QuestionQUESTION: We have a 2003 Alpenlite 5th wheel with a Dometic Refrigerator, model number RM 3862. On the top, inside of the freezer door are two switches. One is marked Low Ambient Switch and the other is marked Climate Control Switch. The switches have a straight line on one end and a circle on the other end.
How should they be positioned?
Thanks
Ron
ANSWER: Ron, The low ambient switch should be on when the temperature gets cooler and the other one is used in higher humidity. I should tell you that most all of the dometic refrigerators made between 1997 and 2004 have a recall kit that should be installed. The RM3862 is on the list and if you can get the serial number from the tag inside the refrigerator and send that to me I can tell you if yours falls in this list. If it does the kit is installed free and when you have that put on that would be an excellent chance to pick the Tech's brain about any other questions you may have. He should be able to explain things to you better by being able to show you personally. I always tell everyone that the refer is the most expensive thing in the coach to replace and you should always level the coach with a round level inside of the freezer to take your level from. These refers need to be within 3 degrees of being level or it can hurt them. Thanks, Bill
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Bill, we just had the recall taken care of and I asked the technician what he recommended. He studied the switches for a few seconds and said "well I would say they both should be on" and pushed on the side with the straight line. Both switches were in the other position with the "O" pushed. Now with the outside temperature in the 70's and 80' right now I would think the temp switch should be off but not sure. Have no idea about the climate switch. Should I call Dometic?
Thanks for the quick reply!!
Ron
AnswerRon, These switches are meant to help the refer in weather that is really cool or else humid. The climate control switch is there to reduce condensation and save energy. The humid switch should be turned on when it is just that "Humid". This helps reduce condensation and ice build up in weather that causes this. Always remember that ice build up in the freezer is made by 2 things air and moisture. The more you open the door the more ice build up you will eventually have. In the weather you are describing I would have the climate control switch on but not the humidity switch unless it is really humid where you are at. I hope that this describes the climate CONTROL
During the summer months of high temperatures and
humidity, the metal frame between the freezer and fresh
food compartments may have water droplets forming.
The number of water droplets will increase if the vehicle
isn't air conditioned during these months.
This refrigerator comes standard with a 12 volt (DC)
climate control that will evaporate the water droplets
when they form.
To turn on the climate control, press the CLC-button (4)
on the display panel, the indicator lamp (F) will illuminate.
(See FIG. 2 or display panel, section OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS).
The climate control can be left on continuously or only
used when temperatures require it.
NOTE: The climate control will draw 12 volt DC power
continuously when in the ON position. It should be turned
OFF when a charging source is not available.
LOW AMBIENT CONTROL
All RV absorption refrigerators, while similar, operate a
little differently than your home refrigerator. Dometic
designers and engineers have equipped your refrigerator
with an exclusive feature that allows for trouble-free
operation in low ambient temperature (like below 50°F)
for extended periods of time. Simply press the LAC-button
(5) on the display panel, the indicator lamp (G) will
illuminate (see FIG. 2 or display panel, section OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS). Once the outdoor temperature
is above 50°F, the low ambient switch should be
turned off. This is on a newer model but the uses are still the same. Thanks, Bill
