All Trucks, Campers, Trailers, RV's and Motor Homes - Norcold RV Refridgerator Freezes

I have a newer Norcold 443 fridge that is a replacement for a recalled series. It works on AC/DC/Gas, always ignites, and stays lit on the road. We love it except it freezes everything in the lower food compartment, even with the thermostat knob set to "1" (warmest). We stopped at a dealer and he diddled with the adjustment screw under the thermostat knob and sent us on our way. No change. Now I wonder what the original setting of the adjustment should be. It appears it may be a thermistor problem, but on a new unit, I wouldn't expect that. The thermistor is located where it should be and is attached well with the clips. We are a long way from a dealer and was hoping someone could recommend something. If the adjustment on the thermostat shaft will set the range, which way should it be turned for warmer? Thanks.

Move your thermistor closer to where the fins are frosting up. The thermistor senses the cold for shut down. I've had some where I defrosted a currently frozen fin with a blow dryer, just so I could put the thermistor on that particular one, and have it positioned properly. It's worked a few times for me. Doesn't cost anything to try, right? If it's set up the way I'm picturing, the fins are frosting from right to left usually. Take it to the right, and work your way back to left if not cold enough. Other than that, have you tried contacting Thetford/Norcold directly ?

Move your thermistor closer to where the fins are frosting up. The thermistor senses the cold for shut down. I've had some where I defrosted a currently frozen fin with a blow dryer, just so I could put the thermistor on that particular one, and have it positioned properly. It's worked a few times for me. Doesn't cost anything to try, right? If it's set up the way I'm picturing, the fins are frosting from right to left usually. Take it to the right, and work your way back to left if not cold enough. Other than that, have you tried contacting Thetford/Norcold directly ?

Thanks Mike. Looking at the fin assembly from the front, the thermistor is supposed to be on the third or fourth fin from the right, if I remember right. I moved it further to the left a few fins, not knowing which way would be better. Since that didn't work I will try going to the first or second fin on the right and see what happens. When the fridge was freezing up, all the fins were solidly coated with ice/frost. I didn't notice where it started, but will watch. While I'm thinking about it; any idea if the small adjusting screw in the end of the thermostat adjustment shaft (under the plastic knob) sets the range of the thermostat? I contacted Thetford/Norcold and they replied with two sentences sending me off to the dealer/service center. I guess they don't want the potential liability of a customer adjusting things. Understandable, but frustrating.

Not sure on thermostat but will check today & get back to you. last fridge I had doing same thing, I ended up taking thermistor probe end out of holder, and customizing the holder as bit so that the tip of the probe was touching against the fin good, so as to make sure it was sensing the cold as needed. Even if you do a temporary thing to it similar if moving it doesn't work, like removing it from holder & wedging it in against the fin with gum, putty or something like that. If the frost covering it, doesn't cause it to shut down, then thermistor is likely shot.

Thanks Mike. That might work. There were only two little clips holding the thermistor to the fin, albeit very tightly. I think I'll move the thermistor closer to the base of the fin and seal it against it. If that works, I'm golden. If not, I'll get another thermistor.