Fridge latch issue

[DavidinWales]

Hi,
I've found some previous posts on fridge latch problems but they are old and don't quite match my issue.

I have a 2021 T6.1 Cali Ocean. The fridge lid latch has suddenly stopped working properly. It will catch with enough pressure but pops open at the slightest excuse, such as when opening or closing doors or just driving. The push-in part now seems quite loose compared to the stove top and sink latches. The small hinges that are visible on the inside top of the push-in are intact and the two small springs also look OK , as far as I can see them.
My question is, is this simply a matter of prising out the old latch and replacing it, and if so how exactly? Or is it a much bigger job needing the whole kitchen unit pulling out to get at it from inside the molding?
Related to this, I have it booked in at my local VW workshop to look at it. I recently took out an extended warranty and it is not clear from the handbook whether this would be covered. I suspect not. However, VW said that they'd first assess it to see if it is covered but if it isn't there's a charge of £85 just for the assessment! This seems outrageous to me. Is it normal?
Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[scottk]

Our van had this issue and they fitted a new latch. No idea how they did it as it is under warranty.
Normal to charge for inspection unfortunately. If it is inside the original warranty period, there is no cost but they do seem to charge once on the all in plan etc.

 

[DavidinWales]

Our van had this issue and they fitted a new latch. No idea how they did it as it is under warranty.
Normal to charge for inspection unfortunately. If it is inside the original warranty period, there is no cost but they do seem to charge once on the all in plan etc.

Thanks for your reply. It is encouraging, despite you confirming the inspection cost!

 

[tobyprivett]

My fridge latch stopped closing. Replaced under warranty

 

[DavidinWales]

My fridge latch stopped closing. Replaced under warranty

Thanks.

 

[DavidinWales]

An update on my fridge latch for those who might be interested. My local VW workshop assessed it and then sent a request to fix it under warranty to VW. VW refused, so my guys asked them to reconsider. VW then said they'd cover the labour and half the costs of the parts as a 'goodwill gesture'. Around £27 for me to pay. So, not a bad outcome in the end as it sounds like quite a big job. It's booked in for fixing next week.

 

[Morsels]

I have exactly the same problem David, but mine is now out of warranty. Can you let me know how you get on please? For now I am ramming a match between the catch button and the casing to discourage it from wobbling open!

 

[DavidinWales]

I have exactly the same problem David, but mine is now out of warranty. Can you let me know how you get on please? For now I am ramming a match between the catch button and the casing to discourage it from wobbling open!

Will do.

 

[Garrycotic]

We had this problem last year. Out of warranty, obtained the part from Volkswagen and fixed it myself. There is a thread somewhere on this site.

 

[Ian S.]

I took delivery of our new 6.1 in March of this year and spotted on the handover that the fridge was not latching properly. There and then the dealer asked someone from service dept to come and fix the problem which they did by repositioning the glass, which fixed the problem. It took about 20 minutes. The dealer was Eurovans in Crawley.

 

[DavidinWales]

We had this problem last year. Out of warranty, obtained the part from Volkswagen and fixed it myself. There is a thread somewhere on this site.

I'd like to know how you did it but haven't managed to find a thread mentioning that.

 

[DavidinWales]

I took delivery of our new 6.1 in March of this year and spotted on the handover that the fridge was not latching properly. There and then the dealer asked someone from service dept to come and fix the problem which they did by repositioning the glass, which fixed the problem. It took about 20 minutes. The dealer was Eurovans in Crawley.

Interesting but that's not the problem with mine. My latch itself has definitely gone loose

 

[Garrycotic]

I'd like to know how you did it but haven't managed to find a thread mentioning that.

If you search for fridge closure it should turn up. It's at the end of the thread but you might find the rest useful.

 

[WelshGas]

I'd like to know how you did it but haven't managed to find a thread mentioning that.

Here

Fridge closure.

Anyone had a problem with the fridge catch breaking. The lid won't stay shut when you press it down. It appears that the spring that pushes the catch back has broken. Is this part available, how easy is it to replace?

vwcaliforniaclub.com

 

[DavidinWales]

Here

Fridge closure.

Anyone had a problem with the fridge catch breaking. The lid won't stay shut when you press it down. It appears that the spring that pushes the catch back has broken. Is this part available, how easy is it to replace?

vwcaliforniaclub.com

Thanks @Garrycotic and @WelshGas, that's very helpful. Glad I'm not having to do it myself, though!

 

[SusiBus]

On taking delivery of our new Cali, straight away we found the fridge lid was difficult to close. Reported it to the dealer with accompanying video. They said it just need a positive push down in the middle to get the catch to engage.
Set off on our first journey to Cornwall. Lid came open twice en-route. First three nights we spent in a lodge, so turned down the fridge so as not to drain the battery, and made sure the lid was closed. Returned to the Cali on the third day to find the lid had popped open, result, totally flat leasure battery. Continued for the rest of the journey with the help of gaffer tape to keep the lid closed.

 

[SusiBus]

Our dealer has looked at our fridge and adjusted the catch somehow. It now closes very easily, but unfortunately opens just as easily. It only takes a pothole and up it pops. Upon reporting it to the dealer he said the seal will "wear in/collapse with use". I can't see how it will, because it's not under pressure as it pops open all the time.
Q. Has anyone else had this problem on the latest type of fridge lid (not the one with strut), 6.1 Cali, and how was it resolved, adjustment /catch replacement?

 

[scottk]

Our fridge was like this from new but it eventually stopped latching. Dealer changed latch.

 

[Arnoob]

Our dealer changed our latch too. Now waiting for the other latches to give in ...