Have you ever been in the situation where you get to your camp and all you want is to keep the beer cold but your gas fridge will not light? It is very frustrating and there is usually a simple answer. Here is a checklist - start at the beginning and go step by step

Firstly and most simply is there any gas in the cylinder? If you have two cylinders do you need to change cylinders or change the valve to the other cylinder?

Is the gas cylinder valve open or turned on?

If you have gas is the gas getting to the fridge? We have met a couple who were out on their first outing in their new (second hand) motorhome. Their fridge would not work and it was found there was a stop cock in the line. The Gas Installation Code (AG 601 - 2002, point 6.2.6.3) states that "a manual shut-off valve shall be provided on the inlet connection of an appliance. The valve shall be accessible for operation." If your fridge is not working find this valve and check that it is in the open position.

Do you have a leak in your gas lines? Please do not check this with a match or open flame. Use soapy water and apply with a spray bottle if you have one or just with a sponge. If you have a leak you will see it bubble. It is a good idea to do this as an annual check.

Once you have established that you have gas and all valves are open a good way to check if that the line is feeding the gas is to turn a hotplate on. If it lights easily and stays lit you have gas and it is flowing in the lines.

If the fridge has been off for some time the lines may have been starved of gas and filled with air. You may need to bleed this air. Again, if you light the hotplate you will bleed any air in the line between the bottle and the hotplate and assist in getting the air out of the line to the fridge.

Do you have spark? Can you see a spark from the igniter - either through the inspection window or from the vent in the rear? If it is a piezio ignition does it need replacing - check with an authorised repairer. If it is the old flint style does it need cleaning? If you have no spark check your fridge manual for manual ignition options.

If the fridge reasonably level? In some fridges the gas will cut out if the vehicle is beyond a certain angle.

If you have spark and you have gas there is usually no reason why the fridge should not light If the fridge is working on electricity and not on gas this will indicate that the cooler unit is working and that there is only a minor gas problem.

Once you get it started
If you have taken some time to sort out the problems before getting it started do not be tempted to turn up the thermostat to get the fridge cold fast. Absorption fridges are very different to the compressor fridge you are used to running at home. Turning your gas fridge up too high can case the cooling unit to overheat and make the fridge very inefficient.

Making the fridge work efficiently is another subject altogether. For great information on this subject try Collyn Rivers "Campervan and Motorhome Book"