May 22, 2023

Six common refrigerator parts that you can replace yourself in 2023

Introduction image for 6 common refrigerator parts that fail which you can replace yourself.

Refrigerators are typically dependable appliances but parts can break at any time. You may be able to replace some common repair parts yourself, but some refrigerator parts such as the compressor can only be replaced by a service technician.

Here are the top 6 refrigerator parts that you can safely replace on your own in 2023.

Ice maker

The ice maker in a refrigerator is one of the most frequently replaced parts. It’s one part that constantly works hard in the refrigerator. Ice cubes can jam and break the ejection system. The ice mold can eventually get corroded by hard water deposits. The motor can wear out over time.

When the ice maker in your refrigerator gives out, consider replacing it yourself. Many ice maker assemblies are readily accessible and relatively easy to replace. Our How to replace an in-door ice maker on a French door refrigerator repair guide shows how to install a new ice maker in a common refrigerator. If you’re confident that you can safely complete this repair, order a new ice maker and replace it yourself. Be sure that you unplug the refrigerator before beginning the repair.

If you’re not completely confident that you can safely complete this repair on your own, have a Sears Technician install the new ice maker in your fridge.

Defrost bi-metal thermostat

This thermostat attaches to the evaporator and trips to shut off the defrost heater when evaporator temperature reaches about 50 degrees F. It keeps the evaporator from overheating during the defrost routine. The defrost bi-metal thermostat resets when the defrost session ends and the evaporator cools back down to its operating temperature.

The bi-metal plate that trips to shut off the defrost heater can warp or wear out over time. You’ll typically need to replace the defrost bi-metal thermostat when the defrost heater won’t turn on even when the heater is good. Frost builds up on the evaporator and inhibits cooling when the defrost bi-metal thermostat fails.

To determine whether you need to replace the defrost bi-metal thermostat, follow the steps in our Refrigerator won't cool troubleshooting video: defrost system problems article (with video). While your refrigerator may be different than the one shown in the video, the diagnosis and troubleshooting techniques are similar for many types of fridges.

When your defrost bi-metal thermostat is bad, replace it by following the steps in this repair video.

If you’re not completely confident that you can complete this DIY repair, schedule a Sears Technician to visit your home and replace the defrost bi-metal thermostat.

Compressor Start Relay

The compressor won't run if the start relay fails. The relay sends current to the motor start windings to boost motor torque to start the motor, and to the motor run windings. Once the motor starts, the relay continues to send current to the run windings, but cuts off current to the start windings. A defective start relay won't send current to the start windings, run windings or both.

If your refrigerator has power but isn't cooling and your compressor won't turn on, you may need to replace the compressor start relay. Learn how to test the start relay in our Troubleshooting compressor problems in refrigerators video/article. Replace the start relay if you’re certain that it’s bad. Our How to replace a refrigerator start relay video/repair guide shows how to complete that repair.

When you’re unable to determine whether the start relay is bad or you’re not confident that you safely replace the compressor start relay, have a Sears Technician repair your refrigerator.

Refrigerator door gasket

The door gasket, often called a door seal, seals the gap around the door to keep the cold air in and the warm air out. Signs that the refrigerator gasket needs to be replaced include excessive frost buildup and reduced cooling. Replace the gasket if it’s worn, cracked or torn.

Follow the steps in the video/repair guide for the type of refrigerator door gasket that you have.

Although many fridge door gaskets are easy to replace, a few types are more complicated to install. Have a Sears Technician replace the refrigerator door gasket if you’re unable to install it yourself.

Electronic control board

Many refrigerators are now becoming more and more innovative. Some refrigerators have small, simple computer modules in them that operate the refrigerator components. When the refrigerator won’t power up or some functions don’t operate properly, you may need to replace the control board.

Also, many fridges with control boards signal error codes when the control system detects problems. Some error codes indicate that the electronic control board needs replacing. When your refrigerator signal an error code, look up the troubleshooting for the error code on our Refrigerator error code chart. Replace the electronic control board if you’re unable to troubleshoot the problem and clear a code that indicates the control board is bad.

Our How to replace an electronic control board on the back of a refrigerator DIY video shows how to replace a control board when it’s located on the back panel of the fridge cabinet.

Door bins, shelves and drawers

Refrigerator door bins are one of the most frequently replaced storage parts in a refrigerator. Door bins fall out and break or wear out over time. Crisper drawers and shelves eventually wear out and break as well.

Because lower-priced, after-market alternatives often aren’t available (and they sometimes don’t fit right) for storage components, you’ll typically need to find and order the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) replacement part for your refrigerator. Use the model number of your refrigerator to find the bin, drawer or shelf specifically designed for your fridge. Key the model number into the search bar at the top of the page and find the part you need in the parts diagram.

Sears PartsDirect has the parts you need to keep your fridge in top shape. At the same time you order replacement parts for your refrigerator, you can also order a replacement water filter. We have OEM water filters for just about every brand of refrigerator including Kenmore, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, GE, LG and Samsung. Take advantage of our subscription plan to have your replacement water filter automatically shipped every six months (with free shipping).

You can also keep your refrigerator working efficiently and avoid unexpected breakdowns by scheduling Sears Cleaning & Maintenance service each year. During that service, a Sears Technician will:

Check and adjust the thermostat, temperature controls and air damper as needed.
Check refrigerator and freezer door seals.
Inspect the defrost drain for blockage and leaks.
Check for proper ice dispenser operation.
Inspect the electrical system.
Clean the condenser coils.
Clean the refrigerator’s exterior.
Check the water filter and advise of filter options if a new filter is needed.
Check the automatic defrost cycle.
Check defrost evaporator fan operation.
Check cabinet level and adjust as needed.
Inspect the ice bin for fresh ice and empty if needed.
Check the water dispenser for proper water flow.
Clean the drip pan.
Clean the refrigerator and freezer door gaskets.
Advise you on cleaning and maintenance.

Regular professional maintenance of your refrigerator will also help it last longer. Keep all of your kitchen and laundry appliances running smoothly and lasting longer by scheduling them all for annual cleaning and maintenance by Sears. Bundle your appliance maintenance service to have all appliances serviced in 1 trip and save up to 50% off of appliance maintenance verses scheduling them individually.

Trust Sears to help you keep your refrigerator and all your home appliances in top shape and operating smoothly.