Dometic 1350 Refrigerator Problems and Solutions

Dometic 1350 refrigerators are popular in RVs and provide reliable and efficient cooling for your food and drinks. However, like any appliance, they can encounter problems that can cause the unit to stop functioning properly.

It’s important to be aware of the common issues that can arise and to have the tools and knowledge necessary to troubleshoot and fix them. The purpose of this blog is to provide a comprehensive overview of 5 to 10 of the most common Dometic 1350 refrigerator problems, including the symptoms, causes, and steps to fix each issue.

By understanding these problems and how to address them, you can ensure that your Dometic 1350 refrigerator continues to function optimally.

Overheating

One of the most common issues with Dometic 1350 refrigerators is overheating. Overheating occurs when the internal temperature of the unit rises above normal levels, causing the refrigeration system to shut down.

There are several reasons why this can occur, including clogged air vents, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a faulty fan.

Symptoms of Overheating

The symptoms of overheating in a Dometic 1350 refrigerator can be easy to spot. One of the most noticeable signs is that the unit will stop cooling properly. If you open the door of the refrigerator and find that it is not as cold as it should be, this could be an indication of overheating.

Another symptom of overheating is that the unit will become excessively hot to the touch. If you can feel heat coming from the unit, this is a clear sign that there is an issue.

Steps to Fix the Issue

To fix an overheating issue in your Dometic 1350 refrigerator, you will need to take several steps. The first step is to clean or replace the air vents. If the air vents are clogged, this can restrict the flow of air and cause the unit to overheat.

If the air vents are dirty, you can clean them using a soft brush or cloth. If the air vents are damaged, you will need to replace them.

Next, you should check the thermostat. If the thermostat is malfunctioning, this can cause the unit to overheat. You can check the thermostat by turning the dial to different temperature settings. If the thermostat is working properly, you should be able to feel the temperature changing.

Finally, you should check the fan. If the fan is not functioning properly, this can cause the unit to overheat. To check the fan, you should remove the back panel of the unit and inspect the fan blades.

If the fan blades are bent or damaged, you will need to replace the fan.

overheating is a common issue with Dometic 1350 refrigerators, and it’s important to address it promptly. By cleaning or replacing the air vents, checking the thermostat, and checking the fan, you can resolve most overheating issues and get your refrigerator working properly again.

Electrical Load

An RV refrigerator like the Dometic 1350 relies on electricity to function properly. The refrigerator operates with a 12-volt DC power source, which is obtained from the RV’s battery. When there is an electrical load issue, it means that the refrigerator is consuming more power than it should, leading to decreased cooling performance or even a complete shut down of the unit.

Symptoms of an Electrical Load Issue

If you suspect an electrical load issue with your Dometic 1350 refrigerator, there are several symptoms to look out for:

• Decreased cooling performance, leading to warm food and drinks
• The refrigerator shutting down completely
• A buzzing noise or flickering lights in the RV
• The RV battery discharging faster than it should

Steps to Fix the Issue

If you are experiencing an electrical load issue with your Dometic 1350 refrigerator, here are the steps to fix it:

Check the Wiring

Ensure that all the wiring connections are tight and secure. Loose connections can cause the refrigerator to consume more power than it should.

Check the Battery Voltage

Make sure that the RV battery is providing the refrigerator with the right voltage. If the voltage is low, it could be the cause of the electrical load issue.

Turn Off Unnecessary Appliances

If your RV has other appliances running, such as an air conditioner or television, turn them off. This will reduce the electrical load on the refrigerator, giving it the power it needs to cool properly.

Upgrade the battery

If your RV battery is not capable of providing the power that the refrigerator needs, consider upgrading to a larger battery with more capacity.

Contact a Professional

If you have tried all the above steps and the electrical load issue persists, it may be best to contact a professional. A technician can diagnose the problem and determine the best solution.

By following these steps, you can fix the electrical load issue and get your Dometic 1350 refrigerator cooling properly again.

Thermostat Problems

The thermostat in your Dometic 1350 refrigerator is an essential component that helps regulate the temperature inside the fridge. It works by measuring the temperature and sending a signal to the cooling unit to turn on or off.

A thermostat issue can occur due to a faulty thermostat, an electrical issue, or a problem with the cooling unit.

Symptoms of a Thermostat Issue

The refrigerator is not cooling properly.

Blocked Exhaust

The Dometic 1350 refrigerator is equipped with an exhaust system that helps regulate the temperature and prevent overheating. However, over time, debris, dust, and other particles can accumulate in the exhaust system, leading to a blockage.

This blockage can restrict air flow and prevent the refrigerant from functioning properly, resulting in reduced cooling capacity.

Symptoms of a Blocked Exhaust

• Reduced cooling capacity or no cooling at all
• Overheating of the refrigerator
• A noticeable increase in noise or vibration during operation

To fix a blocked exhaust, you need to follow these steps:

1. Locate the exhaust system and inspect it for blockages
2. Use a vacuum or compressed air to remove any dust or debris
3. Check the exhaust fan for proper operation and replace it if necessary
4. Inspect the refrigerant lines and check for any restrictions or blockages
5. Clean the air intake and check for any obstructions

It is recommended to consult a professional if you are unsure about how to perform these steps. A blocked exhaust can cause serious problems if not addressed promptly, so it’s essential to troubleshoot and fix the issue as soon as possible.

Fan Failure

Explanation of why the problem occurs: A broken fan is one of the most common issues that arise with a Dometic 1350 refrigerator. The unit uses the power of the fan to circulate the cool air throughout the refrigerator. When the fan does not function properly, it can reduce the cooling capacity of the unit and cause overheating.

Symptoms of a Fan Failure

1. Inability to cool, resulting in cold spots in the refrigerator
2. Hot spots in the unit, resulting in hot food
3. The refrigerator will fail to cool, resulting in hot food, a dirty smell, and rotting food.

Steps to Fix the Issue

1. To fix a fan failure, you need to clean or replace the fan blades. The fan blade and motor are held in place by brackets. To remove the fan blade, you will need to remove the back cover and remove the brackets that hold the motor and the fan blade in place.
2. You should clean the fan blade with a soft brush or cloth. If the blade is bent or damaged, you will need to replace it.
3. Next, you should lubricate the fan blades. You can do this by applying vegetable oil or motor oil.
4. Finally, you should re-assemble the fan and test it to ensure that it is working properly.

These steps should be performed regularly to ensure that the fan blades are properly lubricated and functioning at their best. A fan failure can result in serious issues if not addressed promptly, so it’s important to keep your refrigerator’s fan blades clean and lubricated on a regular basis.

Lack of Power

The Dometic 1350 refrigerator is equipped with a 12-volt DC power source. It draws power from the RV battery, which provides power to power the refrigerator and other appliances in the RV.

However, the refrigerator can run out of power during use, such as if you do not have a 12-volt DC power source available. The unit will become inoperable until it has been recharged.

Symptoms of No Power

If you encounter an issue with the power when you are in the middle of cooking or cooling food, this is a serious issue that must be fixed immediately. Not being able to cook or cool food properly will result in unsafe food that can spoil quickly.

Steps to Fix the Issue

To fix a lack of power issue, you need to find an alternative power source. You can use a 12-volt DC battery charger, an inverter, or a 12-volt power cord to plug the refrigerator directly into a power source.

Final Words

Dometic 1350 refrigerators are popular in RVs, but like any appliance, they can encounter issues. Some common problems include overheating, electrical load, thermostat problems, blocked exhausts, vent leaks, doors not closing properly, or the unit not turning on.

A damaged motor, a cracked pipe, or a bad valve can cause the vent to leak, and a clogged air filter or cooling fan can prevent the unit from turning on. A pinhole leak in the coolant can cause the hydrogen gas component of the coolant to leak out, leading to the fridge section ceasing to work.

A comprehensive troubleshooting guide can be found online to help diagnose and fix these issues. Other refrigerators also have these problems.