I just purchased a 1997 16' "project". Aside from a few plumbing leaks yet to fix, the LP function of my fridge is the last item to address before our first camping trip. I've verified the propane tank has gas and bled the system at the stove. My hot water heater works great after replacing the gas control valve and pilot assembly so the LP system supply seems fine. After turning the temperature on the frige to the coldest setting and turning the gas knob on, I've got nothing, no piezo or gas. My BBQ butane lighter is the only flame at the base of the burner. Any diagnosis suggestions or on line video sites would be very much appreciated.
Mark in North Carolina
This probably doesn't need to be said, but; don't forget to push and hold the gas control valve for at least 10 seconds in the high setting. A butane lighter is the best way to make sure it lights. Also, the temp control is only functional when running on AC.
Lynn
Hi Lynn, thank you for the response and reminder. Sometimes I forget the CSSF rule, check simple stuff first. I ended up taking the burner out and cleaning a bunch of rust off of it. It's working now and I'm not sure if the initial problem was operator error or if the cleaning was the issue. With the fridge working on propane, my plumbing leaks fixed and my table top replacement arriving next week, we'll be ready for our first Scamp experience. Yay!
Mark
Mark
Hi Mark,
Glad you got it working. Your comment about cleaning the rust off of the burner reminded me; last Spring I had to do the same thing with the furnace burner on our '06.
Lynn
Some the newer friges are almost automatic and require 12v to operate. The earlier models are manual but the controls are inside like pilot and lighter control. The oldest models the controls are outside. Frig. make and model info. helps to troubleshoot.
Eddie
Hi Eddie, thanks for the response. We've got an old unit with controls on the outside. Propane control and 12V/110V controls are separate. Got it working!
Mark
Mark
My fridge has those two buttons, one to hold so gas goes to the pilot light, the other is the piezo clicker that makes the spark. It is important to hold the first one for a second or two, then click the other and listen for the distinct sound of the flame starting - kind of a pop. If it just clicks, it means one of two things: no gas is there to be lit, or the pilot is already burning. After the pilot started with a pop, you must continue to hold the button for a long time (ten seconds at least) so the temperature sensor lets the gas flow. Otherwise start again. I often have to repeat the process a few times on my 2004 Scamp. The viewing port is useful at night, in daylight I can barely see the pilot flame when I get on the floor and press my face against the panel.
-Paul
2004 Scamp 19 Deluxe,
2021 Tacoma, Double Cab, 6 cyl. 4WD
Colorado
Hi Paul, thanks for the response. I appreciate your operation description. Without an owners manual your information is just what I needed.
Mark
Mark
I've found it's best for me before trying to light the fridge, I go inside and light a stove burner first. Seems like it gets the gas flowing. It's VERY difficult for me to tell if the flame has lit on the fridge, through the viewing port outside, so I just hope it does. I try it, then give it a few minutes. If the pipe starts to heat up, then gets hot, I know I was successful.
Thanks for your input. Since my piezo is inoperative, I light my fridge with a butane lighter. I removed the sheet metal screw holding the sheet metal shroud with the pilot hole and just move the shroud aside to light the fridge. I can see the pilot light and heat the tube at the same time. Once lit, I slide the shroud back in place.
Mark