Dometic RM5310, RM5330, RM5380 Refrigerator
Official technical documentation and workshop diagnostics for RM5310, RM5330, RM5380.
Technical Specifications
Master Troubleshooting & Diagnostics Matrix
| Error Code / Indicator | Symptom / Meaning | Step-by-Step DIY Fix | Suggested Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
N/A | With AC operation: The refrigerator does not work. Possible Cause: The fuse in the AC mains is defective. | Replace the fuse. | DIY Safe |
N/A | With AC operation: The refrigerator does not work. Possible Cause: The vehicle is not connected to the AC mains. | Connect the vehicle to the AC mains. | DIY Safe |
N/A | With AC operation: The refrigerator does not work. Possible Cause: The AC heating element is defective. | Contact an authorised customer service. | Professional Intervention Required |
N/A | With DC operation: The refrigerator does not work. Possible Cause: The fuse in the DC supply is defective. | Replace the fuse. | DIY Safe |
N/A | With DC operation: The refrigerator does not work. Possible Cause: The vehicle battery is discharged. | Test the battery and charge it. | DIY Safe |
N/A | With DC operation: The refrigerator does not work. Possible Cause: The ignition is not turned on. | Switch on the ignition. | DIY Safe |
N/A | With DC operation: The refrigerator does not work. Possible Cause: The DC heating element is defective. | Contact an authorised customer service. | Professional Intervention Required |
N/A | With gas operation: The refrigerator does not work. Possible Cause: The gas cylinder is empty. | Replace the gas cylinder. | DIY Safe |
N/A | With gas operation: The refrigerator does not work. Possible Cause: The gas valve is closed. | Twist the valve open. | DIY Safe |
N/A | With gas operation: The refrigerator does not work. Possible Cause: Air is in the supply line. | Switch the refrigerator off and on again. Repeat the procedure three or four times if necessary. | DIY Safe |
N/A | The refrigerator does not cool sufficiently. Possible Cause: The ventilation around the cooling unit is not sufficient. | Check that the ventilation grille is not obstructed. | DIY Safe |
N/A | The refrigerator does not cool sufficiently. Possible Cause: The evaporator is iced up. | Check whether the refrigerator door is properly closed. Defrost the refrigerator. | DIY Safe |
N/A | The refrigerator does not cool sufficiently. Possible Cause: The temperature is set too high. | Set a lower temperature. | DIY Safe |
N/A | The refrigerator does not cool sufficiently. Possible Cause: The ambient temperature is too high. | Remove the ventilation grille for a while so that warm air can escape quicker. | DIY Safe |
N/A | The refrigerator does not cool sufficiently. Possible Cause: Too much food at once was placed in the refrigerator. | Remove an item. | DIY Safe |
N/A | The refrigerator does not cool sufficiently. Possible Cause: Too much warm food at once was placed in the refrigerator. | Remove the warm food and leave it to cool down before putting it in again. | DIY Safe |
N/A | The refrigerator does not cool sufficiently. Possible Cause: The refrigerator has not been operating for very long. | Check the temperature again after four or five hours. | 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.