Starcraft Thetford N3000 refrigerator not working

Rayden

New Member
Jun 19, 2021
5
3
3
melbourne
We have just purchased a 2017 Jayco Starcraft 19ft, that has only been used on one trip (albeit Melbourne to Darwin). So it's all lovely except, we can't get the fridge to work. We switch it on, and the battery sign comes on and when we select the cool level signs flash on for about a minute, then it switches off. While doing this the gas to the caravan is on, 240v are connected and the battery is on. The manual does not list this behaviour in the FAQs. The manual does say that the LP jets need to be cleaned every year (which probably has not happened) but does not say how to do that.

Any siggestions would be most helpful. I will also contact Thetford ASAP.
 

Boots in Action

Well-Known Member
Mar 13, 2017
2,053
1,804
113
Ferny Grove, Queensland
We have just purchased a 2017 Jayco Starcraft 19ft, that has only been used on one trip (albeit Melbourne to Darwin). So it's all lovely except, we can't get the fridge to work. We switch it on, and the battery sign comes on and when we select the cool level signs flash on for about a minute, then it switches off. While doing this the gas to the caravan is on, 240v are connected and the battery is on. The manual does not list this behaviour in the FAQs. The manual does say that the LP jets need to be cleaned every year (which probably has not happened) but does not say how to do that.

Any siggestions would be most helpful. I will also contact Thetford ASAP.
Hi @Rayden, to check if fridge is actually working, firstly try it out on 240 volt operation. If all is working, THEN try GAS.
As the fridge is a heat absorption type, it is vital that fridge (in van) is LEVEL. For proper operation, fridge MUST be within 6 degrees of level ACROSS the van axle to axle when looking at front of fridge door, AND within 3 degrees of level side to side - drawbar to rear of van. The closer you are to this, the better the operation. Too far out and nil operation at all and continued out of level operation will eventually cause irreparable damage. See attached for helpful advice and come back to us if still not successful. Watch this link for full operation:


 

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Drover

Well-Known Member
Nov 7, 2013
12,723
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QLD
Having a read of the manual it is a different start up than the Dometic.............
So you have pressed and held the start button till the lights dim and the switch has a green light ......... then pushed the confirm button, select source and push confirm again then select cooling level then confirm again............ if your not doing the button thing in the right sequence then it probably won't go, on gas they can take a awhile to fire up as a delay can be imposed when going from 12v to gas, so you don't have the fridge fire up while at the garage fuelling.

Manual I sourced : https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...erManual.pdf&usg=AOvVaw161z8bTevtbZHA2kxSlPkl


its a pdf download...


12v is only for when hooked up to tug with engine running so 240 or Gas at all other times but unless the fridge is cold it will take 10 or 12 hours before it will get cold, feel around the exhaust or top vent outside after 30 mins or so you should feel some warm air.....

I would attempt to get it started on 240v then switch to gas once its working, just as a test ............... after about an hour from a warm start you should be able to feel the freezer section getting cold................................ also these modern units do require a 12v supply from van to operate the electronics or they won't run, this is not for making it cold though just to keep the fridge brain running.
 
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Boots in Action

Well-Known Member
Mar 13, 2017
2,053
1,804
113
Ferny Grove, Queensland
Having a read of the manual it is a different start up than the Dometic.............
So you have pressed and held the start button till the lights dim and the switch has a green light ......... then pushed the confirm button, select source and push confirm again then select cooling level then confirm again............ if your not doing the button thing in the right sequence then it probably won't go, on gas they can take a awhile to fire up as a delay can be imposed when going from 12v to gas, so you don't have the fridge fire up while at the garage fuelling.

Manual I sourced : https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiIsYXWxKfxAhWk7nMBHXJCDmkQFjACegQIChAF&url=https://www.caravanrvcamping.com.au/assets/files/700-03880_UserManual.pdf&usg=AOvVaw161z8bTevtbZHA2kxSlPkl


its a pdf download...


12v is only for when hooked up to tug with engine running so 240 or Gas at all other times but unless the fridge is cold it will take 10 or 12 hours before it will get cold, feel around the exhaust or top vent outside after 30 mins or so you should feel some warm air.....

I would attempt to get it started on 240v then switch to gas once its working, just as a test ............... after about an hour from a warm start you should be able to feel the freezer section getting cold................................ also these modern units do require a 12v supply from van to operate the electronics or they won't run, this is not for making it cold though just to keep the fridge brain running.

Thanks for getting the start up sorted @Drover . Sounds very complicated especially if one does not have a proper manual.

@Rayden , do you have the correct manual?? Without it, it will be a very steep learning curve and a good memory test as well. Suggest you download the instruction manual for future reference. And importantly, always have them with you - Never throw out the "destructions"!! Next problem for the forum?????
 

jazzeddie1234

Well-Known Member
May 19, 2016
606
729
93
Mandurah
Sounds like the fridge is not in 'A' for auto mode and is trying to start on 12V (which it can't unless connected to the tow vehicle plug. The flashing display shows there is no supply - for example it flashes if you are free camping and run out of gas.

Press and hold the button between the arrows until the icons flash
press the arrows to select A
short press the centre button again and the temp bars flash
use arrows to set temp (usually 3 or 4 bars)
short press centre button again to finish
 

Rayden

New Member
Jun 19, 2021
5
3
3
melbourne
Sounds like the fridge is not in 'A' for auto mode and is trying to start on 12V (which it can't unless connected to the tow vehicle plug. The flashing display shows there is no supply - for example it flashes if you are free camping and run out of gas.

Press and hold the button between the arrows until the icons flash
press the arrows to select A
short press the centre button again and the temp bars flash
use arrows to set temp (usually 3 or 4 bars)
short press centre button again to finish
Thank you folks, and in particular thanks jazzeddie, that is the answer. We now have it working. Thank you!