If your RV fridge is acting up, one of the first things you should check is the pilot light. If it’s out, then the refrigerator won’t be able to cool down properly.
RV refrigerators utilize both propane and electric gas power to be as efficient as possible. The RV fridge must be switched to gas when you can’t run it on electric power, whether from Dometic or any other brand.
In this case, you must ignite a pilot light, also known as a burner jet, to allow the fridge burners to be lit up. It is sometimes necessary to relight the pilot light multiple times due to air buildup in the gas line.
You Will Need
- Long matches or long butane lighters
- Flashlight (small)
- One small screwdriver with a combination head
Steps On How To Light An RV Fridge’s Pilot Light
Open The Gas Valves
Make sure the refrigerator’s gas valves are open. The gas supply valve to your RV refrigerator and the cylinder gas valve may need to be opened according to the model.
Restart The RV Fridge
Turn off the power button, wait up to a minute or two, then switch it back on. Automatic mode is the default setting for the fridge. It may not automatically ignite the pilot in this way since the refrigerator uses the most suitable power source, either electric or gas.
Switch To Gas Mode
Switch the fridge to the “Gas” mode by pressing the mode button. The unit may display a flame or other gas symbol next to an LED display. Some units have a light that turns on when using gas.
Wait For The Pilot Light
Keep an eye out for the burner jet or pilot light to activate the burners. If it fails on the first try, newer RV fridges have a control system that retries after about half a minute.
There could be air mixed into the gas lines if you have not used your refrigerator for a while or if you just refilled your RV’s propane tank. The pilot light will likely not ignite until several attempts have been made.
Precautions To Take When Lighting The Pilot Light
Before you attempt to light the pilot light on your RV fridge, it is important to take a few safety precautions:
Keep Flammable Materials Away
First, make sure that there are no flammable materials near the fridge, which includes things like paper towels, cleaning supplies, and any other potentially combustible items. You don’t want anything close to the pilot light when you are lighting it because it could easily catch fire.
Ensure Good Ventilation
When you are lighting the pilot light on your RV fridge, it is important to ensure that there is good ventilation. It means that you should open a window or door to allow fresh air to circulate while the pilot light is lit because the process of lighting the pilot light can produce harmful fumes.
Keep A Fire Extinguisher Handy
It’s always good to have a fire extinguisher handy, just in case. Be sure to check the expiration date on the fire extinguisher and replace it as needed. Of course, you have to learn how to use it properly as well since you don’t want to cause more harm than good.
Takeaway
Lighting your RV fridge’s pilot light may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple! All you need is a long match or lighter and some patience. Follow these tips, and you’ll have your pilot light lit in no time.
