WAECO CoolMatic CR Fridges: Compressor Servicing and Fault Finding
WARNING! Please note: when working on the fridge, you must isolate and disconnect the supply.
Contact: technical@dometic.co.uk | Website: www.dometic-waeco.com
Model Range
CRP-040
Removable compressor (1.5 m)
12v/24v
No internal light
30° constant incline MAX
AC power via rectifier (EPS-35/MPS-35), optional extra
Changeable décor panel
[Image description: Physical appearance of the CRP-040 fridge model.]
CR-xx (50, 65, 80, 110, 140)
12v/24v
AC (Only CR-140)
Internal Light
30° constant incline MAX
AC power via rectifier (EPS-35/MPS-35), optional extra
Changeable décor panel
[Image description: Physical appearance of CR-xx fridge models, including CR-80 shown.]
Data Plate
The data plate is located on the inside roof of the fridge.
Example Data Plate Information:
Model Number: CR-0050
Serial Number: 06009622
Inhalt/Volume: 50 L
Nennspannung/Nominal Voltage: DC 12/24V =
Nennstrom/Nominal Current: 5.7A at DC12V / 2.8A at DC24V
Kältemittel/Refrigerant: R134a/53g
Max. Druck/Max. Pressure: ND 11 bar/HD 25 bar
Treibmittel/Insulation Blowing Gas: C5H10
Klimaklasse/Climatic class: N or T
Manufactured for: WAECO
Certifications: TÜV Rheinland Product Safety, Geprüfte Sicherheit
Supply Voltage: (Indicated on plate)
Average running amps: (Indicated on plate)
Refrigerant type and fill quantity: (Indicated on plate)
Polyurethane Insulation: (Indicated on plate)
Climate class: N (16° to 32°C), T (18°C to 43°C)
Website: www.waeco.com
[Image description: An open fridge showing the data plate on the inner roof, detailing specifications like model, voltage, refrigerant, and climate class.]
Troubleshooting
| Fault | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Compressor is running but not cooling | The compressor may have lost its gas | Place your hand on top of the compressor. If it feels hot to the touch, it may have lost its gas. Contact Dometic for service exchange (in warranty) or a local F Gas approved refrigerator engineer (out of warranty). |
| Compressor is shutting down and RED LED flashes 1 | Supply voltage issue | Check the voltage at the electronic module terminals. Voltage must be above 11.7V for 12V and 24.2V for 24V to start. Battery voltage measurements are not indicative due to wiring losses. |
| RED LED flashes 2 | Excessive fan current | Clean or exchange the fan. |
| RED LED flashes 3 | The compressor shudders or doesn't start | The module could be faulty. Exchange the module first. If the rotor is jammed, leave the unit upright to cool. If the problem persists, contact Dometic. |
| RED LED flashes 4 | Speed too low | The cooling system may be overloaded with oil or refrigerant. Leave the unit upright to cool. If the problem persists, contact Dometic. |
| RED LED flashes 5 | Overheating of electronic unit | There is a temperature sensor in the electronic module. If the unit is badly installed or the ambient temperature is too high (above 45°C), the unit will shut down until the temperature reduces. |
| The compressor runs constantly | Faulty thermostat | Remove and replace the thermostat. |
| Compressor runs but the light does not work inside | The supply has been reversed | Older models have a dropper next to the module at the rear that needs removal/replacement. Newer units have the dropper built into the bulb. |
| Compressor is not running but the green light is on | Possible thermostat or module fault | Locate the compressor and bridge the C & T terminals. If the compressor starts, the thermostat is faulty; otherwise, the module is at fault. [Diagram description: Shows compressor terminals C and T to be bridged.] |
| The door doesn't open | The bottom lock is damaged | Sometimes the door lock bends during transit. Loosen the lock and place 2 metal washers under the plastic. See guide. |
| Fridge defrosts over night | Ambient temp too low | The fridge has a climate class of N (16° to 32°C) and T (18°C to 43°C). Problems occur when ambient temp drops below 16°C, preventing the fridge from switching back on. Increase the ambient temperature. |
Repair Guides
Replacing the Electronic Module
Please note: when working on the fridge you must isolate and disconnect the supply!
- Locate the module at the rear of the fridge.
- Isolate the supply. Remove the other female crimps from the wiring. Make a note of the wiring connections.
- Remove the screw located between the module and the compressor. The module will hinge away from the compressor. Pull off the 3-pin plug.
[Image description: Shows the location of the electronic module, disconnection of wiring, and removal of the securing screw. A wiring diagram for the CR range is also visible on the fridge case.]
Changing the Decor Panel
- Remove the seal from the top of the door.
- Locate and unscrew the four screws across the top of the door frame.
- Pull the handle up and out; the section containing the handle is in a T-shape.
- Pull the standard décor panel out and replace it with your desired panel.
- Reverse steps 4 to 1 to reassemble.
[Image descriptions: A series of images illustrating the steps for removing and replacing the fridge door's décor panel, from removing the seal to pulling out the panel.]
Changing the Thermostat
- Locate the thermostat housing inside the fridge and remove the light button.
- Remove the front screw securing the housing.
- Remove the LED cover.
- Loosen the rear screw; this screw does not need to be fully removed.
- Pull the thermostat housing forward; it should now come away from the wall.
- Disconnect the black plug from the thermostat.
- Carefully remove the thermostat capillary probe from its location.
- Loosen the screws on either side of the thermostat.
- Remove the thermostat control knob.
- Reverse steps to replace. Important: Ensure the thermostat probe is not cut and is inserted correctly into the pipe within the wall of the insulation, not just the insulation material itself.
[Image descriptions: A sequence of images guides the user through accessing and replacing the thermostat, showing steps like removing the light button, screws, LED cover, and the capillary probe.]
Fixing the Bottom Lock
Customer Complaint: Unable to open the fridge door without lifting the door. This can sometimes be due to installation issues or damage during transit.
Procedure: Remove the fridge from its housing and disconnect the power. Locate the bottom door lock.
Adjustment: You can adjust the bottom lock using the silver screw marked on the left. If adjusting the screw does not resolve the issue, loosen the outer screws and place a thin washer on both sides between the housing and the lock plate.
[Image descriptions: Images show the bottom door lock mechanism and indicate the adjustment screw. Another image shows the washer placement for adjustment.]
Testing the Compressor Windings
Procedure:
- Remove the electronic module.
- Use a voltage meter to check the resistance between the pins (A, B, C). All three pins should read approximately 2 ohms at 25°C.
Resistance Readings:
| Pins | Ω Reading @ 25°C |
|---|---|
| A-B | 2 |
| A-C | 2 |
| B-C | 2 |
[Image description: Shows the compressor terminals labeled A, B, and C, used for resistance testing.]
