RV Refrigerator "Auto" Button Dometic #2672

[Lingerieloft]

Why does my refrigerator have a “Auto” button and a “gas” button. If it is supposed to automatically change to propane, do I need to release “gas” button?

[Morich]

The auto is handy for lots of times as it will choose electric when available but then when disconnecting and moving to another site, it switches to propane for travel but goes back to electrical when plugged in again.

Most of the time we prefer to use electrical as it comes pre-paid at the sites we use, but if there were a time when we wanted to stay on propane, that would be an option.

However, it is never a good idea to totally trust automatic things if it means the frig may melt down if things don't go as planned.

We never fully trust it as we have had numerous times when we have unplugged, it switches to propane,only to go out after 10-15 minutes! Sometimes we have said it was an air bubble in the line but we never have found a good explanation for HOW the air got there, so we just check the light now and then as we travel.

Do they just blow out at times? Are there actually gremlins that travel with us to try to ruin our day?
I just assume it pays to be alert!

[emiddleb]

On most, Auto will give priority to electric and switch to gas when electric isn't present. This helps keep thing cold while you are away and the power goes out. Power goes out, it switches to gas, then later power comes back, it switches back to electric. You come home, all is well. You don't have to touch anything. Most of the time, you probably would use Auto and leave it.

The AC and Gas settings are for when you specifically want to use only that source with no switching. Perhaps in a dry camping situation where you prefer to use only one or the other source.

(Richard types faster than me... <g>)

[Ray,IN]

There is no reason not to leave the "'auto" button engaged on the fridge, unless you only want to use LP.

Originally Posted by Morich

The auto is handy for lots of times as it will choose electric when available but then when disconnecting and moving to another site, it switches to propane for travel but goes back to electrical when plugged in again.

Most of the time we prefer to use electrical as it comes pre-paid at the sites we use, but if there were a time when we wanted to stay on propane, that would be an option.

However, it is never a good idea to totally trust automatic things if it means the frig may melt down if things don't go as planned.

We never fully trust it as we have had numerous times when we have unplugged, it switches to propane,only to go out after 10-15 minutes! Sometimes we have said it was an air bubble in the line but we never have found a good explanation for HOW the air got there, so we just check the light now and then as we travel.

Do they just blow out at times? Are there actually gremlins that travel with us to try to ruin our day?
I just assume it pays to be alert!

Yes, most people refer to the following as "air in the system".
When the LP tank valve is shut off the lines have approx. 0.4psi in them. This very low pressure dissipates slowly over time through tiny leaks in the system. Then when the tank valve it turned on it takes a while for the entire LP system to equalize @ 0.4psi again. This may be rushed by opening a cooktop burner for several seconds, then lighting the burner.
Now the tiny flame of the LP fridge burner will light, as will the LP oven pilot.