Chosen Solution
I have a Vinotemp wine cooler that loses all power when the red wire from the unit on the back side of the large heat sink is plugged into the control board. Does this mean that thermoelectric unit is shorted and needs to be replaced?
@sgtion possibly an issue with shorted out components on your mother board. Use this guide Vinotemp VT-12TEDi Motherboard Repair to take a look at it. Post some images of your board with your question so we can see what you see. Adding images to an existing question
It sounds like there may be a problem with the POWER CONTROL BOARD. Before anything else, I would advise that we make sure power is not an issue. There will be a power control board on the back of the unit and the board will a pair of LEDS; one red and one green. During normal operation, the LEDS should be steady and solid. The red light would indicate that there is power to the board and in turn get power to your temp. display panel, all fan motors, and the interior led light. The green would indicate that there is a “call for cooling” and in turn energize the cooling system (heat exchanger/radiator). It should feel warm to the touch, if it feels room temperature or cold to the touch, chances are the cooling system will need replacing. There is a service pdf available but this format wont allow me to add it. Update 01/24/18 I’ve added a pdf to assist Microsoft Word - TEDs_service https://www.dropbox.com/s/4svs5edl4ybjf2…
I have a slightly different but very similar model. They are a pair of coolers mounted in a really nice heavy wood credenza (VT-NAPA-2). Vinotemp customer service was no help at all. They said no more parts available. The unit was $2.000 new. Both coolers were not operational after 10 years. One control/power board had a bulging electrolytic capacitor which, when changed restored it to operational status. The problem with the other control/power board could not really be determined so I changed out all the electrolytic capacitors (apprx. 15 pcs. assorted , available ebay-cheap) and also the Regulator Semiconductor (“L7804CV” from ebay-cheap). That fixed the second control/power board. Both units running like new. You need to be comfortable with soldering but parts cost me: Capacitor large kit $15.-Regulator 10pcs $5.-, (only one used)Mosfet & line side regulator chips (Not Used) $ 10.- Spent about 8 hrs, including parts sourcing. Now I have spare parts & can fix again if needed. Contact me if you wish. Alex (fpaj@fpaj.net)
