Dometic DM3862 Refrigerator Instruction Manual

Manual Dometic DM3862 Refrigerator Instruction Manual

Dometic DM3862 Refrigerator Instruction Manual

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Dometic DM3862 Refrigerator

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Dometic DM3862 Refrigerator

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Dometic DM3862 Refrigerator Instructions

Here we offer the Dometic DM3862 Refrigerator manual completely free and in English. We have cataloged this manual in the Refrigerator section on Manualverse, and it has been rated by 1 users with an average rating of 5. If you have any specific questions about Dometic DM3862 Refrigerator, we suggest checking the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section of this manual.


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Dometic DM3862 Refrigerator Specifications

Feature Specification
Model designation in manual RM 3862 (2-way AES model)
Manual part number 825 12 24-00
Refrigeration system Absorption (ammonia, hydrogen, water)
Energy sources 120 V AC or LP gas
Control power supply Continuous 12 V DC (controls work down to 9.6 V DC)
Total refrigerated volume 8 cu.ft.
Overall height 60-51/64 in (1544 mm)
Overall width 24-7/8 in (632 mm)
Overall depth 26-11/16 in (678 mm)
Recess height 59-15/16 in (1522 mm)
Recess width 23-11/16 in (602 mm)
Recess depth 24 in (610 mm)
Certification ANSI Z21.19 / CSA 1.4 (refrigerators using gas fuel)
Gas connection 3/8 in SAE (UNF 5/8 in-18) male flare at manual gas valve
LP gas operating pressure 11 inches water column (maximum supply pressure)
AC heater 325 W, 115 V (part no. 17 37 68-03/7)
Fuses Control system 3 A; AC heater 5 A
AC power cord Three-prong grounded plug, 2 ft free length
Recommended receptacle location Left side (viewed from rear), approx. 6 in from floor
DC wire size 14 AWG up to 17 ft (5 m); 12 AWG up to 27 ft (8 m) total conductor length
Minimum ventilation height 63-3/4 in (1620 mm), roof vent and lower side vent installation
Clearances to combustibles Top 0, sides 0, bottom 0, rear 0 in
Maximum gap above refrigerator 1-1/2 in (anything larger must be blocked)
Certified vent kit Kit 4A: Roof Base 3103633.XXX, Roof Cover 3103634.XXX, Lower Side Vent 3109350.XXX
Minimum vent opening dimension 1/4 in
Burner jet No. 58 (part no. 200 74 19-21/7)
Electrode gap 1/8 in to 3/16 in (3-5 mm)
Gas ignition sequence 3 attempts of approx. 45 seconds, 2-minute interval
Interior lamp 12 V, 10 W halogen, base G4 (part no. 385 04 55-01/9)
Initial cooldown time Up to 4 hours
Mounting Six screws (not included): front base, top frame, rear base
Corrosion protection Sodium chromate, less than 2% by weight of coolant

Dometic DM3862 Refrigerator Details

The Dometic DM3862 is a gas and electric absorption refrigerator for recreational vehicles and mobile homes. Its Automatic Energy Selector (AES) control panel has a main ON/OFF button, an AES/AUTO/GAS mode selector, a temperature selector with five settings, plus Climate Control (CLC) and Low Ambient Control (LAC) buttons. Indicator lamps show AC mode, AES/AUTO mode, GAS mode and CHECK status, and there are separate lamps for the temperature level and each auxiliary function.

In AES/AUTO mode, the control chooses the energy source on its own and gives AC priority over gas. If 120 V AC is lost, the refrigerator switches to LP gas. When AC comes back, it switches back to AC whatever the gas status is. GAS mode runs on propane only. If the burner does not light, the CHECK lamp turns on, and you reset it by turning the main power off and then on again.

The control system has a limp mode with two cases. If the display module fails, the refrigerator runs fully automatically and holds the temperature at the mid setting. If the temperature sensor fails, the cooling unit runs continuously on the selected energy source until a new sensor is installed. One thermostat controls both gas and electric operation, so you don't need to readjust it when the energy source changes.

Leveling matters because the evaporator tubing is sloped so liquid ammonia flows down by gravity. If the vehicle is parked off-level for several hours, cooling can drop or stop completely. The vehicle only needs to be level enough to be comfortable to live in. While driving, leveling is not critical. Climate Control uses a 12 V heater to evaporate condensation on the frame between compartments, and it draws power continuously while switched on. Low Ambient Control should be on below 50°F and off above that temperature.

For food storage, the coldest areas are under the cooling fins and at the bottom of the cabinet. The door shelves are the warmest. In the freezer, put ice cream and soft fruits at the bottom of the aluminum liner. The freezer is not designed for deep or quick freezing. Precooled meat or fish keeps about three times longer there than in the fresh food compartment. For faster ice, put the trays in direct contact with the freezer floor.

To defrost, switch the unit off, leave the drip tray in place and keep the doors open. Hot water in the ice trays speeds this up. Never use hot air blowers or sharp tools, because they can warp parts or puncture the ammonia system. Clean the liner with a weak lukewarm soda solution, and clean the fins, gasket and shelves with warm water only. Before storing the refrigerator for several weeks, empty, defrost and clean it, then leave the doors ajar.

Installation calls for a fixed sequence of six screws, which keeps the combustion seal at the front frame intact. The manual also covers a gas safety shutoff test using a bubble solution on the burner jet. The wire shelves can be moved after you release the plastic shelf locks with a screwdriver.

Once or twice a year, a qualified technician should clean the coils and vents, leak-test the gas connections, check the AES switching and measure gas pressure at the test port. The technician should also clean the flue with a brush and soak the burner jet in wood alcohol. A proper flame is clear blue over the burner slots.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can't find the answer you need? Here are some frequently asked questions about the Dometic DM3862 Refrigerator, and we answer them below.


What energy sources does the Dometic DM3862 use?
It runs on 120 V AC or LP gas. A continuous 12 V DC supply is also needed for the electronic controls, which keep working down to 9.6 V DC.

How long does the refrigerator take to cool the first time?
On the very first start, the cooling cycle can take up to four hours before the cooling unit is fully working.

What does it mean when the CHECK lamp lights up?
It means the burner failed to light in GAS mode. Press the main power button OFF and then ON to reset it. If the lamp keeps coming on after several tries, check the LP supply and valves, then contact a service center.

Which energy source has priority in AES/AUTO mode?
AC has priority over gas. The control switches to gas if AC is lost and returns to AC as soon as it is available again.

Why is leveling the vehicle important?
The absorption system relies on gravity to move liquid ammonia through the sloped evaporator tubing. Running the refrigerator off-level while parked can reduce or block cooling.

When should I use the Low Ambient Control?
Turn on LAC when the outside temperature is below 50°F for long periods, and turn it off once it rises above 50°F.

Does the Climate Control drain the battery?
Yes. It draws 12 V DC continuously while it is on, so turn it off when no charging source is available.

What fuses does the DM3862 use?
It has two fuses: 3 A for the control system and 5 A for the AC heater. Both are under the power module cover.

What is the correct LP gas pressure?
The correct operating pressure is 11 inches water column, measured at the test port just ahead of the burner jet.

What replacement lamp does the refrigerator need?
It needs a 12 V, 10 W halogen lamp with a G4 base, part no. 385 04 55-01/9. Turn the unit off and wear gloves when you replace it.

How do I defrost the refrigerator safely?
Switch it off, empty it, leave the drip tray in place and keep the doors open. Hot water in the ice trays speeds up melting. Never use a hot air blower or sharp tools.

What ventilation kit is certified for this model?
Kit 4A, which includes Roof Base 3103633.XXX, Roof Cover 3103634.XXX and Lower Side Vent 3109350.XXX, with a minimum ventilation height of 63-3/4 in (1620 mm).

How often is maintenance required?
A qualified technician should inspect and clean the unit once or twice a year, including the vents, coils, gas connections, flue, burner and burner jet.

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