Norcold Polar N7LX, Service Manual

Page 1: ... 800 444 7210 Improper installation adjustment altera tion service or maintenance can cause personal injury or property damage Refer to this manual For assistance or addition al information contact a qualified installer service agency or the gas supplier Polar 7 Series N7V N7X N7LX Models Polar 8 Series N8V N8X N8LX Models ...

Page 2: ...TING FLOWCHARTS N7V AND N8V MODELS 18 Fault Code Solid Red Indicator Light 18 Fault Code Flash Pattern 1 20 Fault Code Flash Pattern 2 21 Fault Code Flash Pattern 3 21 Fault Code Flash Pattern 4 21 Fault Code Flash Pattern 5 22 Fault Code Flash Pattern 8 22 Fault Code Flash Pattern 9 22 Fault Code Flash Pattern 10 23 Fault Code Thermistor Fault 24 Blank Display 25 USER INTERFACE CONTROLS N7X AND N...

Page 3: ... Fault Code dc rE with audible alarm 44 Fault Code Lo dc 45 Fault Code Lo dc with audible alarm 45 Fault Code Lo dC with audible alarm 45 Fault Code HI dc with audible alarm 45 Fault Code no dt with audible alarm 46 Fault Code Sr with audible alarm 47 Fault Code oP LI with audible alarm 47 Fault Code FL with audible alarm 47 Fault Code Flashing Temperature Setting 48 Blank Display 49 DIAGNOSTIC MO...

Page 4: ...ode Requirements section of the Installation Manual Turn off AC power and DC power sources before attempting to remove service or repair any of the refrigerator s electrical or electronic components Do not work on live electrical circuits CAUTION ATTENTION WARNING Do not modify bypass or eliminate any of the refrigerator s electrical components electronic circuits or propane gas system components ...

Page 5: ...he latest edition of ANSI Z21 19B standards for installation in mobile homes or recreational vehicles and with the Canadian Standards Association CAN CGA 1 4 M94 Electrical components are compliant About Installation Refrigerator installation must conform with the N7V N7X N7LX N8V N8X and N8LX Series Installation Manual for the NORCOLD limited warranty to be in effect Installation must also comply...

Page 6: ...U h E Amount of refrigerant in cooling system F AC Voltage Amperage G DC Voltage Amperage INTRODUCTION cont d xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx DESIGN...

Page 7: ...rols DC input voltage requirement 10 5 VDC to 16 0 VDC DC Fuse Requirements Main Control Board Power Board F1 Control Circuit 5 Amp 32V MINI Blade Automotive Style Fuse Main Control Board Power Board F2 Auxiliary Circuit 7 5 Amp 32V MINI Blade Automotive Style Fuse DC Heater Board F1 Optional N7LX N8LX models only 30 Amp 32V ATO ATC Blade Automotive Style Fuse DC Resistance Amperage Ratings Divide...

Page 8: ...ssembly F User Interface Housing Control Housing G Short Wire Shelf H Full Wire Shelf I Cut Out Wire Shelf J Shelf Tray K Crisper Cover Glass Shelf L Crisper M Ice Bin N Hinge Hole Cover O LED Assembly P Strike Plate Q Thermistor R Top Trim Piece S Bottom Trim Piece Fig 4 Exploded front view SPECIFICATIONS cont d Exploded Views R B A C D P F Q O L M H J I G B N E K NOR000724A K H I S ...

Page 9: ...bly Y Drip Cup Z DC Board Assembly 3 way models only AA Red Input Wire 3 way models only AB Black Input Wire 3 way models only AC Communication Harness 3 way models only AD AC Power Cord AE Main Control Board Assembly Power Board Assembly AF Fan Fig 5 Exploded rear view SPECIFICATIONS Exploded Views cont d U V W X Z Y AB AA AD AC AE AF NOR000725A T ...

Page 10: ...confirm that installation is adequate check for Adequate ventilation refer to Ventilation Requirements in the refrigerator Installation Manual Both gas and electrical components installed and operating in a safe condition Adequate seal between refrigerator mounting flange and cut out opening Installed on a solid floor not on carpet and secured This refrigerator is not intended to be operated as a ...

Page 11: ... connected into a recognized three prong attachment receptacle The cord must be routed so as not to come in contact with the burner cover flue pipe or any other component that could damage the cord insulation Do not remove cut grounding plug from the refrigerator AC power cord Removal of this prong can result in a severe electri cal shock as well as voiding the refrigera tor s electrical certifica...

Page 12: ...e It is used to protect the AC circuitry com ponentry located on the main control board power board Fig 8 Fan wiring Main Control Board Power Board Fuses A Fan B Thermostatic Switch C Condenser D Auxiliary Wire Harness E P1 1 Auxiliary 12 VDC ground F P1 6 Auxiliary 12 VDC positive Fig 7 Fuse locations F3 F1 NOR000815A F2 11 10 9 5 4 3 8 7 6 2 1 12 13 14 15 16 P1 12 Volt DC Fan A 12 volt DC fan Fi...

Page 13: ...ckup operating system N7V and N8V models In Auto AC mode the green power ON indicator light will flash OFF once every 20 seconds and repeat until the thermistor is sensed to be operating correctly InAuto Propane Gas mode the amber power ON indicator light will flash OFF once every 20 seconds and repeat until the thermistor is sensed to be operating correctly N7X and N8X models In ANY mode the temp...

Page 14: ...y from the cooling unit When cleaning do not try to remove the burner Removal may can cause a propane gas leak Leaking propane gas can ignite or explode and result in danger ous personal injury or death Do not try to clean the burner with anything other than compressed air 8 Clean the openings of the burner tube with compressed air only Blow air into the openings of the burner tube 9 Put the gas t...

Page 15: ...of the cooling unit and the power ON indicator light See Fig 11 B is solid GREEN 2nd Priority Choice Propane Gas Mode While in the Propane Gas Mode the propane gas burner is op erated to provide heat to the boiler area of the cooling unit and the power ON indicator light is solid AMBER Touch and hold the Power ON OFF button for between 20 23 seconds to change the mode between Auto Mode and Manual ...

Page 16: ...f the user interface controls To enter the temperature set mode See Fig 12 Touch and hold the ON OFF button The power ON indica tor light will go out Continue to hold the Power ON OFF button The power ON indicator light will come on after 20 seconds and go off again after 23 seconds Continue to hold the Power ON OFF button The power ON indicator light will come on again after 30 seconds Release Po...

Page 17: ...or Fault on page 24 The refrigerator is OFF Refer to Blank Display on page 25 NORCOLD Red on solid NORCOLD Flash Pattern Appears Here NORCOLD Red flashes on one 1 time is off five 5 seconds repeats NORCOLD Red flashes on ten 10 times is off five 5 seconds repeats NORCOLD Red flashes on three 3 times is off five 5 seconds repeats NORCOLD Red flashes on four 4 times is off five 5 seconds repeats NOR...

Page 18: ...OLD Red on solid NOR000707A Continued on following page Plugged into working AC outlet with min 85 VAC YES Correct AC outlet NO AC power cord in good working condition YES Replace AC power cord NO YES Replace fuse NO Is 8A fuse on main control board assy pwr board intact YES Correct NO Are all propane gas valves open and supply free of air YES Clean burner NO Is burner clean YES Correct gap NO Is ...

Page 19: ...train YES Correct gap NO Is burner electrode gap 1 8 3 16 YES Correct Replace spark sense ignitor wire if needed NO Spark sense wire installed correctly w continuity YES Replace gas train assembly NO Gas valve solenoid coil resistance 74 92 Ohms YES Correct Replace wires if needed NO Wires to gas valve connected w continuity TROUBLESHOOTING FLOWCHARTS N7V AND N8V MODELS Fault Code Solid Red Indica...

Page 20: ...rator is 108 132 VAC Make sure no other appliance or lighting circuit is connected to the refrigerator AC circuit NORCOLD Red flashes on one 1 time is off five 5 seconds repeats NOR000715A Heater connections okay NO YES Check AC heater resistance See figure below NO Replace AC heater YES Replace main control board assembly power board assembly Check AC heater wires for loose or damaged connections...

Page 21: ...sh Pattern 4 NORCOLD Red flashes on three 3 times is off five 5 seconds repeats NORCOLD Red flashes on four 4 times is off five 5 seconds repeats NOR000706A Does problem continue YES Solved NO Replace main control board assembly power board assembly To reset fault power refrigerator OFF and then back ON Are gas valve wires plugged in NO YES Correct NOR000708A Replace main control board assembly po...

Page 22: ...chanically stuck open Therefore the main control board senses a flame is present at the burner when there should be none Fault Code Flash Pattern 5 Replace gas train assembly The gas valve is mechanically stuck open NOR000709A NORCOLD Red flashes on five 5 times is off five 5 seconds repeats NORCOLD Red flashes on eight 8 times is off five 5 seconds repeats NORCOLD Red flashes on nine 9 times is o...

Page 23: ... interface optical display NO Correct connections Fully plugged in YES With the wire harness unplugged from the main control board assembly power board and the user interface optical display check continuity of the blue wire to make sure the wire is not open Check that there is NO continuity between the blue wire and ground Continuity NO Shorted to ground Replace the refrigerator YES Check that th...

Page 24: ...rable so temperature is being controlled via backup operating system Possible Cause The refrigerator is operating on propane gas The thermistor has been sensed as inoperable so temperature is being controlled via backup operating system NOR000711A Are wires and connector good YES Clean or repair as needed NO Check resistance at thermistor connector with the thermistor packed in ice Check thermisto...

Page 25: ...F1 fuse located on main control board power board YES Is fuse intact zero ohms NO Replace fuse 5 Amp MINI Blade Automotive style YES Measure voltage at main control board power board between P1 9 white violet and P1 12 green 10 5 to 16 0 VDC NO Replace main control board power board Measure voltage at user interface controls wire harness between P1 1 green and P1 5 white violet 10 5 to 16 0 VDC NO...

Page 26: ...power source and the propane gas mode indicator only comes on Temperature Set Button Touch and release the Temperature Set button See Fig 14 C to view the current temperature setting Then touch and release the Temperature Set button to change the temperature settings one at a time Or touch and hold the Temperature Set button to scroll through temperature settings one after the other Release the Te...

Page 27: ...s are designed so that while operating in Propane Gas Mode the trial for ignition the maximum time that the gas valve and the igniter can be left on without a flame present is limited to 30 seconds When starting the refrigerator for the first time after storage or after replac ing the propane gas tanks s the propane gas supply lines can have air in them Due to the air in the gas supply lines the b...

Page 28: ...n page 33 The DC input voltage to the refrigerator is too high Refer to Fault Code Flash Pattern 9 on page 33 Communications between the controls have been lost Refer to Fault Code Flash Pattern 10 on page 34 Fault Code Flash Patterns NORCOLD MODE A Red on solid NORCOLD MODE A Red flashes on two 2 times is off five 5 seconds repeats NORCOLD MODE A Red flashes on one 1 time is off five 5 seconds re...

Page 29: ...ner NO Is burner clean NORCOLD MODE A Red on solid Possible Cause 120 VAC power is not available Refrig erator defaulted to propane gas opera tion but did not establish a flame Gas Lockout Turn the refrigerator OFF and then back ON to reset The thermistor has been sensed as inoper able so the temperature is being controlled via backup operating system Refer to Fault Code Thermistor Fault on page 3...

Page 30: ...embly NO Does main control board pwr board supply 12VDC to gas train Replace gas train YES Correct gap NO Is burner electrode gap 1 8 3 16 YES Correct Replace spark sense ignitor wire if needed NO Spark sense wire installed correctly w continuity YES Replace gas train assembly NO Gas valve solenoid coil resistance 74 92 Ohms YES Correct Replace wires if needed NO Wires to gas valve connected w con...

Page 31: ...ure that the AC voltage to the refrigerator is 108 132 VAC Make sure no other appliance or lighting circuit is connected to the refrigerator AC circuit NOR000715A Heater connections okay NO YES Check AC heater resistance See figure below NO Replace AC heater YES Replace main control board assembly power board assembly Check AC heater wires for loose or damaged connections Resistance 38 50 Ohms Rep...

Page 32: ...O YES Correct NORCOLD MODE A Red flashes on four 4 times is off five 5 seconds repeats Possible Cause On the main control board assembly power board the limit circuit is open Possible Cause On the main control board Assembly power board the AC heater relay is stuck closed NOR000708A Replace main control board assembly power board On the main control board assembly power board the AC heater relay i...

Page 33: ...nses a flame is present at the burner when there should be none Replace gas train assembly The gas valve is mechanically stuck open NOR000709A NORCOLD MODE A Red flashes on eight 8 times is off five 5 seconds repeats Possible Cause The DC input voltage to the refrigerator is too low NORCOLD MODE A Red flashes on nine 9 times is off five 5 seconds repeats Possible Cause The DC input voltage to the ...

Page 34: ...and P1 3 of user interface optical display NO Correct connections Fully plugged in YES With the wire harness unplugged from the main control board assembly power board and the user interface optical display check continuity of the blue wire to make sure the wire is not open Check that there is NO continuity between the blue wire and ground Continuity NO Shorted to ground Replace the refrigerator Y...

Page 35: ...d intervals anytime the user interface control is awake Possible Cause The thermistor has been sensed as inoperable so temperature is being con trolled via backup operating system NOR000711A Are wires and connector good YES Clean or repair as needed NO Check resistance at thermistor connector with the thermistor packed in ice Check thermistor wire assembly and connctor for broken dirty connections...

Page 36: ... YES Touch Power ON button to turn refrigerator on Correct DC input to refrigerator Check continuity of F1 fuse located on main control board power board YES Is fuse intact zero ohms NO Replace fuse 5 Amp MINI Blade Automotive style YES Measure voltage at main control board power board between P1 9 white violet and P1 12 green 10 5 to 16 0 VDC NO Replace main control board power board Measure volt...

Page 37: ...f AC electric is not available the controls select gas as the power choice If unable to establish and maintain a flame a no FL fault code shows on the LCD display See Fig 15 D Refer to the Fault Codes N7LX and N8LX Models section On 3 way models only if neither AC electric nor gas is avail able the controls select DC electric as the power choice the DC mode indicator See Fig 15 H comes on also If ...

Page 38: ...NTION WARNING ATTENTION WARNING Diagnostic Pre checks Diagnosing fault codes begins by starting with the basics In many cases the problem can be solved by verifying the unit is operating in acceptable conditions The refrigerator is plugged into a known working AC outlet with a voltage between 108VAC and 132VAC Extension cords are not being used to supply AC power to the refrigerator The refrigerat...

Page 39: ...Fault Code HI dc with audible alarm on page 45 Communications between the controls have been lost Refer to Fault Code no dt with audible alarm on page 46 This fault is within the refrigerator controls Refer to Fault Code Sr with audible alarm on page 47 This fault is within the refrigerator controls Refer to Fault Code oP LI with audible alarm on page 47 A flame is sensed at the burner when there ...

Page 40: ...ODE CODE Alternately flashes no and FL with an audible alarm Before starting this procedure make sure The valve of the RV propane gas tank s is open The manual shut off valve of the gas train assembly is open The propane gas pressure to the refrigerator is 10 5 inches W C NOR000707A outlet with min 85 VAC YES Correct AC outlet AC power cord in good working condition YES Replace AC power cord NO YE...

Page 41: ...ssembly NO Does main control board pwr board supply 12VDC to gas train Replace gas train YES YES Replace gas train assembly NO Gas valve solenoid coil resistance 74 92 Ohms YES Correct Replace wires if needed NO Wires to gas valve connected w continuity FAULT CODES N7LX AND N8LX MODELS Fault Code no FL with audible alarm cont d ...

Page 42: ...S N7LX AND N8LX MODELS cont d CODE CODE CODE CODE Alternately flashes no and AC with an audible alarm NOR000714A F2 fuse okay 1 Check AC power input from RV to unit 2 Check for faulty AC power cord NO NO YES Check condition of F2 fuse on main control board power board Replace fuse Use a 5 amp 1 4 x 11 4 AGC type fuse 108 to 132 VAC YES Check that fuse holder clips are making full contact with fuse...

Page 43: ...F and then back ON to reset Possible Cause AC heater fault The AC heater is not plugged in The AC heater failed open Heater connections okay NO YES Check AC heater resistance See figure below NO Replace AC heater YES Replace main control board assembly power board assembly Check AC heater wires for loose or damaged connections Resistance 38 50 Ohms Repair or replace connectors If connectors cannot...

Page 44: ...e alarm Possible Cause On the main control board assembly power board the AC heater relay is stuck closed This fault can be displayed in ANY MODE NOR000708A Replace main control board assembly power board On the main control board assembly power board the AC heater relay is stuck closed CODE CODE Alternately flashes AC and rE with an audible alarm Possible Cause The contacts of DC heater relay K1 ...

Page 45: ... voltage is 12 0 VDC CODE CODE Alternately flashes Lo and dC with an audible alarm Possible Cause The DC input voltage to the refrigerator is too high Fault Code HI dc with audible alarm Correct the DC input voltage to the refigerator Make sure the input voltage is 12 0 VDC CODE CODE Alternately flashes HI and dc with an audible alarm CODE CODE Alternately flashes Lo and dc with an audible alarm C...

Page 46: ...in control board assembly power board and the user interface optical display check continuity of the blue wire to make sure the wire is not open Check that there is NO continuity between the blue wire and ground Continuity NO Shorted to ground Replace the refrigerator YES Check that there is NO continuity between the blue wire and any of the other wires of the wire harness Continuity NO YES Reconn...

Page 47: ...oard assembly power board the limit circuit is open Fault Code oP LI with audible alarm A flame is sensed at the burner when there should be none present Possible Cause The gas valve is mechanically stuck open Therefore the main control board power board senses a flame is pres ent at the burner when there should be none Replace gas train assembly The gas valve is mechanically stuck open NOR000709A...

Page 48: ... thermistor wire plugged in NO Plug in thermisor wire YES NOR000711A An alternate method would be to use an infrared gun to measure the fin tempera ture Then compare that temperature with the temperature indicated on Diagnostic Screen 3 The temperature difference should be 6 F or less If not thermistor is bad NOTICE set Temperature setting flashes on off at one 1 second intervals any time the user...

Page 49: ...ect DC input to refrigerator Check continuity of F1 fuse located on main control board power board YES Is fuse intact zero ohms NO Replace fuse 5 Amp MINI Blade Automotive style YES Measure voltage at main control board power board between P1 9 white violet and P1 12 green 10 5 to 16 0 VDC NO Replace main control board power board Measure voltage at user interface controls wire harness between P1 ...

Page 50: ...en 1 Initial view appears 3 A few seconds later Screen 1 Second view appears Change Screens To change screens press and hold the MODE button until the next screen displays DIAGNOSTIC MODE N7LX AND N8LX MODELS Exit Diagnostic Mode 1 Touch and hold both the MODE and the Temperature Set buttons at the same time for two 2 seconds 2 Release the MODE and the Temperature Set buttons when the mode icons a...

Page 51: ... occurred Thermistor failure DC heater relay stuck closed always current DC heater relay stuck open no current Not used Not used SCREEN 6 Erasing Fault History Touch and release the MODE button to bring up screen 6 This screen provides a way to erase fault history from memory To erase the fault history Touch and hold the Temperature Set button five 5 seconds until CL shows on the screen Once CL is...

Page 52: ... assigned output LED seg ment will be on SCREEN 9 Power Board DC Input Voltage Status Touch and release the MODE button to bring up screen 9 This screen displays DC voltage status using lighted LED seg ments Refer to illustration below for definitions of the individual LED segments If DC voltage at the power board is within normal range 10 5 to 16 0 VDC LED segment 4 will be on 1 2 3 5 6 7 4 DC he...

Page 53: ...or if the cool ing unit is leaking or a leak is suspected ATTENTION WARNING Check cooling unit Correct ventilation to meet installation requirements YES NO Check heat input NO NO Correct heat input device to meet specifications YES NO Level refrigerator as outlined in Owner s Manual and specifications YES YES Replace cooling unit Refrigerator operating leveled Ventilation as per installation instr...

Page 54: ...ct ventilation and operation at coldest setting for a period of 8 12 hours Freezer 5 F to 10 F Fin temperature 18 F to 25 F Door gaskets sealing properly Refrigerator temperatures normal Visual and audible signs of leak s Yellow residue on the rear of the refrigerator Ammonia smell Gurgling noise not always present Cooling unit performance test 1 Disconnect thermistor from the wire harness 2 Set t...

Page 55: ...1 C C V 2 1 C D V 2 1 S U B M O C C C V 2 1 C D V 2 1 1 1a Grommet OR OR COMBUS COMBUS A C G J H K M F3 Sw F2 T1 AO D D D R E S L N F1 P F1 NOR000812A B ICE MAKER F Description A Main Control Board Power Board B AC Power Cord C AC Heater D Thermostat E Water Line Heater F Fan G Divider Heater H Ignitor J Gas Valve K Fresh Food Thermistor L Interior Light M User Interface Control N DC Heater Board ...

Page 56: ...se Optional Optional Chassis Ground ICE MAKER IM Ice Maker TF Thermal Fuse WV Water Valve Fig 17 Wiring pictorial D N G N I _ T I M I L T U O _ T I M I L P4 C D V 2 1 11 10 9 5 4 3 8 7 6 2 1 12 13 14 15 16 2 1 D N G _ S I S S A H C D N G _ S I S S A H C L1 L2 O L _ T H _ C A I H _ T H _ C A 2 _ O L _ T H _ C A 2 _ I H _ T H _ C A P1 1 2 3 4 5 P1 13 P1 11 12 P1 4 P1 2 10 P1 5 P1 3 P1 1 P1 6 4 6 P1 ...

Page 57: ...ostat C Condenser D Auxiliary Wire Harness E P1 1 Auxiliary 12 VDC ground F P1 6 Auxiliary 12 VDC positive Cold Weather Heater Only Fig 19 Cold weather heater only wiring A Cold Weather Heater B Cooling Unit C P1 1 Auxiliary 12 VDC ground D P1 6 Auxiliary 12 VDC positive NOR000793A 11 10 9 5 4 3 8 7 6 2 1 12 13 14 15 16 P1 A E C F B D B C A D F E D C A B A NOR000798A ...

Page 58: ...DC ground H P1 6 Auxiliary 12 VDC positive Ice Maker Only Fig 21 Ice maker only wiring A Water Valve B Water Valve IM Water Line Heater C Water Valve IM Water Line Heater Thermostat D White from Power Cord E Brown from Ice Maker F P1 1 Auxiliary 12 VDC ground G P1 6 Auxiliary 12 VDC positive AUXILIARY WIRING CIRCUITS cont d 11 10 9 5 4 3 8 7 6 2 1 12 13 14 15 16 P1 B C A G H D E F E NOR000799A 5 1...

Page 59: ...ce Maker Fan and Cold Weather Heater Ice Maker and Fan 5 11 10 9 5 4 3 8 7 6 2 1 12 13 14 15 16 P1 G H F I K J B C NOR000801A E D A Fig 23 Ice maker fan and cold weather heater wiring A Water Valve B Water Valve IM Water Line Heater C Water Valve IM Water Line Heater Thermostat D White from Power Cord E Brown from Ice Maker F Fan Bracket Assembly G Fan Thermostat H Condenser I Cold Weather Heater ...

Page 60: ...Make sure the combustion seal is not broken is completely around the refrig erator mounting flanges and is between the mounting flanges and the wall of the enclosure If the combustion seal is not complete exhaust fumes can be pres ent in the living area of the vehicle The breathing of exhaust fumes can cause dizziness nausea and in extreme cases death 2 Put the screws through the upper mounting br...