Replacing Danfoss 101N0210 with 101N0212

Apr 17, 2013
153
Catalina 310 57 Pompano Beach, FL
Having fridge issues and will replace the 101N0210 module, which is discontinued with the 101N0212. I don't think this one has a heat sink. Has anyone had issues with the 101N0212.

Thanks,
Mark
 
Last edited:

Tom J

.
Sep 30, 2008
2,301
Catalina 310 Quincy, MA
No issues with the fridge yet. Mine is a 2003 model. What is the module you mentioned for?
 

KZW

.
May 17, 2014
831
Catalina 310 #307 Bluewater Bay, FL
I had to add coolant to my refrigerator last spring. Still working just fine. 2005 boat
 

Tom J

.
Sep 30, 2008
2,301
Catalina 310 Quincy, MA
I had to add coolant to my refrigerator last spring. Still working just fine. 2005 boat
Did you find the fridge to be user serviceable? Did you have to install your own service valves?
 
Apr 17, 2013
153
Catalina 310 57 Pompano Beach, FL
Did you find the fridge to be user serviceable? Did you have to install your own service valves?
I am not dealing with the refrigerant as of yet. My issue is that the compressor will not come on. It could be the thermostat, compressor or the Danfoss module which tells the compressor when to run. It is very simple to replace the Danfoss module that is what I am doing first. If that does not work I do have a spare thermostat or I will just jump the connections for the thermostat on the Danfoss module. I assume I will need to get a refrigerator mechanic if it is a refrigerant issue.
 
  • Like
Likes: Tom J

rukidn

.
Apr 23, 2012
160
Catalina 310 258 Sandusky, OH
I hope the problem is external electrical as you've targeted. Sounds so.

The compressor does have service valves. The suction side normally serviced is closest and easiest to access. High pressure side is a long reach, but normally not needed. A slow leak is likely the aluminum tubes feeding the evaporator, which corrode due to moisture trapped between the insulation sleeve and the tube. /Ed
 
Jan 7, 2014
395
Beneteau 45F5 51551 Port Jefferson
Try googling the part numbers and see if they are interchangeable. Amazon shows that it is but I'd get a second opinion. I replaced the module in my first boat and it did the trick. My next boat had the same problem, new module and problem solved. Both used the 4 pin modules. Easy fix, good luck

 
Apr 17, 2013
153
Catalina 310 57 Pompano Beach, FL
Try googling the part numbers and see if they are interchangeable. Amazon shows that it is but I'd get a second opinion. I replaced the module in my first boat and it did the trick. My next boat had the same problem, new module and problem solved. Both used the 4 pin modules. Easy fix, good luck

Today I replaced the Danfoss module, still compressor would not come on. I bypassed the thermostat same problem. I am am getting 12.4 volts to the the Danfoss module. The error code I get from the Led is 3 blinks no refrigerant has been added to the system. Any suggestions on how to proceed troubleshooting.
 
Jan 7, 2014
395
Beneteau 45F5 51551 Port Jefferson
Try this website, tons of great info.
 

RitSim

.
Jan 29, 2018
406
Beneteau 411 Branford
I userd the Kollmann tips too. You indicated that you are starting with the module. I would recommend that you start by jumping out the t'stat, Then hookup the LED to see if you get any led flashes.

I ended up changing both the compressor and the module - went one compressor larger and used the Danfoss 101N510 controller. This is a dual voltage 12VDC/120VAC controller.
 

Attachments

Apr 17, 2013
153
Catalina 310 57 Pompano Beach, FL
I userd the Kollmann tips too. You indicated that you are starting with the module. I would recommend that you start by jumping out the t'stat, Then hookup the LED to see if you get any led flashes.

I ended up changing both the compressor and the module - went one compressor larger and used the Danfoss 101N510 controller. This is a dual voltage 12VDC/120VAC controller.
I replaced the Danfoss module, still compressor would not come on. I bypassed the thermostat same problem. I am am getting 12.4 volts to the the Danfoss module. The error code I get from the Led is 3 blinks no refrigerant has been added to the system. Any other suggestions on how to proceed troubleshooting.
 

RitSim

.
Jan 29, 2018
406
Beneteau 411 Branford
Have you checked the compressor windings for shorts or grounding, resistance? This is detailed on the Kollmann site.You can try adding refrigerant - Mine was R134-A - same as car A/C. Accurately measure LOW pressure line - (this is either the pigtail dead-ending up from the compressor) or locate the line from the evaporator (refrigerator) to the compressor. Measure the line accurately - may be metric tubing. and attach a piercing valve. The pic below is for concept only.
1603465021856.png
 

Tom J

.
Sep 30, 2008
2,301
Catalina 310 Quincy, MA
I replaced the Danfoss module, still compressor would not come on. I bypassed the thermostat same problem. I am am getting 12.4 volts to the the Danfoss module. The error code I get from the Led is 3 blinks no refrigerant has been added to the system. Any other suggestions on how to proceed troubleshooting.
Maybe try tapping on the compressor while power is applied. It might just be stuck.
 
Nov 18, 2010
2,441
Catalina 310 Hingham, MA
I replaced the Danfoss module, still compressor would not come on. I bypassed the thermostat same problem. I am am getting 12.4 volts to the the Danfoss module. The error code I get from the Led is 3 blinks no refrigerant has been added to the system. Any other suggestions on how to proceed troubleshooting.
When you have the 12.4 volts at the compressor, what is the battery bank voltage? What does the voltage do when the unit is turned on (need a second person to test this)?

I suspect you will see the voltage drop to 10ish volts. In which case you have a bad connection and I would guess it's the ground.

The factory ground wiring of almost all boats is suspect. On the 310 you have half a dozen or more wire lugs stacked on a couple of bolts into the hull. An upgrade Mainesail has discussed before is adding a Blue Sea Systems block and moving the grounds to the block. Then one wire (2/0 AWG) running to engine from the block. Then some corrosion protection. I'm currently using No-Ox-Id for these type of terminals.

If you have the voltage drop, take a 15-20 foot length of wore and run it from the ground location on the compressor controls to the batteries. This is just temporary. Then try starting the fridge and see if that fixes the voltage drop. If it does than your issue is on the ground side and I would start looking at the engine.

Good luck and fair winds
 

RitSim

.
Jan 29, 2018
406
Beneteau 411 Branford
JK Boston's comment is valid. Most of these controllers have a low voltage cutout.
 
Feb 8, 2009
118
Sabre 34 MK-1 Annapolis, MD
I have had this failure twice. It is the control module -- an expensive, but easy, replacement. And unfortunately, the Achilles Heel of the Danfoss compressors.

Read the 3-blink-error description here:

Harry
 
  • Like
Likes: Tom J
Apr 17, 2013
153
Catalina 310 57 Pompano Beach, FL
I have had this failure twice. It is the control module -- an expensive, but easy, replacement. And unfortunately, the Achilles Heel of the Danfoss compressors.

Read the 3-blink-error description here:

Harry
I did replace the control module and still not compressor running. I was getting the 3 blink led with the new module and with the old. Recently the Led has stopped blinking. I will test it per the article you sent me. It is not easy to get to the unit and I have messed with the wires numerous times, so I will check if I don't have them connected well.
 
Nov 18, 2010
2,441
Catalina 310 Hingham, MA
JK Boston's comment is valid. Most of these controllers have a low voltage cutout.
This is different than the low voltage. It's short cycling. And it can be caused by a few things: low refrigerant, bad compressor or excessive voltage drop by a bad connection.
 
Apr 17, 2013
153
Catalina 310 57 Pompano Beach, FL
This is different than the low voltage. It's short cycling. And it can be caused by a few things: low refrigerant, bad compressor or excessive voltage drop by a bad connection.
I did check the voltage while the fridge was running and saw minimum voltage drop 12.6 to 12.4. Now I am not getting the blinking Led. I will have to troubleshoot that. I am not sure if it is even trying to start the compressor. My battery bank is 4 6volt Trojan T105 fully charged.