dometic fridge heat element replacement

Chris Bryant wrote:

Boon Docker wrote:
No plate on mine, had to unbutton the whole flue to replace the element.

I bet you have the German cooling unit- that one is a pain, but they are pretty rare.
IIRC, I did some sheet metal work on the one I had to do, and fabricated a door.

My 2011 outback also without any access, just a long tall flue.

so is the german cooling unit any better than any other?

Boon Docker wrote:
No plate on mine, had to unbutton the whole flue to replace the element.

I bet you have the German cooling unit- that one is a pain, but they are pretty rare.
IIRC, I did some sheet metal work on the one I had to do, and fabricated a door.

No plate on mine, had to unbutton the whole flue to replace the element.

Boon Docker wrote:
I would really like to see you or Chris un-button the flue on my DM2652 that goes 3/4 the way up the back of the fridge without removing the fridge. :)

There is a sliding plate that covers the flue where the heating element goes remove that and it's a piece of cake. No need to remove the whole flue.

I would really like to see you or Chris un-button the flue on my DM2652 that goes 3/4 the way up the back of the fridge without removing the fridge. :)

All rv absorption fridges have a lower side wall vent/access cover that allows access to control board and burner area

BUT not all accesses allow easy R/R of electric heat element.....especially if RV MFG properly installed fridge with the tight clearances recommended by RV Fridge Mfgs.

As noted by Chris......remove the mounting screws and push it forward to gain access. No need to completely remove.....just a few inches so you can reach in and R/R element.

If you have a small access panel close to the bottom of the flue it is an easy task. Just open the access panel and slid the old out and new in, if it is not rusted in place. If no access panel then you have to pull the fridge to open up the whole length of the flue.

I believe your unit will have to be completely removed.

Worst case should be removing 6 mounting screws and pushing forward a few inches- usually don't even have to unhook lip line.

Open the outside lower access panel. It should be right there.