Dometic • Absorption Refrigerator

Dometic 10-Series

Official technical documentation and workshop diagnostics for 10-Series.

Technical Specifications

ElectricalNot specified in source text
Gas Or PressureNot specified in source text
Capacities DimensionsNot specified in source text

Master Troubleshooting & Diagnostics Matrix

Error Code / IndicatorSymptom / MeaningStep-by-Step DIY FixSuggested Actions
N/A
[230V AC] The refrigerator does not work.
Possible Cause: The fuse in the AC power supply is defective or the vehicle is not connected to the AC power supply, or the AC heating element is defective.
Replace the fuse, connect the vehicle to the AC power supply, or contact an authorized customer service.DIY Check / Tech Fallback
N/A
[12V DC] The refrigerator does not work.
Possible Cause: The fuse in the DC supply is defective, vehicle fuse has blown, vehicle battery is discharged, ignition not turned on, or DC heating element is defective.
Replace the fuse on the relay, replace the vehicle fuse, test and charge the battery, switch on the ignition, or contact an authorized customer service.DIY Check / Tech Fallback
N/A
[Gas] The refrigerator does not work.
Possible Cause: The gas cylinder is empty, the gas valve is closed, or air is in the supply line.
Replace the gas cylinder, twist the valve open, switch the refrigerator off and on again (repeat 3-4 times if necessary), or switch on the stove to bleed the line.DIY Safe
N/A
[Gas/Cooling] W01: Defective temperature sensor in the refrigerator compartment.
Possible Cause: Sensor failure.
Contact an authorized customer service.Professional Intervention Required
N/A
[230V AC] W05: AC power not connected or AC voltage < 190 V.
Possible Cause: Low mains voltage or disconnected.
Connect the refrigerator to AC or select a different energy type, e.g. gas or DC.DIY Safe
N/A
[12V DC] W06: DC power not connected.
Possible Cause: Disconnected DC supply.
Connect the refrigerator to DC or select a different energy type, e.g. gas or AC.DIY Safe
N/A
[12V DC] W11: DC overvoltage (> 16 V).
Possible Cause: Supply voltage is too high.
Reduce the DC supply voltage.DIY Safe
N/A
[Mechanical/Water] W10: The door is opened for more than 2 minutes.
Possible Cause: Door left open.
Close the door.DIY Safe
N/A
[Gas] E03: No connection between power module and display.
Possible Cause: Communication failure.
Contact an authorized customer service.Professional Intervention Required
N/A
[Gas] E07 / E08 / E09: No cooling capacity in gas, AC, or DC mode.
Possible Cause: Device is at an angle or unit failure.
Check if the device is at an angle and adjust it if necessary. Reset the error. Contact customer service if this error occurs again.DIY Check / Tech Fallback
N/A
[Gas] E12 / E13: Gas valve check error or internal communication error.
Possible Cause: Valve or module communication failure.
Reset the error. Contact customer service if this error occurs again.DIY Check / Tech Fallback
N/A
[12V DC] E14: In stand-alone gas mode, the battery charge of the battery packs is too low.
Possible Cause: Depleted batteries in standalone packs.
Insert new batteries and then reset the error.DIY Safe
N/A
[Gas] E50: Gas lock after 3 ignition attempts.
Possible Cause: Ignition not possible, gas cylinder empty.
Replace the gas cylinder and reset the error.DIY Safe
N/A
Poor cooling performance or increased power consumption
Possible Cause: Refrigerator installed to the side of air inlet and outlet vents or clearance behind refrigerator exceeds 25 mm without an air guide.
Ensure clearance between refrigerator and rear wall is between 10 mm and 25 mm. If > 25 mm, install an air guide/ventilation plate to reduce the air duct.DIY Safe
N/A
Heat accumulation in the vehicle or behind refrigerator
Possible Cause: Inadequate heat dissipation from the condenser or lack of proper baffling.
Install an air baffle over the condenser to prevent heat accumulation. Ensure minimum distance of 1250 mm between air inlet and outlet vents, or install a roof vent if side venting distance cannot be met.DIY Safe
N/A
Unburned gas entering the vehicle interior
Possible Cause: Air inlet vent located too high, preventing complete evacuation of unburned gas.
Make an additional gas outlet opening with a diameter >= 40 mm in the floor under the cooling unit, shielded with a deflector.DIY Safe
N/A
Compressor does not run at low ambient temperatures (approx. below 0°C)
Possible Cause: External ventilation grilles left fully open when replacing an absorption unit with a compressor unit.
Ensure that the external ventilation grilles are fully closed.DIY Safe
N/A
[12V DC] Refrigerator does not function / No power
Possible Cause: Blown fuse in DC power supply, blown vehicle fuse, flat vehicle battery, ignition not turned on, or low input voltage triggering safety shut-off (<10.4 V)
Replace relay fuse or vehicle fuse as necessary, check and charge vehicle battery, turn on ignition, or restore voltage above the 11.7 V restart threshold.DIY Safe
N/A
[12V DC] Compressor temperature too low (<0 °C)
Possible Cause: External ambient temperature too cold causing compressor compartment issues
Fully close/cover all external ventilation grilles with insulating material.DIY Safe
N/A
[Mechanical/Water] Refrigerator does not cool sufficiently
Possible Cause: Inadequate ventilation around the cooling unit, evaporator iced up, temperature set too high, high ambient temperature, or too many warm/fresh food items loaded at once
Check that ventilation grilles are not blocked, defrost the refrigerator, check door seals for proper closing, set a lower temperature, remove excess food, or let warm food cool down first.DIY Safe
N/A
[12V DC] Error code W02 / Continuous LED: Defective temperature sensor in cooling compartment
Possible Cause: Faulty or disconnected internal temperature sensor
Contact an authorized customer service technician.Professional Intervention Required
N/A
[12V DC] Error code E03 / Communication error
Possible Cause: Bus or display communication failure
Press the On/Off button for at least 2 seconds to reset.DIY Safe
N/A
[12V DC] Error code W10 / Continuous beep: Door open longer than 2 minutes
Possible Cause: Refrigerator door left open
Close the door.DIY Safe
N/A
[12V DC] Error codes E32, E33, E34, E35 / Blinking error codes 2 through 5: Fan overcurrent, compressor failure to start, compressor overload, or thermal cutout tripped
Possible Cause: Electrical overcurrent, mechanical lock, or overheating of compressor control unit
Press the On/Off button for at least 2 seconds to manually reset the error after checking for physical obstructions.DIY Safe
N/A
Ammonia smell or cooling circuit damage detected
Possible Cause: Refrigerant circuit compromised
Switch off the appliance immediately, avoid open flames and sparks, and thoroughly ventilate the room.DIY Safe
N/A
Total battery discharge when vehicle engine is off
Possible Cause: DC heating element (12V) connected directly to battery without ignition relay
Operate the DC power supply cable (C) via an ignition-controlled relay.DIY Safe
N/A
Compressor will not run at low ambient temperatures (approx. below 0°C) when replacing an absorption unit
Possible Cause: External ventilation grilles are not fully closed
Ensure external ventilation grilles are fully closed when operating in low ambient temperatures below approximately 0°C.DIY Safe
N/A
[12V DC] Fridge does not function
Possible Cause: Blown DC power supply fuse, vehicle fuse blown, discharged vehicle battery, ignition not switched on, compressor temperature too low (<0 °C), or supply voltage dropped below cut-off threshold.
Replace relay fuse or vehicle fuse. Check and charge vehicle battery. Switch on ignition. Close/cover all external ventilation grilles with insulating material if ambient temperature is <0 °C. Charge battery to exceed restart voltage of 11.7 V.DIY Safe
N/A
[12V DC] Refrigerator does not cool sufficiently
Possible Cause: Inadequate ventilation around cooling unit, evaporator iced up, temperature set too high, ambient temperature too high, or too many warm/fresh food items placed inside simultaneously.
Check that ventilation grilles are unblocked. Defrost refrigerator and check door seals. Set a lower temperature. Temporarily remove ventilation grille to exhaust warm air faster. Let food cool down before inserting.DIY Safe
N/A
[12V DC] Error code W02 / Continuous LED - Faulty temperature sensor in cooling compartment
Possible Cause: Defective temperature sensor
Contact authorized customer service.Professional Intervention Required
N/A
[12V DC] Error code E03 / 3 light impulses - Communication error
Possible Cause: Internal communication failure between display and control units
Press the On/Off button for at least 2 seconds to reset.DIY Safe
N/A
[12V DC] Error code E32 / 2 light impulses - External fan overcurrent
Possible Cause: Cooling fan drawing excessive current or jammed
Press the On/Off button for at least 2 seconds to reset.DIY Safe
N/A
[12V DC] Error code E33 / 3 light impulses - Compressor fails to start
Possible Cause: Compressor unit locked or electrical drive failure
Press the On/Off button for at least 2 seconds to reset.DIY Safe
N/A
[12V DC] Error code E34 / 4 light impulses - Compressor overloaded
Possible Cause: System blockage or excessive operating load
Press the On/Off button for at least 2 seconds to reset.DIY Safe
N/A
[12V DC] Error code E35 / 5 light impulses - Compressor controller thermal fuse tripped
Possible Cause: Overheating of the compressor electronics due to poor ventilation
Ensure proper ventilation around the unit and press the On/Off button for at least 2 seconds to reset.DIY Safe
N/A
Device does not start or shuts down unexpectedly
Possible Cause: Battery management system shut down device to protect vehicle battery
Contact vehicle manufacturer or check power supply/cables for dryness, rust, and dirt.DIY Check / Tech Fallback
N/A
Cooling performance is insufficient
Possible Cause: Inadequate heat dissipation or blocked ventilation openings
Ensure sufficient distance from walls/objects for air circulation and keep ventilation grilles free of obstructions.DIY Safe
N/A
Heat accumulation behind the refrigerator
Possible Cause: Clearance between refrigerator and rear wall exceeds 25 mm without an air guide
Install an air guide or ventilation plate to reduce the air duct to a maximum width of 25 mm.DIY Safe
N/A
[12V DC] Fridge does not function / No power
Possible Cause: Fuse in the direct current power supply is defective or vehicle fuse is blown
Replace the relay fuse (contact authorized service technician) or replace the vehicle fuse according to the vehicle manual.DIY Check / Tech Fallback
N/A
[12V DC] Fridge shuts down automatically
Possible Cause: Input voltage is insufficient (drops below 10.4 V)
Charge the vehicle battery. The refrigerator will switch back on automatically once voltage reaches 11.7 V.DIY Safe
N/A
[12V DC] Error code W02 / Continuous LED pulse: Faulty temperature sensor in cooling compartment
Possible Cause: Sensor failure or disconnection
Contact an authorized customer service.Professional Intervention Required
N/A
[12V DC] Error codes E32, E33, E34, E35 / Overcurrent, compressor start failure, overload, or thermal fuse tripped
Possible Cause: Compressor or fan electrical overload/fault
Press the On/Off button for at least 2 seconds to reset the error.DIY Safe
N/A
System shuts down unexpectedly or fails to start
Possible Cause: Vehicle battery management system shutting down device to protect battery
Contact vehicle manufacturerProfessional Intervention Required
N/A
[230V AC] Refrigerator does not work on AC
Possible Cause: The fuse in the AC power supply is defective, the vehicle is not connected to AC mains, or the AC heating element is defective.
Replace the fuse, connect the vehicle to AC power supply, or contact an authorized customer service.DIY Check / Tech Fallback
N/A
[12V DC] Refrigerator does not work on DC
Possible Cause: Defective fuse in DC supply/relay, blown vehicle fuse, discharged vehicle battery, ignition not turned on, or defective DC heating element.
Replace the relay/vehicle fuse, test and charge the battery, switch on the ignition, or contact an authorized customer service.DIY Check / Tech Fallback
N/A
[Gas] Refrigerator does not work on gas
Possible Cause: Gas cylinder empty, gas valve closed, air in the supply line, or gas lock after ignition failures.
Replace the gas cylinder, open the gas valve, switch the refrigerator off and on again to bleed the line, reset error codes.DIY Safe
N/A
[Gas] W01 - Defective temperature sensor in refrigerator compartment
Possible Cause: Faulty sensor hardware or wiring.
Contact an authorized customer service.Professional Intervention Required
N/A
[12V DC] W06 - DC power not connected
Possible Cause: Missing 12V supply connection.
Connect the refrigerator to DC or select a different energy source like gas or AC.DIY Safe
N/A
[12V DC] W11 - DC overvoltage (> 16 V)
Possible Cause: Supply voltage exceeds safe operational thresholds.
Reduce the DC supply voltage.DIY Safe
N/A
[General] E03 - No connection between power module and display
Possible Cause: Communication cable failure or module fault.
Contact an authorized customer service.Professional Intervention Required
N/A
[General] E07, E08, E09 - No cooling capacity in gas, AC, or DC mode
Possible Cause: Unit is operating at an unlevel angle or cooling unit failure.
Check if the device is at an angle and adjust it if necessary. Reset the error. Contact customer service if this error occurs again.DIY Check / Tech Fallback
N/A
[Gas] E50 - Gas lock after 3 ignition attempts
Possible Cause: Empty gas cylinder or ignition failure.
Replace the gas cylinder and reset the error.DIY Safe
N/A
Cooling performance drops or energy consumption increases unexpectedly
Possible Cause: Air intake and exhaust vents covered or blocked by vehicle parts, bicycle racks, or improper clearances (gap to rear wall > 25 mm without guide).
Ensure proper 10 mm to 25 mm spacing behind the fridge, install an air guide plate if the gap exceeds 25 mm, and clear all ventilation paths.DIY Safe
N/A
Unburnt gas smell or exhaust gases leaking into the living space
Possible Cause: Inadequate sealing between the rear of the refrigerator and the vehicle interior, or missing gas floor drain when bottom vent is misaligned.
Install proper flexible draft seals (stop bar or side seals) and ensure a gas floor discharge opening (>= 40 mm diameter) with a deflector is present if the bottom vent cannot align with the fridge base.DIY Safe
N/A
Battery drains completely when the vehicle engine is turned off
Possible Cause: DC heating element (12V) connected directly to the battery without an ignition-controlled relay.
Route the DC power supply line (C) through an ignition-controlled relay to prevent discharge when the engine stops.DIY Safe
N/A
Ammonia smell inside or around the appliance
Possible Cause: Cooling circuit damaged or ruptured
Turn off the appliance if possible, avoid open flames and sparks, thoroughly ventilate the room, and do not open the absorber unit.DIY Safe
N/A
Poor cooling performance or excessive power consumption
Possible Cause: Refrigerator tilt exceeds 3° angle, blocked ventilation grills, incorrect gap behind the refrigerator (>25 mm), or exposure to excessive heat
Park vehicle on a flat surface, ensure correct clearance (15 mm to 25 mm between refrigerator and rear wall), clear ventilation paths, and install a ventilation plate if the rear gap is too large.DIY Safe
N/A
Excessive condensation inside the refrigerator
Possible Cause: Frequent door opening, storing warm food, or clogged/improperly routed condensation drain
Reduce door opening frequency, allow food to cool before storing, and ensure the condensation hose is routed with a constant downward slope through the floor or into the ventilation grill fitting.DIY Safe
N/A
Ammonia smell or cooling unit leaking
Possible Cause: Damaged cooling circuit or absorption aggregate
Switch off appliance immediately, avoid open flames and sparks, and thoroughly ventilate the room.DIY Safe
N/A
Insufficient cooling performance
Possible Cause: Back wall distance greater than 25 mm or blocked ventilation
Ensure back wall distance is between 15 mm and 25 mm, use ventilation boards to reduce dead space, and clear ventilation grilles.DIY Safe
N/A
Battery drains completely when engine is off
Possible Cause: DC heating element power supply connected without ignition-controlled relay
Ensure DC heating element power supply is routed through an ignition-controlled relay and connected to the D+ signal.DIY Safe
N/A
Cooling performance drops / insufficient cooling
Possible Cause: Air intake or exhaust vents blocked, gap between refrigerator and rear wall exceeds 25 mm without an air guide, or unit is installed improperly next to air intake/exhaust.
Ensure proper ventilation clearances (10 mm to 25 mm max to the rear wall), install air guide plates if gap is > 25 mm, and clear all vents from obstruction.DIY Safe
N/A
Exhaust gases or unburnt gas entering living space
Possible Cause: Inadequate sealing between the rear of the refrigerator and the vehicle interior, or lack of proper draught protection.
Install flexible draught seals (stopper bar behind fridge or side seals for gaps up to 10 mm) and do not use flammable materials like silicone or foam.DIY Safe
N/A
Battery drains quickly when parked
Possible Cause: DC heating cartridge connected to constant 12V supply instead of an ignition-controlled relay.
Route the 12V DC heating power supply line through an ignition-controlled relay to prevent complete battery discharge when the engine is off.DIY Safe
N/A
Ammonia smell inside or around the vehicle
Possible Cause: Cooling unit circuit damaged / ruptured
Turn off the appliance if possible, avoid open flames and sparks, and thoroughly ventilate the room.DIY Safe
N/A
Reduced cooling performance and increased power consumption
Possible Cause: Excessive gap (>25 mm) between the refrigerator and the rear wall, or blocked airflow
Reduce the area behind the refrigerator (e.g., using a ventilation plate) and ensure minimum/maximum back clearance of 15 mm to 25 mm.DIY Safe
N/A
Battery draining rapidly when vehicle engine is turned off
Possible Cause: 12V DC heating element (supply line C) not wired through an ignition-controlled relay
Operate supply line C through an ignition-controlled relay to prevent total battery discharge when the engine is off.DIY Safe
N/A
Cooling performance drops / High power consumption
Possible Cause: Refrigerator distance to the rear wall is greater than 25 mm or unit installed beside air vents / excessive heat.
Reduce space behind the refrigerator using a ventilation plate to ensure proper air intake and exhaust. Ensure minimum/maximum clearances are maintained.DIY Safe
N/A
Exhaust fumes inside the living space / draft issues
Possible Cause: Inadequate airtight sealing between the back panel of the combination and the vehicle interior.
Install proper draft-proof seals (stopping bar seal or side gap seals for 1-5 mm / 5-10 mm gaps). Do not use flammable silicone foam.DIY Safe
N/A
Battery drains rapidly when vehicle engine is off
Possible Cause: Heating element DC supply line connected directly to battery without an ignition-controlled relay.
Run the 12V heating supply line through an ignition-controlled relay to prevent total battery discharge when the engine is turned off.DIY Safe
N/A
Ammonia smell or cooling failure due to refrigerant leak
Possible Cause: Damaged cooling unit circuit
Switch off the appliance immediately, avoid open flames and sparks, and thoroughly ventilate the room.DIY Safe
N/A
Battery completely discharged when engine is stopped
Possible Cause: DC heating element (C line) running without an ignition-controlled relay
Operate the DC power supply line for the heating element via an ignition-controlled relay to prevent battery discharge.DIY Safe
N/A
Reduced cooling performance or high energy consumption
Possible Cause: Distance between refrigerator and rear wall exceeds 25 mm, or inadequate ventilation
Reduce the empty space behind the refrigerator using a ventilation plate so that the distance is between 15 mm and 25 mm, and ensure proper airflow through intake and exhaust grilles.DIY Safe

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does climate class of SN (Sub Normal) mean?

The climate class SN (Sub Normal) defines the intended ambient temperature range for the absorption fridge's optimal operation.

Q: What’s the cooling performance in warmer ambient temperatures?

Cooling performance for absorption fridges is affected by warmer ambient temperatures. Ensure proper ventilation around the unit as detailed in the manual to maintain performance.

Q: How to operate an RMxxxx with a solar panel?

To operate an RMxxxx series absorption fridge with a solar panel, ensure the solar system provides adequate 12V DC power or sufficient battery storage to handle the power requirements, particularly when running on DC mode.

Q: My RMxxxx needs to be replaced. What would be an alternative?

When replacing an RMxxxx series refrigerator, look for current Dometic absorption or compressor models matching the physical dimensions and energy source requirements of your motorhome cutout.

Q: The refrigerator does not work In AC power mode?

Check if the vehicle is properly connected to the AC mains supply, verify that the AC fuse in the motorhome is intact, and ensure the refrigerator is switched on to AC mode on the control panel.

Q: The refrigerator does not work In DC power mode?

DC mode (12V) typically only works while the vehicle engine is running and the alternator is supplying power, preventing the vehicle starter battery from draining. Check the 12V DC fuses, vehicle ignition connection, and input voltage at the refrigerator terminals.

Q: The refrigerator does not work In GAS mode?

Ensure the gas cylinder valve is open, the main gas shut-off valves in the motorhome are open, and there is no air trapped in the gas line (try igniting another gas appliance first). Check if the igniter is sparking and that the burner is clean.

Q: In automatic mode: The refrigerator is being operated with gas although it is connected to The AC power supply?

In automatic energy selection mode, if the AC voltage is outside the acceptable tolerance range or unstable, the control system automatically switches to gas mode as a safety fallback. Check the AC supply voltage and connections.

Q: The refrigerator is not cooling adequately?

Verify that ventilation grilles are not blocked, check that the thermostat is set correctly, ensure the door seals tightly, do not overpack the interior restricting airflow, and verify that the selected energy source (AC, DC, or Gas) is actively functioning.

Q: WARNING type fault messages

WARNING type fault messages indicate a non-critical operational issue or prompt. Consult the user manual for the specific warning code displayed on the 10-series control panel to take corrective action.

Q: ERROR type fault messages

ERROR type fault messages indicate a critical system failure that stops the refrigerator from functioning safely on the current energy source. Check the specific error code on the display, troubleshoot the underlying power, gas, or ventilation issue, or contact customer service.