigerator to operate. The refrigerator
receives DC power from the 12 volt system of the vehicle; either an
auxiliary battery, a converter, or the vehicle engine battery.
LP GAS
The ON / OFF button [30] starts and shuts down the refrigerator:
- To turn on the refrigerator, push and release the ON / OFF
AC
DC
AUTO
1-COLD 9-COLDEST TEMP SET MODE ON/OFF
button.
- To turn off the refrigerator, push the ON / OFF button for one
second and then release.
Art01562
33
34
164
The TEMP SET button [32] controls the temperature adjustment of
the freezer and the fresh food compartment. The temperature adjustment that you select does not change if the mode of operation of
the refrigerator changes.
- Push the TEMP SET button and the temperature setting “1-9” appears in the center display [33].
- Push and hold the TEMP SET button and the temperature setting changes.
- When the desired temperature setting shows, release the TEMP SET button.
- The temperature setting shows for ten seconds and then the current operation mode of the refrigerator shows.
- The number “9” is the coldest temperature setting.
The MODE button [31] controls the operation mode of the refrigerator.
- Push and hold the MODE button and a light bar shows in the center display beside each of the four operating modes of the
refrigerator, one at a time.
- There is one automatic mode of operation and two manual modes of operation.
NOTICE
On 3-way models only, there are three manual modes of operation.
- When the light bar shows beside the mode of operation that you choose, release the MODE button to operate the refrigerator
in that mode.
Automatic mode operation:
When the refrigerator is in AUTO mode, it automatically uses the most efcient energy source that is available for operation. During
operation, if a more efcient energy source becomes available, the refrigerator controls change from the current energy source to the
more efcient energy source as follows:
- The rst choice is AC operation if 120 volts AC is available to the refrigerator.
- The second choice is propane gas operation if 120 volts AC is not available to the refrigerator.
- The third choice is DC operation (3-way models only) if neither 120 volts AC nor propane gas is available to the refrigerator.
Owner’s Manual 5
Removing air from the propane gas supply lines:
For safety reasons, the burner is made to ignite on propane gas within a specied amount of time. When starting the refrigerator for
the rst time, after storage, or after replacing propane gas tank, the propane gas supply lines can have air in them. Due to the air in the
gas supply lines, the burner may not ignite on propane gas within the specied amount of time.
To remove the air from the propane gas supply lines:
- Make sure that all of the gas valves are open.
- Push the ON / OFF button to turn the refrigerator on.
- Push and hold the MODE button until the light bar beside LP GAS [36] shows.
- This means that the refrigerator is operating on propane gas.
- If the air in the propane gas supply lines prevents the burner from ignition on propane gas, the fault code “F” will appear in the
center display.
- Push and hold the ON / OFF button for one second and then release to turn the refrigerator off.
- Push the On / Off button to turn the refrigeratro on.
- The refrigerator will start a 30 second trial for ignition.
- During the 30 second trial for ignition, the refrigerator controls open the gas safety valve and the igniter sparks.
- After 30 seconds, the refrigerator controls closes the gas safety valve and the igniter stops sparking.
- When the light bar beside the LP GAS shows and no fault code remains, this means that the refrigerator is operating on propane
gas.
- At this time, all of the air is removed from the propane gas supply lines and you may select AUTO mode of operation if you
wish.
- Depending on how much air may be in the propane gas supply lines, you may need to repeat the 30 second trial for ignition two or
three times.
- If the burner does not ignite on propane gas after two or three attempts, stop and consult your local dealer or an authorized
Norcold Service Center.
Set the controls to automatic mode operation:
- Push the ON / OFF button to turn the refrigerator on.
- Push and hold the MODE button until the light bar shows beside AUTO [34] and then release.
- If 120 volts AC is available to the refrigerator:
- The light bar beside AC [35] also shows in the center display.
- After ten seconds, the light bar beside AC goes off and only the light bar beside AUTO remains.
- This means that the refrigerator is operating on AC electric.
- If 120 volts AC is not available to the refrigerator:
- The light bar beside AC also shows in the center display.
- After a few seconds, the light bar beside AC goes off and the light bar beside LP GAS shows.
Owner’s Manual 6
- After 10 seconds, the light bar beside LP GAS goes off and only the light bar beside AUTO remains.
- This means that the refrigerator is operating on propane gas.
- On 2 way models only, if neither 120 volts AC nor propane gas is available to the refrigerator:
- The fault codes “F” and then “A” show in the center display.
- On 3-way models only, if neither 120 volts AC nor propane gas is available to the refrigerator:
- The refrigerator control will automatically change to DC electric operation.
NOTICE
If an energy source is available to the refrigerator, but is not operating correctly:
- A fault code shows in the center display.
- The refrigerator controls try to change to a less efcient energy source.
- If a less efcient energy source is not available:
- A fault code shows in the center display.
- Refer to the “Fault Codes” section of this manual.
DC electric operation is less efcient than AC electric and propane gas. Use DC electric operation only to maintain the
refrigerator temperature while in transit and if the other energy sources are not available. Do not use DC electric to
initially decrease the temperature of the refrigerator.
Set the controls to manual mode operation:
- Push the ON / OFF button to turn the refrigerator on.
- Push and hold the MODE button until the light bar shows beside AC [35] and then release.
- This means that the refrigerator is operating on AC electric.
- Push and hold the MODE button until the light bar shows beside LP GAS [36] and then release.
- This means that the refrigerator is operating on propane gas.
- Push and hold the MODE button until the light bar shows beside DC [164] and then release.
- This means that the refrigerator is operating on AC electric.
If the energy source is interrupted:
- A fault code shows in the center display.
- Refer to the “Fault Codes” section of this manual.
Cooling unit sensing:
The controls have the ability to sense the operation of the cooling unit. If the controls sense that the cooling unit has stopped cooling:
- The heat sources to the cooling unit are turned off and are locked out by the controls.
- A fault code “n” shows in the Center display.
Owner’s Manual 7
You can reset the controls and remove this fault code one time. To reset the controls, shut off and then start the refrigerator.
- To turn off the refrigerator, push the ON / OFF button for one second and then release.
- To turn on the refrigerator, push and release the ON / OFF button.
If you reset the controls and the fault occurs again before the refrigerator completes a full cooling cycle:
- The heat sources to the cooling unit are turned off and are locked out.
- A fault code “n” shows in the Center display.
- This time you can not reset the fault. Have the refrigerator serviced by your dealer or a Norcold authorized Service Center as soon
as possible.
Backup operating system:
This refrigerator has a backup operating system. The backup operating system allows the regerator to continue to cool if the
temperature sensor of the refrigerator should fail.
If this failure occurs:
- The refrigerator automatically changes to the backup operating system.
- When you push the TEMP SET button, the temperature setting ashes in the center display for ten seconds.
- After the temperature setting ashes, the mode of operation appears in the center dispaly.
- The backup operating system can overfreeze or thaw the contents of the freezer and the fresh food compartment.
- Make sure the temperatures of the freezer and the fresh food compartment are satisfactory.
NOTICE
- If the temperature is too warm, push and hold the TEMP SET button to raise the temperature setting by one number.
- If the temperature is too cold, push and hold the TEMP SET button to lower the temperature setting by one number.
- Have the refrigerator serviced by your dealer or an Norcold authorized Service Center as soon as possible.
If you open the door(s) too often, the temperatures inside the freezer and fresh food compartment do not
become stable. Allow the refrigerator to operate for about one hour after each adjustment change before you
examine the contents. The number “9” is the coldest temperature setting.
DC Operation Precautions (3-way models only)
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, make sure the voltage of the DC power supply leads at the refrigerator is more than 11.5 VDC.
Owner’s Manual 8
DC Operation Guidelines (3-way models only)
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.
Effects of High Altitude on Propane Gas Operation
When you operate the refrigerator on propane gas at altitudes higher than 5500 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 when at altitudes higher than 5500 feet
above sea level.
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“.
Owner’s Manual 9
- Be aware of any cooling changes that are not because of weather, loading, or gas control changes. If changes occur, contact your
dealer or an authorized Norcold Service Center.
- Make sure the gas supply is propane gas only and not butane or a butane mixture.
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(s) are open.
- with any air leakage into the refrigerator.
Although the refrigerator is not frost -free, it is made to limit frost on the cooling ns. At regular intervals, the temperature control system
automatically melts most of the frost from the cooling ns. The water from the cooling ns drains into a collection cup that is attached to
the back of the refrigerator. The heat of the cooling system evaporates the water from the collection cup.
It is normal for frost to collect inside the freezer. Excess frost decreases the cooling performance of the refrigerator. Defrost the
refrigerator and freezer as necessary:
- Remove all food from the refrigerator.
- Turn the refrigerator OFF.
NOTICE
- Remove the drain hose from the drip cup at the rear of the refrigerator.
- Put the drain hose into a half-gallon or larger container to capture water.
- Put dry towels (etc.) inside the refrigerator and freezer to absorb melted frost.
!
CAUTION
- To increase the speed of defrosting, put pans of WARM water in the refrigerator and freezer.
- Remove the wet towels (etc.) and dry the interior.
- Remove the drain hose from the large container and put the drain hose back into the drip cup.
- Remove the large container from the enclosure.
- Start up the refrigerator.
- Allow the refrigerator to cool down.
- Return all food to the refrigerator.
Defrosting the refrigerator makes excess water inside 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.
Owner’s Manual 10
Cleaning
A good time to clean the refrigerator is just after you defrost it.
Clean the inside of the refrigerator as often as necessary to avoid food odors:
- Remove all food from the refrigerator.
NOTICE
- Wash the interior with a solution of liquid dish detergent and warm water.
- Rinse with a solution of baking soda and clean water.
- Dry with a clean cloth.
- Put all food in the refrigerator.
Do not use abrasive cleaners, chemicals, or scouring pads because they can damage the interior of the refrigerator.
Drip tray:
To remove and clean the drip tray:
- Locate the plastic clip that is around the wire shelf in front of the drip tray.
- Remove and save the screw that attaches the plastic clip to the inside of the refrigerator cabinet.
- Pull the self forward to remove from the refrigerator
- Make sure that the drip tray is empty of water.
- Pull the drain tube plug out from the inside of the drip tray and out of the drain hose.
- Pull the drip tray forward to remove from the slots in the refrigerator cabinet.
- Clean the drip tray.
- Put the drain tube plug down into the drip tray and push the drip tray back into the original position.
- Push the drain hose back onto the drain tube plug.
- Put the wire shelf and plastic clip back in the original position.
- Attach the plastic clip with the screw.
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 and thickness of a dollar bill (See
Art00980).
- Gently pull the paper.
- You should feel a slight drag between the gasket and the cabinet.
- Do this on all four sides of the door.
Art00980
Owner’s Manual 11
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