N4000 series

Frequently asked questions

Usage

What type of gas do I need?

Only operate the stove with the type of gas (propane or butane) and pressure, as indicated on the rating plate.

My refrigerator will not select 'auto' function.

Not all refrigerators have the ‘auto’ function. Please refer to your owner’s manual.

Why doesn't my refrigerator work on 12V when the car engine is not running?

On the 12 Volt mode the refrigerator needs a constantly supply of 12 Volt. That 12 Volt is coming from the car alternator when it’s running.

What do the blinking blue led and number mean on my refrigerator?

This warning code indicates that something is wrong with your refrigerator. Contact your dealer or Thetford Service Centre for further information.

My absorption refrigerator gives an error code.

While the display is flashing, hold down all three control buttons at the same time until it stops flashing. The temperature level bars that light up show the error code. You can read the error code from the table. In the example, it is error code “10”. You can find the meaning of the codes here.

3: Error in gas operation
Go to a specialist workshop

4: Indicates a defective 12V heating element
> Go to a specialist workshop

6: 12V power supply is out of tolerance (11.4V-15.5V)
> Establish a sufficient, resilient power supply. If necessary, visit a specialist workshop

7: D-plus signal is missing
> Check whether the vehicle engine is running. If necessary, visit a specialist workshop

8: Indicates a defective 230V heating element
> Go to a specialist workshop

10: 230V power supply is outside the tolerance (190V-260V)
> Establish a sufficient, resilient power supply. If necessary, visit a specialist workshop

11: No usable energy can be found
> Check whether the desired type of energy is available.

13: The temperature sensor is defective
> Exchange temperature sensor. Note: If the temperature sensor is defective, the refrigerator shows a fault, but continues to run in an emergency mode.

Notes:

Work on live parts should always be carried out by a specialist workshop. If one type of energy cannot be used due to a fault, select an alternative type of energy.

Do the chimney and burner need cleaning?

The chimney for gas operation will soot over time. The following applies here: the thicker the layer of soot, the less energy the gas flame can use. The refrigerator is not performing well. As the layer of soot increases, the chimney is less able to dissipate heat. There is a risk of heat build-up. That is why the fireplace and the burner should be cleaned regularly. Recommendation: Have the chimney and burner cleaned in a specialist workshop every year. The interval can be shortened if the refrigerator is operated frequently with gas or if the gas was contaminated.

Can I buy shelf clips or bins for my refrigerator?

Yes. Original Thetford spare parts are available through your dealer or Thetford Service Centre.

When does my absorption refrigerator function optimal?

Refrigerators work best when the outside temperature matches the climate class. Absorption refrigerators have climate class “SN”, which corresponds to a range of 10 °C – 32 °C. The following applies here:

• Better at ambient temperature below 10 °C with winter covers *
• Good at an ambient temperature of 10 °C – 32 °C
• Better at an ambient temperature above 32 °C with Thetford fan kit **

* Winter covers for the ventilation grilles are available from specialist retailers
** The Thetford ventilation kit can be retrofitted at a specialist workshop.

Which thermostat setting is the coldest?

We advise to set the refrigerator on cooling level 3, with an ambient temperature between 15°C and 25°C. A higher temperature needs a higher cooling level, a lower temperature a lower level.

Do I need winter covers?

We recommend the use of winter covers when the refrigerator is being used in cool temperatures < 8˚C, and/ or when the vehicle is in storage or when being cleaned.

Use of gas while driving

Because of varying outside conditions during driving, good performance on gas can’t be guaranteed. Therefore Thetford does not advise to run your refrigerator on gas while driving.

My blue fault flashes on the display.

The blue LED is a fault diagnosis tool. It should be accompanied by a ‘spanner’ symbol and a number. Please refer to owner’s manual for a list of diagnostic codes.

How do I move/refit the shelves?

Turn the plastic clamp of the storage shelf upwards, as illustrated in your manual. Lift that side a bit, and move the storage shelf to the desired position. First place the left side of the storage shelf without the plastic clamp in the refrigerator wall, then place the other side in the corresponding groove. Turn the plastic clamp downwards. Your storage shelf is secured again.

Cleaning and maintenance

Why isn't my refrigerator working in the automatic mode?

You may not have an automatic refrigerator, contact your dealer or Thetford Service Centre to see if this is the case.

Why isn't my refrigerator working on gas?

This is the following thing what you must do: Check if the gas bottle is not empty, also check if the valve of the gas bottle and all shut-off valves are open. Then switch the refrigerator off and on again. If none of this is the case, please contact your dealer or Thetford Service Centre.

I see an A in my display but I can not select it, what am I doing wrong?

The A is a preparation for an optional automatic refrigerator, you can’t select it.

What does it mean when the leds are blinking (electric version)?

The blinking leds indicates a warning code. This indicates something is not okay with your refrigerator, with attached description you are able to recognize the warning code. For further information, please contact your dealer or Thetford Service Center.

Why isn't my refrigerator cooling?

Please check if you switched on the refrigerator according to the instructions. Check if the vehicle stands level or if there is an available energy source to start the refrigerator with. If none of this is the case, please contact your dealer or Thetford Service Centre.

Is it okay to defrost my refrigerator/freezer using a hair dryer, heat gun or boiling water?

 No, the sudden change in temperature will cause the inner surface of the refrigerator/freezer to distort. This will not be covered under warranty.

How can I defrost my refrigerator?

First remove all food, wrap it tightly in a newspaper and put it in a cold place or in an insulated bag. Then remove the drawer and leave the doors open. Put some dry towels in the refrigerator to catch the remaining water. When the refrigerator is defrosted, thoroughly dry the inside.

Do the chimney and burner need cleaning?

The chimney for gas operation will soot over time. The following applies here: the thicker the layer of soot, the less energy the gas flame can use. The refrigerator is not performing well. As the layer of soot increases, the chimney is less able to dissipate heat. There is a risk of heat build-up. That is why the fireplace and the burner should be cleaned regularly. Recommendation: Have the chimney and burner cleaned in a specialist workshop every year. The interval can be shortened if the refrigerator is operated frequently with gas or if the gas was contaminated.

My refrigerator smells, how can I clean it?

It is important to clean the refrigerator regularly for optimal performance. First remove the shelves, door bins, slide-out box and the drawer. Then clean those parts and the inside of the refrigerator with a soft cloth and a mild household cleaner. Also use a wet, soft cloth for the outside of the refrigerator.

Should I take special precautions using my refrigerator during winter?

We advise using Thetford winter covers on the ventilation grills from 8 ˚C and below to ensure optimum performance. Winter covers can be obtained as an accessory from your Thetford point of sale.

Need improved refrigerator performance?

To improve the cooling performance of your refrigerator in high temperatures, Thetford advises to install the Ventilator Kit. It helps to detract the warm air quicker to the vents. The Ventilator Kit is suitable for all Thetford refrigerators.

How can I prepare the refrigerator before my journey?

You can do this after a minimum of 8 hours cooling, the food can be placed in the refrigerator. Do not completely cover the cooling fins with food, to preserve an optimal performance of the refrigerator. Make sure air can still circulate around the fins.

Why isn't the door closing properly?

It may be that the door of your refrigerator needs to be adjusted. Contact your dealer or Thetford Service Centre to check this.

Troubleshooting

Can I replace my refrigerator?

Yes, in most instances you can replace your RV fridge. Locate your current model and find a suitable replacement with our fridge replacement chart. For further information on replacing your refrigerator, please contact your dealer or Thetford Service Centre.

Why doesn't my refrigerator always work when I use solar panels?

The 12 Volt supply could be too high due to the usage of solar panels. Your refrigerator has a built-in safety measurement for this, we advise you to check this with your dealer or Thetford Service Centre. Please check the warning code and contact you dealer or Thetford Service Centre.

The Power-LED of my fridge is flashing?

Is your refrigerator defective? The power LED flashes red and the display flashes too?
Don’t panic, the cause can be quickly identified. In the case of refrigerators with an LCD display, a wrench is shown on the right, followed by the error code, in the example this is error code “10”. The meaning of the codes can be found here.

3: Error in gas operation
> Go to a specialist workshop

4: Indicates a defective 12V heating element
> Go to a specialist workshop

6: 12V power supply is out of tolerance (11.4V-15.5V)
> Establish a sufficient, resilient power supply. If necessary, visit a specialist workshop

7: D-plus signal is missing
> Check whether the vehicle engine is running. If necessary, visit a specialist workshop

8: Indicates a defective 230V heating element
> Go to a specialist workshop

10: 230V power supply is outside the tolerance (190V-260V)
> Establish a sufficient, resilient power supply. If necessary, visit a specialist workshop

11: No usable energy can be found
> Check whether the desired type of energy is available

13: The temperature sensor is defective
> Exchange temperature sensor. Note: If the temperature sensor is defective, the refrigerator shows a fault, but continues to run in an emergency mode

Notes:

Work on live parts should always be carried out by a specialist workshop. If one type of energy cannot be used due to a fault, select an alternative type of energy

Which fridge is best suited for off grid conditions?

An absorption fridge is the best solution, because it runs on gas, 230V and 12V. 

Why can't I replace the cooling unit?

Because due to the design of the refrigerator it’s not possible to exchange the cooling unit.

Why doesn't my refrigerator perform good enough on 230V?

It is possible that the incoming voltage is too low, which prevents the refrigerator from performing optimally. Please check if the incoming voltage is not too low on the 230V connection of the refrigerator. If this does not solve your issue, please contact your dealer or Thetford Service Centre.

My fridge shows fault #18.

When a fridge is first switched on the entire display will light up. This should only last for a few seconds.

What does the warning code mean on my refrigerator (automatic version) ?

It is possible that the incoming voltage is too low, which prevents the refrigerator from performing optimally. Please check if the incoming voltage is not too low on the 230V connection of the refrigerator. If this does not solve your issue, please contact your dealer or Thetford Service Centre.

Why doesn't my refrigerator switch to another energy source? (e-version)

Your refrigerator must be manually operated, unfortunately it does not have an automatic function.

Why doesn't my refrigerator work when I push the on/off button?

You may have pressed the button too shortly, we advise you to hold the button for at least 2 seconds. If this does not solve your issue, please contact your dealer or Thetford Service Centre.

How to set up N4000 E+ refrigerator LED. [video]

.

Please   accept marketing-cookies   to watch this video.

How to set up N4000 A refrigerator LCD. [video]

.

Please   accept marketing-cookies   to watch this video.