Will not cool. Electric is on and there is a strong amonia smell.

The smell is Freon, I would replace the unit. The cost to repair is usually 50% or more of the cost of a new one. Once the Freon goes the compressor usually goes with it.

Strong Ammonia smell is dead give away for LEAK. Ammonia is the chief ingredient in the absorption type cooing system. Probably not economical to repair. For a second opinion, contact a Dometic Authorized Service Center.

Thanks for your question @ FixYa.com

Hi, you have a freon leak in your system, with the caravan refrigerators they use amonia as a cooling media. You need to either have a service person the knows this system or purchase a new one. thanks.

Ammonia smell means cooling unit is done. Just double check on dometic site in case of any recalls that may apply. (dometicusa.com)

You need to have 12 volt supplied at all times to make it work
Check to be sure you have a good 12 + and a good ground.
Lots of times the coolant leaks without you smelling anything Slowly over time

Brandi4723,

Unfortunately, you have a bad cooling unit in your refrigerator. Then ammonia smell means that you have a leak in the unit. TURN THE FRIDGE OFF!!! Do not use the fridge on AC or Gas until you have the cooling unit replaced or buy a new fridge. Depending on the model number and serial number of the fridge, it may be under recall by dometic and you might be able to have it repaired for free. If you will provide me with the model number, serial number and the serial number of the cooling unit (found on the outside of the unit in the fridge compartment, lower tank of cooling unit), I can then tell you the pricing of the repairs or whether it is under recall.

Again, TURN THE FRIDGE OFF and do not use it...RISK OF FIRE!!!!

Hope this helps,

Jeff

this is serious problem you have to deal with. since you said you said you smelt ammonia like odour one of the cooling tubes (evaporator ) should have been broken are should contain a small opening or something.do not switch on the refrigerator untill you repair it with an authorized service personnel.do not try disassemble the cooling tubes yourself since incorrect repairing will cause the coolant to evaporate easily and it will cost heavy to replace it.!!!

thats because yoiu have a amonia system thats why they say to keep it level to opoerate properly. the smell may be a leak from where someone punctured the evaporator.

ammonia smell means the cooling unit is bad and must be replaced.....check out rvmobile.com

It is simply a bad cooling unit and that particular piece needs replacing.
I can chose to repair it for around $460 or replace it for about $960.