Suppose you have a small cabinet model 12 volt refrigerator that quit cooling, the first thing you would want to confirm is whether compressor was running. If compressor is not running problem is almost always electrical. If it is confirmed compressor is running, problem will be loss of refrigerant or refrigerant flow is restricted. Because most of these compressors are manufactures by Danfoss they are so quiet it is hard to tell if they are running so a sound you hear may just be a fan. The best way to tell if compressor is actually running is to turn it on for at least 30 minutes and see if it gets warm.

If compressor does not run refer to my web site TECH TIP #2 LED Trouble Flash codes

If compressor keeps running and there is little or no cooling of evaporator inside refrigerator box see REFRIGERANT CHARGE on my web site.

When refrigerant charge is confirmed to be the problem and only then it is possible to service unit currently yourself, providing 134a refrigerant is the only refrigerant that is used in your system. With service technicians charging $60 to $90 an hour. Low on refrigerant problem can mean 4 to 6 hours labor to leak test and re-service and even then the decision then by tech may be to replace complete unit. If this is a Frigoboat Keel Cooler system labor hours can extend to multiples and never ending service calls.

After positively confirming compressor is running continuously and little or no cooling it is possible to add refrigerant without gauges and expensive adapters. This is a process of adding refrigerant in 2 second bursts then checking frosted areas after a 10 minute running before adding more refrigerant. These small capillary tube systems contain less than 5 ounces of refrigerant add too much and compressor will not run. All that is needed to service one of these small units is a $15 service tap-a-can with hose attached, and a $5 mail to female Acme adapter that fits connector on tap-a-can hose and male service port on compressor. This adapter sold at auto parts stores is designed to quickly convert old Freon cars to 134a standards. You will also need one 14 ounce can of pure 134a refrigerant with no oil or any additive in can.

WARNING if your refrigeration unit was built before 1996 it may contain Freon R12 and can not be converted to 134a refrigerant.