PLB40 12v automotive outlet issue

Hi Everyone,

Im new to this group, but have "lurked" for awhile. This site with its threads is awesome for information!

I have a

$885 CFX3 35 Portable Refrigerator and Freezer - 36L - Powered by AC/DC or Solar Portable Refrigerator with WiFi/Bluetooth Temperature Control - Ideal Cooler for Car, RV, Camping and Home Use

CFX3 35 and the PLB40 battery. This is a fantastic system and I've used it on numerous fishing/camping outings. My wife even approves of the money I spent for the system, which is saying a lot! We've also used it for our travel trips to locations that are more suited to her, and she loves it. I generally use a milk crate in the back of my truck to steady the PLB40, using a few items stuffed in there to keep it solidly in place. The CFX requires no straps or anything yet, as I have a Bed Rug and that keeps most things from sliding around. All in all the CFX and PLB40 are a game changer at this point. I'm usually off grid so solar is my mode of recharging, though I still use my Goal Zero batteries and panels to store up energy to recharge the PLB40. I understand this is not the preferred method, but I haven't had the time to set up solar for the PLB40 yet, but I will eventually get to it.

My issue with the PLB40, and I'm hoping someone here with vast amounts of knowledge will be able to steer me in the right direction. The 12v automotive plug has a sheet metal sleeve that's inside the port, this sleeve has been pushed back in to the body of the PLB40, rendering it useless at the moment. I can't for the life of me figure out how to take the case apart so I can re-insert the sleeve into its proper position. No wiring or electrical work is required, just the ability to open the case so I can access the rear of the 12v port and fix it. Should be a quick fix...if I can get in to the case.

Anyone have any advice? I've tried to contact Dometic's tech support via phone and that has been an impossible task so far. I know it's probably an easy issue to remedy, but short of breaking the case/housing open, I don't see any way to open the up.

Any help is much appreciated, and thanks for being a great place to learn and read of other folk's experiences!

 

Hey - sorry to hear about the problem. If you'll PM me I'll escalate this up through the product manager. Be sure to include all your contact details as well as when you purchased the PLB40 so we can make sure it's still under warranty

DOMETIC
mobile living made easy
dometic.com
Use promo code TacomaW20 for $25 off your order of $75+

 

Thanks to the Dometic Rep (above) I was able to make the needed repair fairly easily! Much appreciated and my PLB40 is back to normal!

 

Hi BHJ1: I had the exact same issue with the 12V cigarette socket on the Dometic PLB40 … what was your quick fix - can you please share any tricks?
THX - Bill H.

 

Bill,

here’s the quick rundown of what the rep told me and I did. It worked.

Open the case via the top clear plastic cover. You have to use a very thin, sharp knife or similar and pry up a corner of the thin plastic top cover. Do this slowly and try not to bend the plastic sheet too much or it can leave little creases. And do it slowly! The cover sheet will have remaining adhesive, which you need, so treat it accordingly. I found it easier to remove the carry handle first as well.

You’ll now have access to the inner workings/wiring. You can remove the 12v socket via threaded plastic parts. This can be slightly frustrating, but take your time and it can be done.

Make your needed repairs, which can be a variety of options once the inner workings are accessible, and then replace the plastic sheet cover. Be careful with the touch receptors that line up with the icons on the plastic cover.

Hope this process is useful!

 

@BHJ1 - thank you for sharing the steps with Bill.

Bill - I dropped you a private message in the event you still have issues following the steps provided above.

Thanks!

DOMETIC
mobile living made easy
shop.dometic.com

 

Hello BHJ1 - eureka, it worked!!! I carefully removed the inset clear plastic window as you suggested (and not the besel which creates the entire top cover) using a sharp knife and butter knives. I then removed the handle (2 tork) and 4 longer silver corner screws (hiding under the “void-warranty” stickers) and 4 tiny black screws (all phillips). I could then access the cigarette plug socket. It will work for know, but it seems really fragile (with only 2 small plastic detents holding it in place). Not a great design (maybe it is time to use another output plug). THANKS AGAIN for the fix!!!

 

Is there a replacement 12v receptacle that can be used? Once the lid is off and you have access to the wiring, there's no way to get the 12v receptacle secured back into it's port. It slides right back out, towards the center of the battery, so this will happen again. No clips connected to secure it in place like in the above post. They must have broken and are not visible.