Fridge Issues

What model Waeco is it?

I have an 80L (CF-80) and it gave me a few hassles that were annoying but easy fixed. First problem fixed was the motor controller board was replaced under warranty. Before it was replaced it caused the compressor to run and then when the compressor stopped it would go clunk and then run again and would keep doing this until the battery went flat. While this happened the fridge would not get very cold at all. It would flash 3 error lights when doing this.

Second problem I think is the plug supplied with the fridge lead. I used the merit plug and socket with 10 square mm wire run to the back of my Disco. However the fridge would tell me the battery was flat and flash 1 error light. I got my multimeter out and read all the voltage drops and found the problem was in the lead. I called Waeco and they sent me a new lead. However I replaced the plug and socket on mine with the Clipsal low voltage plug. Looks like a normal 240v plug but has two terminals in a T configuration.
The crimped connectors inside the merit plug also come loose. My merit plug got warm though even when all was well.
The fridge runs like a dream now.

Just a hint though. For warranty work just call Waeco direct and ask for your nearest service agent. Then drop the fridge into the service agent yourself.
Although when my lead was faulty I called Waeco and told them I had chased voltage drops and found the lead was faulty. I asked them to send me out a new lead and they sent one out with a courier overnight.

Im tipping, that if it works fine off of 240v but buggeres around on 12v then the capacitors or a transistor on the voltage board (sometimes called a motor control board, converter board or a pletherora of other names) is dodgy. The board can be replaced quiet easily by yourself but you mustr be acerful as normally it is buried under the radiator so it hard to get to.. if you bust the radiator coils write off the fridge

60l waeco and he said it could kill a battery in 24 hours. :o

I have a cf 50 running of a second battery in my D2. I had exactly the same problem. (error flashing intermit) Checked fridge no fault. Checked wiring which I had already replaced previous to the rear of vehicle)
Found it was the cig lighter connection not feeding correct power(dropping current under load. replaced it with a Anderson plug (50amp i think) works fine.

Hope this helps.
Dave

I also have a CF50 .In the back of the rangie I have fitted the second battery next to the fridge, and just fitted 12V Cig lighter as a power source. This has worked well for ages, including forgetting the fridge was on for 4 days straight, the battery was still above 11 volts because the fridge was still on...I have been happy with the Waeco so far, it has been dusted, vibrated( It isn't held down at all) and airborne a few times(!) and is very reliable. I would buy another.
In answer to the question, I would seriously doubt your 12 volt outlet or wiring is up to scratch, as these units have an under and over voltage cutout. I think it is 11V, and this is easy to get down to, as the volt drop over the distance from the batt to the rear of the car is considerable in some cases. This is why I mounted the second battery in the rear, apart from the fact it wouldn't fit in the front any more....

JC

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Originally Posted by Blknight.aus

Im tipping, that if it works fine off of 240v but buggeres around on 12v then the capacitors or a transistor on the voltage board (sometimes called a motor control board, converter board or a pletherora of other names)

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This is what was replaced on mine under warranty.

Thanks there has been some excellent feedback, will look into all of those possibilities raised and let you know the outcome.

Regards

Stevo

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60l waeco and he said it could kill a battery in 24 hours. :o

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Yep its a Cf 60, and it doesnt kill the battery, moreso when I wake up in the morning, the battery is still showing 12+ volts, but the error light is flashing and the temp has risen. AM going to trial over this break as battery is almost charged and switch it over and see what happens,

Regards

Stevo

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Originally Posted by DRS

I have a cf 50 running of a second battery in my D2. I had exactly the same problem. (error flashing intermit) Checked fridge no fault. Checked wiring which I had already replaced previous to the rear of vehicle)
Found it was the cig lighter connection not feeding correct power(dropping current under load. replaced it with a Anderson plug (50amp i think) works fine.

Hope this helps.
Dave

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I'd put money on it being this. I've got the Evakool and it does the same thing. I get about 2-3 weeks worth of life out of the cig plug and although it will look fine visually even when you strip it, the resistance in it goes high and it trips the low voltage circuit and turns the fridge off.

Although you can run it on the cig plugs, to have any reliability you will need to run it from a proper power outlet. In my case I run a marine fitting and so far it has been faultless and the fridge works beautifully as it gets full current/voltage/goolies or whatever the hell comes along the wire.