Owners of Volvo trucks are often faced with the need to service or replace an autonomous refrigerator installed in the cabin. This device ensures food safety during long flights, but over time may require cleaning, repair or complete replacement. The dismantling procedure requires care, since the equipment is built into the furniture complex of the berth and connected to the vehicle's electrical network.
Before starting work, it is important to understand that depending on the configuration and year of manufacture of the tractor, the design of the refrigeration compartment may differ slightly. However, the general principle remains the same: first you need to de-energize the system, then remove the decorative elements, and only then begin to remove the unit itself. Ignoring the sequence of actions can lead to damage to plastic panels or wiring.
In this article we will analyze the dismantling process in detail, paying special attention to the nuances of working with electrical equipment and fasteners. You'll learn what tools you'll need, how to safely remove connectors, and what to look for when installing new equipment. The right approach will allow you to avoid unnecessary costs for the services of service centers.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
To efficiently dismantle the refrigerator in the Volvo cab, you will need a minimum set of tools, which every truck driver usually has. The main attention should be paid to choosing high-quality screwdrivers so as not to tear off the slots on the screws, which are often tightened with force or become sour due to vibration. It would also be a good idea to prepare a flashlight, since access to the lower mounts is often limited.
Organizing the space around the bed is a critically important step. Remove personal items, bedding and foreign objects that may interfere with access to the refrigerator niche. This will not only simplify the work, but also prevent accidental damage to property or loss of small parts, such as screws and plugs.
- 🔧 Screwdrivers with flat and Phillips blades (sizes PH2, PZ2).
- 🔦 Powerful LED flashlight for illuminating a niche.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧼 Clean rags for wiping contacts and removing dust.
Pay special attention to safety. Before starting any work on electrical equipment, it is necessary to turn off the power to the on-board network or remove the corresponding fuse. This will eliminate the risk of short circuit or damage to the tractor's electronic control unit.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to forcefully tear off the plastic panels. The mounting clips in Volvo are quite fragile, and their breakage will lead to squeaks and loose fitting of interior elements.
De-energizing the system and accessing the niche
The first step in the dismantling process is to completely turn off the power to the refrigeration unit. In most Volvo FH and FM models, the refrigerator is powered from a separate circuit protected by a fuse. You can find it in the fuse box, usually located behind the side panel of the cab or under the dashboard, depending on the year of manufacture.
After removing the fuse, make sure that the device does not work. You can check this by opening the refrigerator door - the indicators should go out and the compressor should stop making sounds. Only after this can you begin to remove the external decorative elements covering the body of the unit.
The decorative frame framing the refrigerator door is usually secured with plastic latches and possibly a few screws. Carefully pry it out with a flat-head screwdriver, previously wrapped in a soft cloth, so as not to leave scratches on the plastic. Movements should be smooth, with uniform force around the perimeter.
In some modifications, especially Volvo FMX or FE, access to the side walls of the refrigerator may be limited by storage drawers. In this case, partial disassembly of the furniture complex will be required. This increases the operating time, but is a necessary condition for the safe removal of the unit.
Removing the housing fasteners
After removing the decorative frame, you will see a metal or plastic box in which the refrigeration module itself is installed. It is fixed to the frame of the cabin or furniture using bolts or self-tapping screws. The number of fasteners varies from 4 to 6 pieces depending on the model of the refrigerator.
To unscrew the fasteners, use the appropriate bit. If the screws are rusty or over-tightened, pre-treat them with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and allow it to sit. Sharp jerks can lead to breakage of the screw head, which will significantly complicate further dismantling.
Sequence of actions:1. Treat the thread with lubricant.
2. Wait 5-10 minutes.
3. Carefully tear off the fasteners counterclockwise.
4. Unscrew the screws completely and place them in a container.
Check the bottom of the niche, lifting the edge of the flooring if necessary.
Disconnecting electrical connectors
When the body is freed from mechanical fastenings, the most critical stage begins - disconnecting the electrics. Power and control connectors may be located at the rear of the unit or on the side, depending on the layout. Access to them is often limited, so you need to act by touch or using a mirror.
Never pull on the wires! The connectors on Volvo trucks are equipped with latches that must be pressed out before removing the plug. If you pull the cable, you can break the contacts inside the insulation, which will require complex wiring repairs.
| Connector type | Location | Fixation feature |
|---|---|---|
| Power supply (12/24V) | Rear, left | Plastic latch on top |
| Control (CAN bus) | Rear, right | Latch on the side, requires force |
| Grounding | On the body | Bolted connection |
Inspect the wires for abrasions or melting. If the insulation is broken, before installing a new refrigerator or returning the old one to its place, it is necessary to restore the integrity of the wiring. Using electrical tape is a temporary solution; it is better to use heat shrink.
After disconnecting all connectors, make sure again that nothing interferes with the free movement of the unit. Check to see if the drainage system hoses are snagged, if your refrigerator has them.
Removing the refrigeration module
Now that all fasteners and wires are disconnected, the refrigerator is ready for removal. The weight of the device can be from 10 to 15 kilograms, so it is recommended to carry out this operation with an assistant so as not to injure your back or drop the unit on the cabin floor.
Grip the refrigerator by the body, avoiding grabbing plastic controls or door handles. Smoothly pull the module out of the niche, controlling its position. If the unit is tight, check to see if any wires or hoses are snagged.
- 👥 Have a second person secure the unit.
- 📦 Prepare a free space for temporary placement of the refrigerator.
- 🛡️ Use a soft backing to avoid scratches cabin floor.
⚠️ Attention: When removing, hold the refrigerator vertically or with a minimum tilt. Turning the device over can cause refrigerant and oil to flow into the system, which will damage the compressor.
What to do if the refrigerator is stuck?
If the unit cannot be removed, do not use force. Use a flashlight to illuminate the niche and check for any protruding pieces of furniture or forgotten items. Sometimes a wiring harness gets in the way and needs to be carefully moved aside.
Installation of new equipment or maintenance
If dismantling was carried out to replace the device, installation of the new refrigerator is performed in the reverse order. Pay close attention to the correct connection of the connectors - they have a unique shape and should not be inserted with excessive force. Incorrect connection may burn fuses or control unit.
When installing, make sure that the door sealing rubber bands are not pinched by furniture elements. The gaps should be uniform around the entire perimeter. After fixing the fasteners, check the tight fit of the refrigerator to the niche - it should not rattle when the truck moves.
☑️ Check after installation
Start the system and check the operation of the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. Make sure there is no extraneous noise and cooling is effective. If all parameters are normal, you can install the decorative panels in place.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need to wait after installing the refrigerator before turning it on?
Yes, if the refrigerator was transported in a horizontal position or with a strong tilt, you need to give it stand upright for at least 2-4 hours before turning on for the first time. This is necessary so that the oil flows back into the compressor.
Is it possible to remove a refrigerator on a Volvo without removing all the furniture?
In most cases, complete disassembly of the furniture is not required. However, in some modifications (especially with a custom layout), it may be necessary to remove the side panel or top drawer to access the side mounting bolts.
Which fuse is responsible for the refrigerator in the Volvo FH?
The location of the fuse depends on the year of manufacture. It is usually located in a block under the dash or behind the driver's side panel. There is often a diagram on the fuse box cover where it is labeled "Fridge" or "Coolbox". The rating is usually 10A or 15A.
Why does the refrigerator not turn on after installation?
Check the integrity of the fuse, the correct connection of the connectors (until it clicks) and the presence of voltage at the input to the refrigerator. Also make sure that the power button on the device itself is turned on, if there is one.