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Error code reference

Dometic Refrigerator Error Code CHECK

The control system has failed to ignite the LP gas burner after the approximately 45-second ignition trial…

Dometic codesDometic refrigerator codes

The control system has failed to ignite the LP gas burner after the approximately 45-second ignition trial period.

First step from the service manual

Press the main power ON/OFF button to OFF then ON to restart a new 45-second ignition sequence; may need to repeat 3-4 times to purge air from supply lines.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What CHECK means on a Dometic refrigerator

The CHECK error on a Dometic refrigerator indicates that the control board attempted to ignite the LP gas burner and failed to detect a successful flame within the approximately 45-second ignition trial window. During this trial period, the control system energizes the igniter and opens the gas valve to allow LP fuel to reach the burner. If the flame sensor does not confirm combustion before the timer expires, the board locks out and displays CHECK to alert the user that LP mode cannot be maintained.

The ignition system involves several components working in sequence: the LP gas supply line and valve, the burner orifice, the spark igniter electrode, and the flame sensor (thermocouple or thermistor depending on the unit). A failure at any one of these points can prevent the control board from confirming a successful light. Common hardware causes include a blocked or corroded burner orifice, a fouled or cracked igniter electrode, a weak or failed flame sensor, or a faulty gas valve that is not opening fully.

Supply-side issues are equally important to diagnose. Air trapped in the LP lines after a tank change or a low or empty LP tank are frequent causes, especially in recreational vehicle applications. The control board does not distinguish between a supply problem and a hardware failure, so repeated restart attempts are often necessary to purge air before a component-level diagnosis is warranted. Proper LP pressure at the regulator and a clean, unobstructed burner assembly are prerequisites for reliable ignition.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of CHECK

  1. 01

    Air in the LP supply line

    Wiring / connection

    After a propane tank is changed or runs out, air trapped in the line prevents fuel from reaching the burner during the ignition trial. Cycling the power OFF and ON repeatedly, up to 3 or 4 times, allows the system to purge the air and attempt ignition again.

  2. 02

    Empty or low LP tank

    Wiring / connection

    If the propane tank is empty or the regulator pressure has dropped too low, the burner will not receive enough fuel to sustain ignition. Check the tank level and verify that the main valve is fully open.

  3. 03

    Blocked or fouled burner orifice

    Wiring / connection

    Insect nests, debris, or carbon buildup can partially or fully block the burner orifice, restricting gas flow to the point where ignition cannot occur. Inspect and clean the burner assembly and orifice with compressed air or an approved cleaning tool.

  4. 04

    Failed or fouled igniter electrode

    Part replacement

    A cracked, corroded, or carbon-coated spark electrode will produce a weak or absent spark, preventing fuel from igniting during the trial period. Inspect the electrode tip for visible damage or heavy deposits and replace it if the spark is inconsistent or absent.

  5. 05

    Faulty flame sensor or gas valve

    Part replacement

    A degraded thermocouple or flame sensor may fail to confirm combustion even when ignition does occur, causing a false lockout. A gas valve that is not opening fully will also starve the burner of fuel. Either component will require testing and likely replacement.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about CHECK

What does CHECK mean on a Dometic refrigerator?
The CHECK code means the refrigerator attempted to ignite the LP gas burner and did not detect a successful flame within the approximately 45-second ignition trial period. The control board then locked out LP mode and displayed the code to indicate the failure. This can be caused by issues ranging from air in the propane line to a faulty igniter or gas valve. Pressing the power button OFF and then ON restarts a fresh ignition attempt.
Will resetting the refrigerator clear the CHECK error?
Pressing the main power ON/OFF button to OFF and then back to ON will clear the lockout and start a new 45-second ignition trial. If the underlying cause is simply air in the LP line or a momentary supply interruption, repeating this reset 3 to 4 times is often enough to resolve the error. If the CHECK code returns every time, a component issue such as a blocked orifice, bad electrode, or empty tank needs to be addressed before the error will stay cleared.
Is the CHECK error on a Dometic refrigerator a safety concern?
The CHECK lockout is itself a safety feature. The control board stops attempting ignition after the trial period to prevent unburned propane from accumulating. If you smell gas near the refrigerator or the burner compartment, turn off the LP supply at the tank immediately and ventilate the area before attempting any reset or diagnosis. In the absence of a gas smell, the error can be diagnosed and reset without immediate safety risk.
How do I fix the CHECK error on my Dometic refrigerator?
Start by pressing the power button OFF then ON up to 4 times to purge any air from the LP lines and allow the system to reattempt ignition. Verify that the propane tank is not empty and that the tank valve is fully open. If the error persists, inspect the burner assembly for debris or blockages and clean the orifice if needed. If cleaning does not resolve the issue, the igniter electrode, flame sensor, or gas valve may need to be tested and replaced.
How much does it cost to repair a Dometic refrigerator showing the CHECK error?
If the cause is air in the lines or an empty tank, there is no repair cost beyond refilling the propane. Cleaning a blocked burner orifice is also a low-cost or no-cost fix if done yourself. Replacing an igniter electrode or flame sensor typically costs between $20 and $80 in parts, with professional labor adding $75 to $150 or more depending on the service provider and location. A failed gas valve is the most expensive single component, with parts and labor potentially ranging from $150 to $350 or higher.

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