I have been doing all my usual post winterisation checks with all the appliances and I noticed that the fridge gas ignition wasn't working. It's not a big issue as we never use it on gas but it's always good to fall back on in an emergency. I assumed it was the battery so I got out the manual to see how to change it out. It said using a suitable screwdriver push in the ignition button and then turn anticlockwise and the battery holder will pop out. I thought that sounds simple enough, however there is no screwdriver slot just a slight indentation of an electric sign, the first turn it chewed it up. I had to use two pen knives which have spikes, I could then grip and push in the holder and turn. It's all back together and working with a dab of silver paint to hide the damage.

Quote: eribaMotters wrote in post #2

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I do hope you ordered the genuine silver Hymer colour to maintain the originality of your fine vehicle. Or do you also have knackered old tins of Humbrol enamel lieing around?
ColinColin

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I don't think the issue is electronic ignition itself but the way the battery is installed in the switch on those Dometic models.

The first time I attempted to replace a duff battery in one of those was during a caravan service and as I had made a right pig's ear of the button I had to replace it at my cost.

Now I let the customer replace the battery themselves.

The switch-cum-battery holder is a bayonet fit into the housing but the front slot (in the pattern of a spark) where the instructions say to insert a screwdriver is just not deep enough to gain sufficient purchase to turn the thing.

Once out, the battery will either be in the now removed (and damaged) switch tube or left inside the housing where it can be poked out with a couple of thin pokey things.

The battery is definitely a user replacement item!