Refrigerator, RM182B (Vanagon AC/DC/LP)

[xrayeyes1]

mathenybob,
I sent an email to Dometic and requested a service manual. They sent me a pdf format manual and parts list for the 182b. If you can't get it from them, perhaps there is some way we could hook up and I could email it to you.

xrayeyes1

[mathenybob]

I've got the manual for the 182b, it's the 182a I'm having a hard time finding anything about. 182b's in good shape seem to be hard to find, I think the vehicles they are attached to still run. 182a's are out there, I now have two, and look like they could be a straight forward replacement.

[Perry Rhodes]

Everyone,

I'm troubleshooting the 12V operation (lack thereof at this point).

Not done troubleshooting yet, but here's a link to the service manual referenced below:
http://www.telusplanet.net/public/ga...eticRM182B.pdf

About my fridge, it works great on AC, great on LP, and the fan works, so 12V power is being supplied to the unit. I've taken the fridge out and have a 12V readout at the electric lead on the top set of cooling fins. Haven't completed troubleshooting yet, but thought I'd ask - is the 12V heating element totally separate from the 120V heating element or is it one & the same unit? Some diagrams or descriptions indicate one way, others indicate another. Any first-hand experience or knowledge would be appreciated!

[Capt. Mike]

What year & model (Guideline #3)? Bentley §97.33 shows separate heater resistance grids for 12vDC & 120vAC for the early Vanagon. The wiring diagram you reference shows them separate (pg. 9). The AC/DC fridge in the late Bay Windows used only a 12vDC resistor, but it was a 12v only system that was fed by an AC-to-DC rectifier. That's not the 3-way RM182B series.

[Perry Rhodes]

Sorry about that, the van is a 1982 diesel Vanagon. While the wiring diagram shows them separate, to look at the back of the fridge it only looks like there's one electrical lead going into the cooling fins. I think I need to take some more time this weekend and look at it more closely, and maybe take apart the combustion chamber - perhaps the electric heater element(s) is(are) actually inside that. I also looked at my Bentley manual last night, and I don't have a 97.33 - mine stops at about 97.28. Thanks for the help, I'll keep everyone up-to-date!

[Capt. Mike]

Sometimes, during manual updates, they insert diagrams and the numbering sequence changes. The diagram I referred to is labeled: "Camper 1980-1985, Camper wiring." This is the reason we strongly urge members get the latest edition, even though yours may cover through '82. Updates, tech bulletins and torque specs are included in the later editions without removing anything that applies to your model. Some were critical, such as head torques or announced part supercessions.