Intermittant Refrigerator issue

[sheepstations]

Hi everyone,
we have a 33' yacht with marine fridge built in. It uses a BD35 compressor and runs off both 240 and 12 volts. It uses a Waeco electronic module (see attached picture).
The issue is it has basically stopped running and no longer works. I know this is a bit like how long is a piece of string but what are the first steps to try and find out what's wrong? Getting a marine fridge mechanic to visit in my remote location isn't going to happen.
I'm thinking of replacing the electronic power module? Could it be a dud thermostat issue?
Any suggestions would be appreciated. It was working fine up until a few days ago.
I did get it to work momentarily by adjusting the thermostat to -10 degrees but it cut out again soon after.
Any thoughts?

[PippaB]

You might find this thread useful as it goes through troubleshooting the same controller.

[sailorboy1]

Sound like the thermostat. Jumper it at the control module and see if the unit runs.

[Boatguy30]

Also, if a mechanical thermostat with a dial. Tap on it really hard. Sometimes they get stuck. Probably need to replace if sticking. Next step would be jumper. Also check to see it's no trying to start, fan running, etc but not compressor. That would mean thermostat is fine, but have another issue. Important to measure voltage if that's happening next.

[sheepstations]

Thanks everyone for your input.
I was back to the boat today and tried -
1. jumping the C and T terminals - no compressor
2. tested I was getting voltage to the fan wires from the power module and got 12.8V.

3. connected directly from a fully charged battery (14.0V) to the pos and neg terminals on the power module and jumped C and T terminals - no compressor.
4. made new crimp connections for the cables running to C and T terminals. The old connectors looked a bit suss.



Weirdly enough, the compressor turned on for about 3 minutes when I first powered it up today. Then nothing.


My thoughts before today was the thermostat but I am leaning towards a bad power module. But why would it give me 12.8V for the fan?



Any suggestions or input would be appreciated.


JR

[Boatguy30]

It only ran 1 time for 3 minutes? I would say fitting the test LED light as outlined on various sites maybe next step.

If it's old enough it could be the compressor or maybe the chsrge is to low and its having a differential pressure cutout LED code may help. Could be compressor, charge, blocked cap tube or controller at this point

[Lepke]

Check your wiring connections, especially the ground.

[fourlyons]

Connect a 12-volt led to pins F and D and see if it's blinking a trouble code. The led pos. goes to pin F, the minus goes to pin D. Don't just start throwing parts at it, unless you don't mind wasting money.

[sheepstations]

Originally Posted by fourlyons

Connect a 12-volt led to pins F and D and see if it's blinking a trouble code. The led pos. goes to pin F, the minus goes to pin D. Don't just start throwing parts at it, unless you don't mind wasting money.

Hi, I don't see any LED indicators. Is this something you have to add for diagnostics?

[Uncle Bob]

Hi, there is a marine refrigeration firm in victoria, Ozefridge, run by Pete and his son Louie who will probably assist with their extensive knowledge if you reach out to them. They answer both email and phone queries.
Cheers.

[sheepstations]

Originally Posted by Uncle Bob

Hi, there is a marine refrigeration firm in victoria, Ozefridge, run by Pete and his son Louie who will probably assist with their extensive knowledge if you reach out to them. They answer both email and phone queries.
Cheers.

I spoke to Louie and he was very helpful.
He thinks it's the power module, said 9 times out of 10 that would be the issue.
Thanks again.