Dometic Refrigerator: “50 / 51 / 52 (gas lock)”
danger RV refrigerator error codes
What it means
Gas (LP/propane) operation fault. On RUA models, codes 50/51/52 indicate the fridge has 'gas-locked' — typically after about three failed ignition attempts the control board stops trying and blocks gas operation until reset. The related 10-Series error E07 means 'no cooling capacity in gas mode.' This is the modern electronic equivalent of the older RM-series 'Check' light that comes on when no propane flame is detected after three ignition attempts.
Most likely causes
- Empty LP/propane bottle or the gas supply valve is shut off most likely
- Air in the gas line after refuelling or after running the tank empty (needs purging by repeated ignition attempts) common
- Clogged burner/jet or blocked flue restricting the flame common
- Faulty igniter, flame-sense electrode, or gas valve solenoid less common
- Fridge not level enough to develop cooling in gas mode (also triggers E07-type 'no cooling' faults) less common
Safe checks you can do yourself
- Confirm the propane bottle is not empty and the cylinder valve and any gas isolation valves are open.
- If a stove/cooktop is available, light a gas burner first to purge air and confirm gas is reaching the appliances.
- Make sure the RV/fridge is reasonably level.
- Visually check the burner area for obvious dirt, soot, or nests blocking the flue (with the gas off and unit cool).
How to reset / clear 50 / 51 / 52 (gas lock)
- On RUA models: after correcting the gas supply, press and hold the encoder/control knob ~3 seconds until a beep to reset; do not hold too long or the fridge switches off.
- On 10-Series models: press the control knob ~2 seconds to reset the error; E07 must be reset manually.
- If the fault returns immediately after a valid reset, stop and have it serviced.
When to call a technician
Gas supply is confirmed good, the unit is level, and air has been purged, but it still will not light or it gas-locks again — suspect a failed igniter, flame sensor, gas valve, clogged jet, or control board. Any gas smell or soot/yellow-flame condition warrants immediate professional service.
Applies to
Dometic RUA series · Dometic 10-Series (RM/RMD/RMS 10.5) · Older Dometic RM-series with 'Check' light (e.g. RM2652/RM3962/RM1350) for the equivalent flame-failure behavior
FAQ
What does Dometic Refrigerator code "50 / 51 / 52 (gas lock)" mean?
Gas (LP/propane) operation fault. On RUA models, codes 50/51/52 indicate the fridge has 'gas-locked' — typically after about three failed ignition attempts the control board stops trying and blocks gas operation until reset. The related 10-Series error E07 means 'no cooling capacity in gas mode.' This is the modern electronic equivalent of the older RM-series 'Check' light that comes on when no propane flame is detected after three ignition attempts.
How do I reset Dometic Refrigerator 50 / 51 / 52 (gas lock)?
On RUA models: after correcting the gas supply, press and hold the encoder/control knob ~3 seconds until a beep to reset; do not hold too long or the fridge switches off. On 10-Series models: press the control knob ~2 seconds to reset the error; E07 must be reset manually. If the fault returns immediately after a valid reset, stop and have it serviced.
What is the most common cause of 50 / 51 / 52 (gas lock) on a Dometic Refrigerator?
The most likely cause is empty lp/propane bottle or the gas supply valve is shut off.
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Sources
- Display shows fault: 50 — RUA Refrigerators — RUA refrigerator fault 50 (gas) support page (Dometic (official product support))
- Dometic RMD 10-Series RMD10.5 Operating Manual (E07 'no cooling in gas mode') — RMD10.5 operating manual, error E07 (Dometic)
- Dometic Refrigerator Service Training (Check light / 3 ignition attempts on RM-series) — RM-series check-light flame-failure behavior (Dometic (training material, hosted by MyRVWorks))
Note: RUA codes 50/51/52 are all gas-related lockouts confirmed by Dometic's own fault pages; the exact distinction between 50, 51 and 52 was not fully retrievable, so they are grouped. E07 ('no cooling in gas mode') is a related but distinct 10-Series error. The 'three ignition attempts' detail is documented for RM-series check-light behavior and is widely reported for these gas-lock codes but exact attempt count may vary by model/firmware.
● Last verified 2026-06-29 · compiled from manufacturer documentation. Codes can vary by model year — always cross-check your unit’s manual.