April 20, 2023

Refrigerator repair guides

These easy-to-follow repair guides and videos help you complete refrigerator repairs, including replacing the ice maker, installing a new evaporator fan and replacing the defrost heater. These guides cover basic repair procedures described in LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, GE and Kenmore refrigerator repair manuals.

Our DIY refrigerator repair help section's symptoms and error code charts provide troubleshooting tips and expert advice for fixing common refrigerator failures. Search your model number to find a complete list of parts for your fridge and order the part you need.

refrigerator

Repair guides for Repair guides common to all refrigerators

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your refrigerator.

How to replace a refrigerator water valve
July 20, 2015

How to replace a refrigerator water valve

Replace the water valve that feeds water to the ice maker and water dispenser if it no longer controls the flow of water…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to clean refrigerator condenser coils
July 20, 2015

How to clean refrigerator condenser coils

Help your refrigerator run more efficiently by cleaning the condenser coils. It's easy and takes just a few minutes.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a refrigerator temperature control board
July 20, 2015

How to replace a refrigerator temperature control board

If the temperature in your refrigerator doesn't match the temperature you set, the problem could be the temperature cont…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less

Repair guides for side-by-side refrigerators

How to replace an electronic control board on the back of a refrigerator
January 12, 2021

How to replace an electronic control board on the back of a refrigerator

If your refrigerator isn't running, an electronic control board failure could be the problem. A service technician can d…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a foamed-in-place door gasket in a side-by-side refrigerator
December 08, 2020

How to replace a foamed-in-place door gasket in a side-by-side refrigerator

The door gasket seals the gap around the door to keep the cold air in and the warm air out. Replace a worn or damaged do…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace a press-in door gasket in a side-by-side refrigerator
November 23, 2020

How to replace a press-in door gasket in a side-by-side refrigerator

The door gasket seals the gap around the door to keep the cold air in and the warm air out. Replace a worn or damaged do…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace an ice dispenser motor in a side-by-side refrigerator
July 20, 2015

How to replace an ice dispenser motor in a side-by-side refrigerator

If your side-by-side refrigerator isn’t churning out ice, replacing the motor could fix the problem. These steps explain…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
How to replace a defrost heater in a side-by-side refrigerator
July 20, 2015

How to replace a defrost heater in a side-by-side refrigerator

If frost is building up in the freezer of your side-by-side refrigerator, the defrost heater could be faulty. Follow the…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
How to replace an evaporator fan motor in a side-by-side refrigerator
July 20, 2015

How to replace an evaporator fan motor in a side-by-side refrigerator

If your refrigerator isn't as cold as it should be, it could be that the evaporator fan motor isn't circulating air. Thi…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less
How to replace a refrigerator water valve
July 20, 2015

How to replace a refrigerator water valve

Replace the water valve that feeds water to the ice maker and water dispenser if it no longer controls the flow of water…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace ice maker optic boards in a side-by-side refrigerator
July 20, 2015

How to replace ice maker optic boards in a side-by-side refrigerator

If the ice maker in your side-by-side refrigerator is not producing, replacing the optic boards can fix this system. …

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a refrigerator thermistor
July 20, 2015

How to replace a refrigerator thermistor

The thermistor senses the temperature inside the refrigerator. If the actual temperature and the temperature you set are…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace an ice maker in a side-by-side refrigerator
July 20, 2015

How to replace an ice maker in a side-by-side refrigerator

Learn how to replace the ice maker in a side-by-side refrigerator with these step-by-step instructions.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace a dispenser core control board in a side-by-side refrigerator
July 20, 2015

How to replace a dispenser core control board in a side-by-side refrigerator

If your refrigerator dispenses ice or water even when the door is open, replace the dispenser core control board—it take…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
How to replace a defrost sensor in a side-by-side refrigerator
July 20, 2015

How to replace a defrost sensor in a side-by-side refrigerator

If frost is building up in the freezer of your side-by-side refrigerator, the defrost sensor could be at fault. You can …

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
How to replace a diffuser in a side-by-side refrigerator
July 20, 2015

How to replace a diffuser in a side-by-side refrigerator

The diffuser controls cold air flow from the freezer to the refrigerator. You can replace it yourself, following step-by…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less

Repair guides for top-mount refrigerators

How to replace an electronic control board on the back of a refrigerator
January 12, 2021

How to replace an electronic control board on the back of a refrigerator

If your refrigerator isn't running, an electronic control board failure could be the problem. A service technician can d…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a door gasket in a top-freezer refrigerator
December 08, 2020

How to replace a door gasket in a top-freezer refrigerator

The door gasket seals the gap around the door to keep the cold air in and the warm air out. It’s easy to replace a worn …

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace the electronic control board inside a top-freezer refrigerator
July 20, 2015

How to replace the electronic control board inside a top-freezer refrigerator

The electronic control board is the "brains" of the refrigerator. Replace the electronic control board if it fails.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a refrigerator temperature control thermostat
July 20, 2015

How to replace a refrigerator temperature control thermostat

This helpful refrigerator repair guide explains how to replace the temperature control thermostat in a refrigerator.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace the condenser fan motor in a top-freezer refrigerator
July 20, 2015

How to replace the condenser fan motor in a top-freezer refrigerator

The condenser fan is in the machine compartment of the refrigerator next to the compressor. It moves air across the cond…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a refrigerator water valve
July 20, 2015

How to replace a refrigerator water valve

Replace the water valve that feeds water to the ice maker and water dispenser if it no longer controls the flow of water…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace the defrost heater in a top-freezer refrigerator
July 20, 2015

How to replace the defrost heater in a top-freezer refrigerator

The refrigerator defrost heater melts frost from the freezer’s evaporator fins. Replace the defrost heater if it doesn't…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace the thermistor in a top-freezer refrigerator
July 20, 2015

How to replace the thermistor in a top-freezer refrigerator

The thermistor monitors the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment. Replace the thermistor if it isn't detectin…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace the evaporator fan motor in a top-freezer refrigerator
July 20, 2015

How to replace the evaporator fan motor in a top-freezer refrigerator

The evaporator fan motor blows air across the evaporator coils and through the refrigerator cabinet for cooling. Replace…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace the compressor run capacitor in a top-freezer refrigerator
July 20, 2015

How to replace the compressor run capacitor in a top-freezer refrigerator

The run capacitor sends electric current to the compressor motor to help the motor run efficiently. Replace the run capa…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace the defrost thermistor in a top-freezer refrigerator
July 20, 2015

How to replace the defrost thermistor in a top-freezer refrigerator

The defrost thermistor attaches to the evaporator coil and measures the evaporator coil temperature during defrost.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace the light switch in a top-freezer refrigerator
July 20, 2015

How to replace the light switch in a top-freezer refrigerator

The light switch turns the refrigerator light on and off and monitors door position. Replace the light switch if it does…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to install an ice maker kit in a top-freezer refrigerator
July 20, 2015

How to install an ice maker kit in a top-freezer refrigerator

The ice maker kit is an optional accessory for refrigerators. Install the ice maker kit in a refrigerator that doesn't h…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace the water inlet valve in a top-freezer refrigerator
July 20, 2015

How to replace the water inlet valve in a top-freezer refrigerator

The water inlet valve controls water flow to the ice maker. Replace the water valve if it doesn't open or shut properly.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace the defrost bi-metal thermostat in a top-freezer refrigerator
July 20, 2015

How to replace the defrost bi-metal thermostat in a top-freezer refrigerator

The defrost bi-metal thermostat is a safety device attached to the evaporator coil. The defrost bi-metal thermostat shut…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace the compressor start relay in a top-freezer refrigerator
July 20, 2015

How to replace the compressor start relay in a top-freezer refrigerator

The compressor start relay starts the compressor and shuts it off if the motor overheats. Replace the start relay if it'…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Repair guides for bottom-mount refrigerators

How to replace an electronic control board on the back of a refrigerator
January 12, 2021

How to replace an electronic control board on the back of a refrigerator

If your refrigerator isn't running, an electronic control board failure could be the problem. A service technician can d…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a flipper mullion on a French-door refrigerator
January 11, 2021

How to replace a flipper mullion on a French-door refrigerator

If the flipper mullion breaks or its heater quits working, replace it in 15 minutes using these 4 easy steps.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a door gasket in a French-door refrigerator
November 23, 2020

How to replace a door gasket in a French-door refrigerator

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. R…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a refrigerator water valve
July 20, 2015

How to replace a refrigerator water valve

Replace the water valve that feeds water to the ice maker and water dispenser if it no longer controls the flow of water…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a refrigerator defrost control assembly
July 20, 2015

How to replace a refrigerator defrost control assembly

Follow these steps to replace the defrost control assembly if your Kenmore or LG French door refrigerator displays an er…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 120 minutes or less
How to replace a refrigerator thermistor
July 20, 2015

How to replace a refrigerator thermistor

The thermistor senses the temperature inside the refrigerator. If the actual temperature and the temperature you set are…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace an in-door ice maker on a French door refrigerator
July 20, 2015

How to replace an in-door ice maker on a French door refrigerator

Follow these step-by-step instructions how to replace the in-door ice maker in Kenmore TRIO and LG French door refrigera…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Most common symptoms to help you fix your refrigerators

Choose a symptom to see related refrigerator repairs.

Main causes: control board or cold control failure, broken compressor start relay, compressor motor failure, defrost tim…

Main causes: jammed ice cubes, broken ice maker assembly, dirty water filter, kinked water line, bad water valve, freeze…

Main causes: water valve leaking, frozen or broken defrost drain tube, overflowing drain pan, cracked water system tubin…

Main causes: damaged door seal, faulty defrost sensor or bi-metal thermostat, broken defrost heater, bad defrost timer o…

Main causes: blocked vents, defrost system problems, evaporator fan failure, dirty condenser coils, bad sensors, condens…

Main causes: blocked air vents, compressor problems, condenser or evaporator fan not working, control system failure, se…

Main causes: leaky door gasket, defrost system failure, evaporator fan not running, dirty condenser coils, condenser fan…

Things to do: clean condenser coils, replace the water filter, clean the interior, adjust doors to prevent air leaks, cl…

Effective articles & videos to help repair your refrigerators

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your refrigerator.

How to Replace the Water Filter in a Maytag Refrigerator

How to Replace the Water Filter in a Maytag Refrigerator

No matter what style Maytag refrigerator you have, we can walk you through replacing the water filter.…

How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier.…

How to change the water filter in an LG refrigerator

How to change the water filter in an LG refrigerator

Get tips and advice on replacing the water filter in your LG refrigerator.…