Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Dometic RM4804 (Read 608 times) previous topic - next topic

Dometic RM4804

I'm trying to get this Dometic RM4804 refrigerator to light on gas,I keep getting the flame failed light each time,Where is the burner? Does it need to come out of the wall enclosure to service it?
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: Dometic RM4804

Reply #1 –
Do you have an outside access door for the refrigerator (i.e. refrigerator is installed on an outside wall)?  If so, it is easily accessed from the outside access door with no refrigerator relocation needed.

If your floorplan has the back of the refrigerator facing a closet or other area, you will need to go in that way to access the back.  Again, should not require moving th refrigerator.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Dometic RM4804

Reply #2 –
Yes it backs up to the inside kitchen wall there is a cabinet behind it in the bathroom,I hate to open up that beautiful wood. I see the screws that secure it along the face inside the doors and I think i'll just pull it straight out into the kitchen floor area and diagnose it. Probably needs to be replaced with something a little more updated but I have to go do some trucking tomorrow so all of it has to wait.
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: Dometic RM4804

Reply #3 –
I would NOT replace a 4804 just because it needs a "burner area tune-up"

But, that is your decision.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Dometic RM4804

Reply #4 –
stump,

Are you sure the gas is turned on?  Do the burners on the stove/oven light?  Are your furnaces working okay?  Does the refrigerator work okay on electric?  I have the same model and if the gas has been turned off it can take a couple of times for the pressure to build up enough for the fridge to light.  I usually light the stove or rear furnace to make sure there is adequate  pressure in the system.

If it works good on electric it should switch over to gas with no problem.  Mine worked much better after a good cleaning of the carbon buildup in the flue and checking the burner and igniter.  There are several good posts on this subject in the forum that will explain how to properly service your refrigerator.  I always start with Barry Beam.  Absorption Refrigerators

Good luck,

Jerry
The selected media item is not currently available.
Jerry and Cindy Maddux
1993 U300/36WTBI DD6v92TA
build 4271  "Miss Lou"
1995 suzuki sidekick 4x4 toad
Gulfport, Ms

"Pride of Ownership"

Re: Dometic RM4804

Reply #5 –
Quote from: stump –
...,I hate to open up that beautiful wood. I see the screws that secure it along the face inside the doors and I think i'll just pull it straight out into the kitchen floor area and diagnose it...
Stump,
We have identical coaches.  If you want to pull the frig out the front, you will have to get access to the back anyway to remove some screws.  Accessing the back isn't all that bad:
1. Removal all your stuff in the lower section of cupboard, including the middle shelf and the carpet on the bottom.
2. Remove the vertical shelving tracks on the right side (small bit Phillips)
3. Remove the rear panel.
I make it a habit of checking back there every spring to make sure all is alright before firing it up.  I pull the burner shield off and blow out everything with compressed air.    While it's definitely more hassle to get back there I think the parts stay better protected from the elements and last longer.  I also first fire it up with the access panel off so I can hear and see the flame and verify it looks ok.  It's also a good idea to pull the roof cover make sure it's clear of any debris (leafs and such).

That said the only trouble I have ever had with my frig is with a thing called an igniter - it's gone out two or three times.  It creates a spark from a 12 volt source.
Here's what it looks like Igniter / Re-Igniter Module for most Dometic Refrigerators : A.S.A.P. They are not hard to find.
I can hear it work on my coach if I put my ear up to the hall wall next to the frig.  When it is first set to gas, I hear the thunk of the gas valve followed by a tick or spark sound every second.  It will either ignite or keep sparking until it gives up and illuminates the red light.  When the igniter fails you won't hear the sparking.
My own theory is the igniter is affected by humidity over time.  I've had "bad" ones start to work again and I suspect it was just the moisture/humidity in the environment after changing to a dryer season or location.  The interior of the igniter is completely filled with potting but moisture in the air can penetrate through it given time.  They are easy to test as shown in the link. 

Also, I assume you know about the propane detector switch next the door that has to be switched on?  (otherwise no propane anywhere)
BTW, If you haven't already figured it out, buy yourself a couple square bit screw drivers.  Phillips will work in a pinch but will want to slip on the screw heads.
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: Dometic RM4804

Reply #6 –
Thanks, I will get back into it next weekend .I have to work and go pull some tank trailers for a few days so I can support the people that don't! I have gas, everything else is lit except the fridge and I havent tried the water heater yet because I need to mix up a bleach solution to clean the fresh water tank, I'll take the shelves out of the bathroom closet and see what i'll need to do to get to the panel.I replaced the roof vent the other day with a new one the old one had cracked and had holes in it so rain water had been going down into it for who knows how long. That might be what a big part of the problem is.
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: Dometic RM4804

Reply #7 –
Thanks for all the help Guy's!! I did find an access panel in the bathroom closet yesterday,I opened it up and cleaned the burner assembly,Blew it all out with my air hose ,flipped the switch, and waalaa,It lit! I turned it all the way down and this morning it was at 22 degrees! reset thermostat at normal aand crossed this off my too do list.
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: Dometic RM4804

Reply #8 –
Make sure your coach is level when you run the fridge--- nothing kills one faster than running when not level.
Current coach 1996 U320 40'
Previous coach, 1990 36' U280

Re: Dometic RM4804

Reply #9 –
 b^.^d
Quote from: Kemahjohn –
Make sure your coach is level when you run the fridge--- nothing kills one faster than running when not level.
I have it level!!
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit