Help needed to replace the catch on my Dometic fridge please

[Revolvor]

The catch on my fridge has failed for the second time. I want to replace it with an improved, 3D-printed version sold by PaulandChrissy . So far I have been unable to dismantle it. Despite having been told to just "prise it apart", I'm reluctant to do that as I'm worried I may break something.
I have attached a photo below.
Can anyone be more specific about how/where to prise it apart?

 

[noni]

just prise the sliding part off with a small screwdriver then remove the screw, These are of poor quality. Paul and chrissy made me some. much better quality.

 

[Revolvor]

just prise the sliding part off with a small screwdriver .........

Thanks. Upwards, or outwards?

 

[Sedge5]

We used to have one of these on another van - same problem and used to regularly jam. I got quite used to gently slipping a vegetable knife blade under the long side of the sliding bit (just above the three metal prongs in your pic) and gently levering up a bit and in the direction of the outer edge (the side with the jutting out bit). Then there is a screw you can tighten/loosen.

Always jammed again after a while. Replaced with new but no better.
3D printed one sounds good!

 

[TheBig1]

Get in behind the slider and lever up and forwards

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[Revolvor]

noni , Sedge5 , TheBig1

Thanks for your replies. I will try that later today.

 

[JJ]

Several YouTube videos are available on this matter...

JJ

 

[autorouter]

The working part of the latch is that metal double hook. I had the same problem of the plastic slider bit breaking several times. I've given up replacing them, I find it's possible to move the latch with my finger easily.

 

[bigwood]

As others have said the plastic bit that breaks is made of very fragile plastic and not cheap to replace.
We lock ours with a plastic peg in the spare hinge bracket. I can see the peg from the drivers seat so I know the door is locked before we move off.

 

[Debs]

I've got the same catches on my fridge/freezer and the plastic has been split for a few years. I'm not at home at the minute but I think from memory of you move the slider across a little you can see a tiny screw underneath the metal thing. Undo that and it basically comes apart so you can reseat it.
I've got used to undoing & reassembling it over the years but ideally want to replace it.

Please keep us updated as I'd love to get mine sorted once & for all!

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[headlight]

Replaced mine 4 months ago with a 3d printed one off eBay. Seems less fragile and brittle than the original one.
Just lifted original one off with finger nails then undid the little philips screw underneath.
No problems so far.

 

[JockandRita]

Replaced mine 4 months ago with a 3d printed one off eBay.

As did I. They are such better quality than the originals.

I found the new catches (fridge and freezer) to be a little stiff to slide when installed, but a fine spray of silicone sorted that out.

Cheers,

Jock.

 

[Sue and Rick]

If you accidentally shut the door with the latch in the locked position that is when the problems start. It breaks the flimsy metal part stop on the underside of the plate. Rubbish design and quality.

 

[kevenh]

I gave up repairing the slide and just use the hook on the edge of the fridge to secure the fridge door shut when in use and open when the fridge is airing after/in between uses.

If there’s some advantage to be gained from using the easy to foul slider is consider some repair work

Edit: sorry, dupe info. bigwood more eloquently described what we now do after abandoning the slider

 

[Revolvor]

noni , Sedge5 , TheBig1

Thanks for your replies. I will try that later today.

Following instructions given by forum members, I easily removed the faulty parts, and purchased an improved version from PaulandChrissy.

His re-design is a great improvement, and far more robust than the original - I've had two fail already. I was a bit cautious fitting the new, stiffer parts, but Paul talked me through what I needed to do.

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[Revolvor]

If you accidentally shut the door with the latch in the locked position that is when the problems start. It breaks the flimsy metal part stop on the underside of the plate. Rubbish design and quality.

The version sold by PaulandChrissy is slightly stiffer, so when you open the latch it stays in position, preventing the metal latch from accidentally closing.