Dometic RML 8555 Refrigerator Door Latch
The door latch (hook/catch/lock/whatchamacallit)on my 3 year old Dometic fridge broke this weekend. The little coil spring that holds the latch hook down appeared to be disconnected.
I was able to use a small pair of forceps (like thin small pliers used for tying fishing flies or holding hooks while you tie on a leader)to extract the spring.
The spring was actually broken and lying there in two pieces. I searched around for a part to no avail but I was able to go to the RVers favorite tool store (Harbor Freight) and for $4 and change I bought a spring assortment that included a spring of approximately the same coil and length.
I used the same small forceps to compress the spring and hold it while I maneuvered it back inside the latch box. I was able to gently pry the cover open enough to get the spring inside and align it over a small metal nub on the top of the metal hook. The small nub locates the spring and keeps it in place.
Once located, I could then release the forceps, let the spring expand and voila! My latch now works as it was intended. Note the new spring in place inside the latch box.
I was able to use a small pair of forceps (like thin small pliers used for tying fishing flies or holding hooks while you tie on a leader)to extract the spring.
The spring was actually broken and lying there in two pieces. I searched around for a part to no avail but I was able to go to the RVers favorite tool store (Harbor Freight) and for $4 and change I bought a spring assortment that included a spring of approximately the same coil and length.
I used the same small forceps to compress the spring and hold it while I maneuvered it back inside the latch box. I was able to gently pry the cover open enough to get the spring inside and align it over a small metal nub on the top of the metal hook. The small nub locates the spring and keeps it in place.
Once located, I could then release the forceps, let the spring expand and voila! My latch now works as it was intended. Note the new spring in place inside the latch box.
