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NorCold 20DCIMSS Refrigerator Failure

T

ThirstyDragon

New member
We have a 2024 Paradigm 310RL that we purchased in January 2024. The NorCold 20DCIMSS 12v refrigerator has stopped cooling. Alliance has told me to go through NorCold. NorCold (Thetford) told me they will not help me and directed me to find an "authorized service center".

The freezer is working, but there is no cooling in the refrigerator. I have checked the fuses under the unit, tested the thermisters, defrosted the unit, cycled the power on and off repeatedly and nothing. When I turn it on, I hear a loud gurgling, which is something I never heard when it was working. I ordered a new control board for $150 to test that, but my hopes aren't high (I won't have it for several more days). Based on everything I'm seeing, I think the compressor failed.

I'm disappointed that a $5,500 refrigerator failed about six months after the 1 year warranty expired and it seems neither Alliance nor NorCold is interested in helping out at all.

Question is whether anyone else has had this happen with this unit? Did it end up being the compressor? I'm in a bit of a time crunch because we're supposed to leave for a 11 week trip next week and I don't have a refrigerator at the moment.
 
BryanValRox

BryanValRox

Elite Member
ThirstyDragon said:
We have a 2024 Paradigm 310RL that we purchased in January 2024. The NorCold 20DCIMSS 12v refrigerator has stopped cooling. Alliance has told me to go through NorCold. NorCold (Thetford) told me they will not help me and directed me to find an "authorized service center".

The freezer is working, but there is no cooling in the refrigerator. I have checked the fuses under the unit, tested the thermisters, defrosted the unit, cycled the power on and off repeatedly and nothing. When I turn it on, I hear a loud gurgling, which is something I never heard when it was working. I ordered a new control board for $150 to test that, but my hopes aren't high (I won't have it for several more days). Based on everything I'm seeing, I think the compressor failed.

I'm disappointed that a $5,500 refrigerator failed about six months after the 1 year warranty expired and it seems neither Alliance nor NorCold is interested in helping out at all.

Question is whether anyone else has had this happen with this unit? Did it end up being the compressor? I'm in a bit of a time crunch because we're supposed to leave for a 11 week trip next week and I don't have a refrigerator at the moment.
Click to expand...
Hi folks, sorry your having this issue.
I can’t offer any specific sugesstions, however attached is the service manual. It appears to have some pretty good information that might help you resolve your issue.
 

Attachments

  • Norcold 15-20cu 12v Service Manual - PN 641052 Rev B - 05.18.2022.pdf
    841.4 KB · Views: 23
T

terminalhour

Member
ThirstyDragon said:
We have a 2024 Paradigm 310RL that we purchased in January 2024. The NorCold 20DCIMSS 12v refrigerator has stopped cooling. Alliance has told me to go through NorCold. NorCold (Thetford) told me they will not help me and directed me to find an "authorized service center".

The freezer is working, but there is no cooling in the refrigerator. I have checked the fuses under the unit, tested the thermisters, defrosted the unit, cycled the power on and off repeatedly and nothing. When I turn it on, I hear a loud gurgling, which is something I never heard when it was working. I ordered a new control board for $150 to test that, but my hopes aren't high (I won't have it for several more days). Based on everything I'm seeing, I think the compressor failed.

I'm disappointed that a $5,500 refrigerator failed about six months after the 1 year warranty expired and it seems neither Alliance nor NorCold is interested in helping out at all.

Question is whether anyone else has had this happen with this unit? Did it end up being the compressor? I'm in a bit of a time crunch because we're supposed to leave for a 11 week trip next week and I don't have a refrigerator at the moment.
Click to expand...
Hi, we have a 2024 Paradigm 395DS and are having the exact same problem as of a few days ago. Freezer is cooling, fridge is not. I pulled the unit out myself and confirm that the freezer compressor is operating but the fridge compressor is not. Both cooling fans are also working.
I guess I’m about to go down this rabbit hole of phone calls to whoever will listen.
 
H

Hallzy

New member
terminalhour said:
Hi, we have a 2024 Paradigm 395DS and are having the exact same problem as of a few days ago. Freezer is cooling, fridge is not. I pulled the unit out myself and confirm that the freezer compressor is operating but the fridge compressor is not. Both cooling fans are also working.
I guess I’m about to go down this rabbit hole of phone calls to whoever will listen.
Click to expand...
I’m reading you post on the fridge
Unfortunately I’m fighting the same issue
Can I ask what you did to resolve this? I am in desperate need of a top side control board.
This is my first post so I would appreciate any help
 
S

swkster

New member
I have the exact same problem. The only difference is that I have lost two NorCold 12V refrigerators.
I have spoken to Theford, and they told me, 'Sorry, your warranty has run out. The first one fell through the floor of the slide and damaged it. Norcold replaced this one. General RV installed the replacement, and a few months later, it stopped working. General RV found a burnt-up fuse holder and repaired it. Now, a few months later, this refrigerator has quit again. The freezer works, but the refrigerator does not. I called Thetford, and they just said it's out of warranty. So I called Alliance RV and explained what problems I have had, and General RV sent a timeline of my Problems and repairs. Alliance RV responded that they agreed with Thetford that it was out of warranty.

" I'm disappointed that a $5,500 refrigerator failed about six months after the 1-year warranty expired, and it seems neither Alliance nor NorCold is interested in helping out at all. "

I feel your pain. I have my camper back at General RV, facing A repair for about $4500.

I can not understand how, in three years, we can lose two refrigerators and somehow no one cares.

They said it was the compressor the first time. They have just told me the refrigerator needs to be replaced so far this time.

These are the notes from General RV on the work they have done.


Information below is the list of times you were in for the fridge.

3/19/2024: Inspecting the refer I noticed it is leaning to the right. Before removing the refer I inspected the bottom and sides to see if I can see anything that would cause this. I could not see anything so I removed the refer to get a better look. Once removed I lightly stepped on the platform and it would not hold my weight. Inspecting the platform more I noticed it is not secured to the cabinets. Will need to remove the platform and rebuild a new stronger platform. Will need 3 hrs for fix.

4/16/2024 : Inspected refer compressor noise issues the compressor on the refer side not working as it should so I called and talked to Norcold talked to James at 11:20 on April 22. Told him the issues with the refer unit he sent us a sheet to fill out on the unit we need to send to them for an ok to replace refer unit if not cooling as it should be doing. Filled out sheet and uploaded to job line. Will need to make a sop for a new refer to R&R. To remove this refer it may need to be taken out of a window or slide due to its size. Doors will need to be taken off and countertop moved to get refer out of slide hole. Requesting 4hrs to r&r as a starting point.

8/12/2024: Opened doors and removed caps from screw holes. Removed all screws from fridge and freezer. Removed bottom angle plate from framing under refrigerator. Pulled refrigerator out of opening and removed refrigerator from coach through opening for slide out. Set new refrigerator inside and installed new refrigerator into opening and connected wiring. Secured angle bracket and secured refrigerator in place with screws. Turned refrigerator on and tested. Complete RTD-2.0

3/19/2025: Located fuse and fuse holder under the refer. The fuse holder was held in place to the cabinet base with a wire clamp, not enough clearance between the screw and the bottom of the refer to remove screw from clamp. Used oscillating multi tool to cut off screw, made sure not to damage wire. Fuse holder had actually melted to the base of the cabinet, had to use multi tool to remove fuse holder. Took wires from refer and checked for damage, no damage found. Stripped both ends and connected to a new fuse holder with butt connectors that I crimped onto the wires, pulled wires to test connection, connection secure. Installed new 15 amp fuse in fuse holder, add sure fuse was seated properly. The refer turned on and is operating properly. Did not notice a gurgling noise as stated by customer. It is normal for the refer to make that sound. Repair complete

Now, October 22 2025, it's back at General RV with a refrigerator that needs to be replaced.
 
sawendland

sawendland

Member
swkster said:
I have the exact same problem. The only difference is that I have lost two NorCold 12V refrigerators.
I have spoken to Theford, and they told me, 'Sorry, your warranty has run out. The first one fell through the floor of the slide and damaged it. Norcold replaced this one. General RV installed the replacement, and a few months later, it stopped working. General RV found a burnt-up fuse holder and repaired it. Now, a few months later, this refrigerator has quit again. The freezer works, but the refrigerator does not. I called Thetford, and they just said it's out of warranty. So I called Alliance RV and explained what problems I have had, and General RV sent a timeline of my Problems and repairs. Alliance RV responded that they agreed with Thetford that it was out of warranty.

" I'm disappointed that a $5,500 refrigerator failed about six months after the 1-year warranty expired, and it seems neither Alliance nor NorCold is interested in helping out at all. "

I feel your pain. I have my camper back at General RV, facing A repair for about $4500.

I can not understand how, in three years, we can lose two refrigerators and somehow no one cares.

They said it was the compressor the first time. They have just told me the refrigerator needs to be replaced so far this time.

These are the notes from General RV on the work they have done.


Information below is the list of times you were in for the fridge.

3/19/2024: Inspecting the refer I noticed it is leaning to the right. Before removing the refer I inspected the bottom and sides to see if I can see anything that would cause this. I could not see anything so I removed the refer to get a better look. Once removed I lightly stepped on the platform and it would not hold my weight. Inspecting the platform more I noticed it is not secured to the cabinets. Will need to remove the platform and rebuild a new stronger platform. Will need 3 hrs for fix.

4/16/2024 : Inspected refer compressor noise issues the compressor on the refer side not working as it should so I called and talked to Norcold talked to James at 11:20 on April 22. Told him the issues with the refer unit he sent us a sheet to fill out on the unit we need to send to them for an ok to replace refer unit if not cooling as it should be doing. Filled out sheet and uploaded to job line. Will need to make a sop for a new refer to R&R. To remove this refer it may need to be taken out of a window or slide due to its size. Doors will need to be taken off and countertop moved to get refer out of slide hole. Requesting 4hrs to r&r as a starting point.

8/12/2024: Opened doors and removed caps from screw holes. Removed all screws from fridge and freezer. Removed bottom angle plate from framing under refrigerator. Pulled refrigerator out of opening and removed refrigerator from coach through opening for slide out. Set new refrigerator inside and installed new refrigerator into opening and connected wiring. Secured angle bracket and secured refrigerator in place with screws. Turned refrigerator on and tested. Complete RTD-2.0

3/19/2025: Located fuse and fuse holder under the refer. The fuse holder was held in place to the cabinet base with a wire clamp, not enough clearance between the screw and the bottom of the refer to remove screw from clamp. Used oscillating multi tool to cut off screw, made sure not to damage wire. Fuse holder had actually melted to the base of the cabinet, had to use multi tool to remove fuse holder. Took wires from refer and checked for damage, no damage found. Stripped both ends and connected to a new fuse holder with butt connectors that I crimped onto the wires, pulled wires to test connection, connection secure. Installed new 15 amp fuse in fuse holder, add sure fuse was seated properly. The refer turned on and is operating properly. Did not notice a gurgling noise as stated by customer. It is normal for the refer to make that sound. Repair complete

Now, October 22 2025, it's back at General RV with a refrigerator that needs to be replaced.
Click to expand...
With all those issues... after NorCold says, "sorry you're out of warranty", I'd say "Sorry NorCold", I won't buy another one of your products. To many problems while under warranty. Now that it's out, I'll buy someone else's product.
 
M

Meanjean73

Well-known member
This makes me nervous, just bought a new to me 2024 paradigm and the fridge is set on level 4 and holding around 42 degrees inside. Seems like it should be colder but maybe that’s normal?
 
BryanValRox

BryanValRox

Elite Member
Meanjean73 said:
This makes me nervous, just bought a new to me 2024 paradigm and the fridge is set on level 4 and holding around 42 degrees inside. Seems like it should be colder but maybe that’s normal?
Click to expand...
We set both our refrigerator and freezer temperature settings to 3. The frig temp usually stay between 38 and 40 degrees. The freezer runs in the area of 9-11.
 
BryanValRox

BryanValRox

Elite Member
Meanjean73 said:
How long does it take to get to temp? It’s inside my shop that’s 45-50 degrees inside
Click to expand...
Usually, 3-4 hours.
At least in our case, the freezer temp always drops first and more rapidly. The fridge gets to the set point in the same window, it just doesn’t appear to drop at the same rate.(which is understandable)
 
7426TRISS

7426TRISS

Well-known member
I would say NorCold knows they have a problem with there $5500.00 unit. I would press very hard to have it replaced again.

I work for an OEM and the Customer is always first, Step Up NorCold, or Lawyer!
 
M

Meanjean73

Well-known member
Another dumb question. Should you actually feel air blowing out of the vent on top inside the fridge? Or is that a return? I can’t see any other vents in the fridge. Just turned it back on after my wiring project to level 5. It’s at 43 for a starting point.
 
T

terminalhour

Member
Well, we’re now in the next step of getting our Norcold refig. replaced. After I replaced the compressor control module and the upper electronics module, I finally sucked it up and took it in for warranty work. They had our camper for a day to run a temp test and confirm that it is, in fact, broken. After submitting a warranty request with Assurant, they only moderately balked at wanting to pay for a new unit. But in the end our new fridge is ordered and being shipped as we speak. I now see that the extended warranty was probably worth it considering the cost of a new replacement fridge and labor to get it in.
 
M

Meanjean73

Well-known member
terminalhour said:
Well, we’re now in the next step of getting our Norcold refig. replaced. After I replaced the compressor control module and the upper electronics module, I finally sucked it up and took it in for warranty work. They had our camper for a day to run a temp test and confirm that it is, in fact, broken. After submitting a warranty request with Assurant, they only moderately balked at wanting to pay for a new unit. But in the end our new fridge is ordered and being shipped as we speak. I now see that the extended warranty was probably worth it considering the cost of a new replacement fridge and labor to get it in.
Click to expand...
Can they fit out the door?
 
M

Meanjean73

Well-known member
Oregon_Camper said:
FYI...we are on our 4th...yes 4th Norcold frig and all three of the failed units went out the door. They simply remove the 2x doors and freezer door and it will easily go out the door.

View attachment 4450 View attachment 4451
Click to expand...
Where did you have this done? Lastly, did you replace with the same fridge on the last one or change it up.

My fridge on level 5 for 24 hrs is at 40 degrees maybe 39. With no warranty I’m at a crossroads. Attempting to have it fixed or get something else. Another Norcold is out of the question at $5500

Sucks I missed it on my PDI and now stuck with it.
 
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