Dometic fridge igniter won't push in

[Tel7]

Hi all,

We've recently bought a 2010 Bailey Pegasus 554 caravan which I think has a Dometic RML8550 230v 12v LPG Gas Caravan Fridge. We don't have mains power in the current location, so for the first time, I'm trying to run the fridge on gas, but when I try to press the igniter button (grey button to left of gauge) it doesn't move. I followed the instructions in the manual, which was to hold the temperature control in first. I think the button has a small battery inside it, and I know how to remove it, but doing so also requires the igniter to be pushed in which isn't happening.

Has anyone else seen or heard of such a problem?
Any ideas what causes it and how to fix it or a more appropriate place to get advice?

Here's a still photo of the fridge and here's a video showing the problem. and here are the manuals. (Note: I didn't bother holding the temperature control dial in for the video, but I have the same problem when I do.)

Thanks.
Terry
P.S. I also posted this on a different website forum here but no one there seems to have seen this so they are just guessing at causes and solutions, so I decided to try on this forum.

 

[otherclive]

I’m sorry but I can’t give advice on your particular problem, but even though I tended to use sites with EHU I always tested gas appliances before each trip out as you never know when site electrics might be down. Hope you get it resolved soon.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Terry,
Welcome to the forum

First of all thank you for giving us a good spread of information about the appliance, Its very refreshing and allows us to be more focused with our replies and advice.

I have checked up on the instruction manual for your fridge. Specifically the model number you give RML 8550 tells me its a manual piezo ignition system.

The piezo is the push button which does have a moderately strong spring which when you press it, it should move and at the bottom of the stroke you should hear (and feel) a loudish click which if everything is working correctly will produce on spark.

Normally with these devices you need to press the button several times in quick succession whilst the gas control valve (left of the piezo button) is also held pushed in to by pass the the flame failure device.

The galvo meter to the right will swing across when a flame has been established and you can then release the gas control valve and set it to your desired setting position.

if as you describe the Piezo button will not push in, it suggests it has either seized or been damaged, and the piezo unit may need to be repaired or replaced.

 

[Tel7]

I’m sorry but I can’t give advice on your particular problem, but even though I tended to use sites with EHU I always tested gas appliances before each trip out as you never know when site electrics might be down. Hope you get it resolved soon.

Good plan, Clive.
It's a good tip which could help avoid the igniter button from getting stuck due to lack of use after I get it unstuck.

 

[Dustydog]

Hi Tel7

Welcome.
I have the same fridge and have experienced the same problem.
The battery corroded and gets jammed inside the housing.
Looking at your video the push button appears stuck in the pushed in position.
With some gentle persuasion you should be able to twist the button anti clockwise and pull it out.
You will then see a meta tube which holds the battery. That will be seized. Use some penetrating fluid overnight and remove the battery AAA.

See this

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1032246113850329

View: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1032246113850329&surface_type=vod&referral_source=vod_deeplink_unit

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hi Tel7

Welcome.
I have the same fridge and have experienced the same problem.
The battery corroded and gets jammed inside the housing.
Looking at your video the push button appears stuck in the pushed in position.
With some gentle persuasion you should be able to twist the button anti clockwise and pull it out.
You will then see a meta tube which holds the battery. That will be seized. Use some penetrating fluid overnight and remove the battery AAA.

See this

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1032246113850329

View: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1032246113850329&surface_type=vod&referral_source=vod_deeplink_unit

On the basis that Tel7 is correct with his description of the fridges model number RML8550 as defined in the instruction manual It has a manual piezo ignitor , not a battery operated electronic igniter. Thus it wont have a battery.

 

[Dustydog]

On the basis that Tel7 is correct with his description of the fridges model number RML8550 as defined in the instruction manual It has a manual piezo ignitor , not a battery operated electronic igniter. Thus it wont have a battery.

A bit like HMG web sites 😉
I’ll post a photo of mine this weekend. Same model . But as we both know manufacturers do change their specs without warning.

 

[toad a caravan]

As Piezo ignitors have been mentioned I needed one for my gas heater,I replaced it for one off my heater that I use in my "man cave',the type that have a cylinder in the back,I checked on several sites that sell the ignitors ,found a variety of places,also they are used on equipement for mobile catering at a cheaper cost

 

[ProfJohnL]

A bit like HMG web sites 😉
I’ll post a photo of mine this weekend. Same model . But as we both know manufacturers do change their specs without warning.

Unlike the genesis of the Gov. web site where most of the pages are vast simplifications of the Acts and Regulations, drafted by minions rather than the origional authors of the underlying documents,

The Dometic empire is a far more compact organisation than the UK government and all its different departments, and because of the way gas appliances have to be designed and manufactured under EU and international regulations, they should ensure that technical documentation about gas appliance's has to be checked by the design and technical departments before it is published. I have a much higher confidence in the accuracy of the Dometic publication than the Gov web site accuracy.

Specifically on page 13 of the manual it lists all the Dometic RM models and the last two columns define if its a Piezo manual or an automatic ignition for the model.

RML 8550 is a manual piezo
RML 8551 is an automatic igniter.

The two models may look identical, but igniters are different.

 

[Dustydog]

Amazing Prof.
Frankly it’s Friday and I really can’t be bothered .
I have exactly the same model as the OP. The RML 8550 . No one has mentioned anything else.
Here’s the photos just now of my battery powered igniter.
Bailey via their spares dept specifically sell the new battery powered igniter system for the RML 8550 as do a number of other suppliers.

I will stand corrected on one point . The grey button attached to the metal canister is removed by turning clockwise and replaced and fixed by turning 90degs anti-clockwise once the ears have entered the little slots.

Dometic Fridge Igniter Battery - RML 8330 / RML 8550 - 207999325 - Dometic - Caratech Caravan Parts

Dometic Fridge Igniter Battery. For RML 8330 and RML 8550 Models. Body Size 65 x 37 mm. Product Code -207999325. Replaces 292302482.

caratechcaravanparts.com

Even the OP mentions a battery😉

 

[ProfJohnL]

Amazing Prof.
Frankly it’s Friday and I really can’t be bothered .
I have exactly the same model as the OP. The RML 8550 . No one has mentioned anything else.
Here’s the photos just now of my battery powered igniter.
Bailey via their spares dept specifically sell the new battery powered igniter system for the RML 8550 as do a number of other suppliers.

I will stand corrected on one point . The grey button attached to the metal canister is removed by turning clockwise and replaced and fixed by turning 90degs anti-clockwise once the ears have entered the little slots.

Dometic Fridge Igniter Battery - RML 8330 / RML 8550 - 207999325 - Dometic - Caratech Caravan Parts

Dometic Fridge Igniter Battery. For RML 8330 and RML 8550 Models. Body Size 65 x 37 mm. Product Code -207999325. Replaces 292302482.

caratechcaravanparts.com

Even the OP mentions a battery😉

I was not aware that Bailey modify the fridges they receive from Dometic. It would almost certainly be cheaper to by the RML8551 than to pay some one to modify the manual model.

Enjoy your weekend.

 

[Martin_E]

I was not aware that Bailey modify the fridges they receive from Dometic. It would almost certainly be cheaper to by the RML8551 than to pay some one to modify the manual model.

Enjoy your weekend.

Bailey don’t modify them, they are standard fridges, I think in two variants

 

[Hutch]

Come on lads , until we know which fridge is fitted, we don't know what the ignition system is .
We are here to help folk, NOT, I think I know more than you do.

The fridge might have been changed for a different model.

 

[IanB1485]

I have never seen a battery ignitor like that on a fridge , so thanks for the heads up and I hope the OP gets it sorted

 

[Dustydog]

Come on lads , until we know which fridge is fitted, we don't know what the ignition system is .
We are here to help folk, NOT, I think I know more than you do.

The fridge might have been changed for a different model.

The OP was very specific Hutch and described exactly my model. Hence my photos .

Terry
Open the door wide and look underneath the control panel. You will two small Phillips screws.
1. Turn both control knobs to the off position then pull them off their shaft. If they tight you met need to use pliers for grip. You can use some tape to protect the knob surface

2. Remove the two small screws

3. Carefully pull the entire black top panel towards you. The galvanometer will drop out but two black wires will remain connected.

5 Gently let the panel hang. You will now see the entire ignition unit including the button.

6 Twist clockwise 90 degs and it should pull out.

Please let us know how you get on

 

[Martin_E]

If it is the battery type you don’t need to remove the front panel, you can sometimes remove the button with a small amount of pressure then turn/ twist the button, you can also achieve the same with a bit of bluetac on your thumb/finger or a small screwdriver in the flat horizontal part of the Z on the button, all three options require a small amount of inward pressure so the button goes part way in. Same with most things gently does it

 

[Dustydog]

If it is the battery type you don’t need to remove the front panel, you can sometimes remove the button with a small amount of pressure then turn/ twist the button, you can also achieve the same with a bit of bluetac on your thumb/finger or a small screwdriver in the flat horizontal part of the Z on the button, all three options require a small amount of inward pressure so the button goes part way in. Same with most things gently does it

That’s true Martin
However if as happened to me the battery corrodes and the grey plastic extension detaches from the metal canister holding the battery. Hence why the OP may possibly need to remove the front panel. 20 seconds.