Anyone with direct Waeco experience, please read and add comments below.
I've had a Waeco CF50 (12/24v DC only model) in my truck for 4 years now. It has run just about 24/7 since I installed it. I recently added Anderson power plugs to the main power supply cord, thus making the end providing the power interchangeable. I added the Anderson power plugs to the pigtail on the factory cig lighter plug to match up. I then created another pigtail with power plugs and wired directly to my auxilliary fuse panel. The whole plan was to eliminate the cig lighter plug and run the wires along the inside of the door sill. As soon as I plugged my new direct power source wires into my fridge I got a solid red error light. The compressor does not run, nor does the light on the inside come on.
The only time I've seen the red light come on, it typically flashes indicating a voltage drop overnight. I tried contacting Waeco/Dometic USA last week and amazingly got through the maze of extensions and menu options. The guy was pretty terse and said the solid red light means that I have a loose wire on the main board. So I asked him if opening the casing and checking the wires for loose connections was all I had to do - he replied yes.
So I went about disassembling the fridge's cabinet and checking all the wiring connections. Removing each connection one at a time and checking for cracks, corrosion, etc., I confirm that each wire is indeed still intact and nothing is brittle or corroded or not terminated. While I have it in the house I plug it into the OEM AC inverter. This is the one branded Mobitronic and actually produces 24v DC from 110v/220v AC. Still the same solid red light with no compressor or interior light. Solid red error light only.
Next I remove the control panel from the top edge to reveal the thermostat control board. It has one ribbon connector that appears to be seat correctly and no other signs of shorts or cracks on this board either.
I try going back to Waeco's website to find that phone number again and cannot locate what I previously had found. I try some of the other numbers and cannot find a tech support dept that handles the portable refrigeration equipment. I feel like I'm in the Twilight Zone when I start navigating their website, circling back around to somewhere that seems familiar but slightly different. I find a resource guide for all of their service centers listed by state. I call a couple in the Atlanta area and they seem perplexed as to why they are listed on Waeco/Dometic's website. One is a Cummims Power Diesel Service Center and he says they used to service old Dometic fridges, but had never heard of Waeco. The other guy I called said they only do gas absorption type fridge repair found in RV's.
So, now I'm calling on fellow MUD members to help me out. I don't have any real electrical experience - so asking me to put a voltmeter on something is not going to happen. Your wisdom is welcome.
I've had a Waeco CF50 (12/24v DC only model) in my truck for 4 years now. It has run just about 24/7 since I installed it. I recently added Anderson power plugs to the main power supply cord, thus making the end providing the power interchangeable. I added the Anderson power plugs to the pigtail on the factory cig lighter plug to match up. I then created another pigtail with power plugs and wired directly to my auxilliary fuse panel. The whole plan was to eliminate the cig lighter plug and run the wires along the inside of the door sill. As soon as I plugged my new direct power source wires into my fridge I got a solid red error light. The compressor does not run, nor does the light on the inside come on.
The only time I've seen the red light come on, it typically flashes indicating a voltage drop overnight. I tried contacting Waeco/Dometic USA last week and amazingly got through the maze of extensions and menu options. The guy was pretty terse and said the solid red light means that I have a loose wire on the main board. So I asked him if opening the casing and checking the wires for loose connections was all I had to do - he replied yes.
So I went about disassembling the fridge's cabinet and checking all the wiring connections. Removing each connection one at a time and checking for cracks, corrosion, etc., I confirm that each wire is indeed still intact and nothing is brittle or corroded or not terminated. While I have it in the house I plug it into the OEM AC inverter. This is the one branded Mobitronic and actually produces 24v DC from 110v/220v AC. Still the same solid red light with no compressor or interior light. Solid red error light only.
Next I remove the control panel from the top edge to reveal the thermostat control board. It has one ribbon connector that appears to be seat correctly and no other signs of shorts or cracks on this board either.
I try going back to Waeco's website to find that phone number again and cannot locate what I previously had found. I try some of the other numbers and cannot find a tech support dept that handles the portable refrigeration equipment. I feel like I'm in the Twilight Zone when I start navigating their website, circling back around to somewhere that seems familiar but slightly different. I find a resource guide for all of their service centers listed by state. I call a couple in the Atlanta area and they seem perplexed as to why they are listed on Waeco/Dometic's website. One is a Cummims Power Diesel Service Center and he says they used to service old Dometic fridges, but had never heard of Waeco. The other guy I called said they only do gas absorption type fridge repair found in RV's.
So, now I'm calling on fellow MUD members to help me out. I don't have any real electrical experience - so asking me to put a voltmeter on something is not going to happen. Your wisdom is welcome.