Kenmore Refrigerator Door [Problems & Solutions]

A Kenmore refrigerator door plays a big role in keeping the functionality of the unit optimal. But if you have problems with it, it can be frustrating.

Kenmore Refrigerator Door

Table of Contents

Adjusting a Kenmore Refrigerator Door – Quick Guide

Kenmore does not make their refrigerator doors to be adjustable by themselves. So if you need to adjust the door, you need to level the refrigerator.

Step 1

Put the refrigerator down on its back. If you are just installing the refrigerator, it makes the job easier for you. While unpacking it, lay it down and adjust the bottom before setting it upright.

However, if the refrigerator is not a new installation, you will need someone to help you move and lay it down. But first, disconnect it from electric power and empty it of all contents before attempting to move it.

Step 2

With a carpenter’s level, measure the refrigerator’s bottom from its front to its back. The feet must be level so if they aren’t, level them in order to adjust the door.

The feet are on the refrigerator’s bottom, close to the front. To level them, turn each foot right in order to lower the refrigerator or left in order to raise it. Afterward, measure the bottom again from its front to its back and from one side to the other, to check the leveling.

Step 3

Lift the refrigerator upright with your helper and check the door. If the adjustment is right, the door should close on its own when it is open at a 90-degree angle. Otherwise, adjust the leveling feet again.

Kenmore Refrigerator Door Alarm Not Working – Solved

Test the door switch for continuity using a multimeter. The switch may be stuck or have a loose connection. If you don’t find continuity, replace the door switch.

Next, check the control board. If it is malfunctioning, it affects the door alarm. You may need the services of a refrigerator technician to find the fault. You can also contact Kenmore customer service to request service.

Kenmore Refrigerator Door Alarm Keeps Beeping – What to Do

Check the door seal. If it is no longer working, the door remains open and the alarm alerts you to it. The door may appear as if it is fully shut but use the dollar bill trick to determine this.

Close the door on the bill and see if it holds. If the bill slips or you are able to pull it out, replace the seal. In addition, check for dirt on the seal. A dirty refrigerator door seal cannot keep the door shut and it triggers the alarm.

But if the seal is in good working condition, check the contents of the refrigerator. Ensure all the items sit on the shelves, away from the door. And rearrange them if any of them is sticking out.

While doing this, check the contents of the door bins. It is important not to overload the door and the refrigerator for that matter. The hinges may sag under the weight, and cause the door to hang slightly open, without your knowledge.

You may also need to check whether or not the refrigerator is level as improper leveling keeps the door from shutting and sealing tightly.

Lastly, check the control board if the other factors check out. The board controls the functions of the refrigerator and if it becomes damaged, it may trigger the alarm to keep beeping without cause.

Kenmore Refrigerator Door Clicking Noise – How to Fix

When you hear a clicking noise from the door of your Kenmore refrigerator, chances are the door cam is broken or the screw is loose.

To replace the door cam and stop the clicking noise, do the following:

Step 1

Turn off the temperature controls inside the refrigerator and unplug the unit from the wall outlet. Empty the door bins and remove the ones that are detachable. Then, close the door of the refrigerator.

Step 2

Find the hinge at the top of the unit and remove the bolts securing it. Lift the hinge off the top of the door and set it aside.

Hold the handle of the refrigerator door with one hand, and with the other, hold the side with the hinge. Now, lift the door gently to remove it from the hinge at the bottom. Set the door aside in a safe place.

Step 3

Find the door cam where the bottom hinge fits into the door. Take a small screwdriver and pry it loose from the door; it should come off easily.

Next, take the new door cam and slide it into the opening for the hinge, from where you removed the damaged one. Push it until it slides to the top of the bottom hinge.

Step 4

Lift the door of the refrigerator and set it back on the bottom hinge of the refrigerator cabinet. Close the door and fix the top hinge back in place. When the door is securely in place, replace the door bins and food items in the refrigerator. Finally, plug the unit back into the wall outlet.

This video is a detailed demonstration of how to replace the door cam on your Kenmore refrigerator…

Kenmore Refrigerator Door Doesn’t Close Properly – What to Do

If the door on a Kenmore refrigerator does not close properly, do the following:

1. Check the Contents and Shelves

Make sure no food item or container is sticking out of place to keep the door from closing properly. Also, check the shelves and drawers to ensure they are sitting in their places.

If necessary, rearrange the contents of the refrigerator or reduce them to create more room. Not only will a rearrangement help the door close better, but it will also improve the flow of air internally.

2. Inspect the Door Gasket

A gasket that has seen a lot of use will wear and tear, keeping the door from closing properly. Therefore, inspect it and replace it if you notice any rips, tears, or damage.

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But if you don’t have to replace it, check for dirt on the gasket. Much like a worn-out gasket, a dirty one keeps the door from sealing tightly. So, you find that when you close the door, it pops open easily.

Clean the gasket with a drop of mild soap and warm water. If you have to, use an old toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach areas on the gasket. Doing this ensures a thoroughly clean gasket for better sealing.

3. Level the Refrigerator

Get a leveling gauge and set it on top of the unit. Find the leveling feet of the refrigerator at the bottom and turn them counterclockwise to lower them or clockwise to raise them. Keep adjusting the feet until you see the bubble stay stable between the vertical lines in the level.

Next, check the door of the refrigerator. If it closes properly, you know the refrigerator needed leveling. But if it still has a hard time closing, the door cam may be broken and in need of a replacement.

Kenmore Refrigerator – How to Disable Door Alarm

Most Kenmore refrigerator models don’t have a system or button for disabling the door alarm. The alarm is usually set on the board and if it keeps beeping, you may have to replace the control board.

Check out these other articles…

Kenmore Refrigerator Is Beeping [How to Fix]

Kenmore Refrigerator Handle [Issues & Solutions]

Kenmore Refrigerator Making Ice [Problems & Solutions]

Kenmore Refrigerator Is Not Working [How to Fix]

Kenmore Refrigerator Light [Issues & Solutions]

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Kenmore Refrigerator Door Ice Dispenser Not Working – Solutions

The following are parts to check if the door ice dispenser on your Kenmore refrigerator is not working:

1. Dispenser Switches

With a multimeter, test each dispenser switch to check for continuity. If one or more of the switches show no continuity, replace the defective one.

The switches direct voltage to the ice dispenser so if one or more of them fail, the dispenser won’t work.

2. Dispenser Actuator

Take a look at the actuator – the exact location is available on your user manual. If it is broken or out of position, you need to replace it. This is because it has the job of activating the dispenser switches. If the switches are not activated, the dispenser won’t work at all.

3. Dispenser Solenoid

Run a continuity test on the solenoid of the dispenser to determine whether or not it is active. If the solenoid does not show continuity, replace it. Also, check the actuator pin for free movement. If the pin does not move, replace the solenoid.

The solenoid is responsible for opening the flap of the ice chute in order for the ice to dispense. If the solenoid stops working, the flap won’t open and there would be no ice for dispensing.

4. Auger Motor

Remove the ice bucket and turn the auger with your hand. If it turns smoothly, check it for continuity using a multimeter. If you find no continuity or the auger motor is receiving power but won’t run, replace the motor.

The motor powers the blade to spin and push the ice into the dispenser chute. If the motor fails, the blade won’t turn to push ice forward to the chute. As a result, the ice dispenser will appear to have stopped working.

5. Door Motor

Determine whether or not the motor is receiving power. If it is yet won’t run, check it for continuity using a multimeter. If you don’t find continuity, replace the door motor.

The dispenser has a door that a motor powers. If the motor fails, the door of the dispenser remains shut. Consequently, the ice dispenser will be unable to dispense ice.

The auger blade inside the ice bucket may be broken or disconnected from the auger motor. If this happens, the auger will be unable to push ice out even if the motor is running. Replace the auger if it is broken.

It is also important to check the ice crusher blade. Ice may be jammed in it and if this is the case, pour some warm water over it to remove the ice. But if the blade is broken or even bent, replace it.

Finally, check the dispenser control board. It is unlikely to be the origin of the problem, especially if only one section of the dispenser is malfunctioning. Check the other components first before the board. If all else is in good working condition, replace the control board.

Kenmore Refrigerator Door Frame Hot – Quick Fix

Take a look at the condenser coils. More likely than not, they are significantly dusty. Take a vacuum cleaner to them and vacuum all the dust. Next, wipe any remaining dirt off with a rag to ensure the coils are clean.

Now, check the condenser fan. The blades may be entangled with something, preventing them from turning. Clean the blades and remove every debris around the fan. Then, check the motor with a multimeter. If there is no continuity, replace the motor.

The coils need to be clean and the fan needs to run for the refrigerator to maintain a normal temperature internally and on the outside cabinet. If the fan stops running, the coils become too dirty, or both happen at the same time, the refrigerator will stop cooling properly and the cabinet temperature will rise.

Kenmore Refrigerator French Door Not Cooling – Solved

Check the following components if your Kenmore french door refrigerator is not cooling:

  • Condenser fan
  • Evaporator fan
  • Condenser coils
  • Start relay
  • Thermistor
  • Temperature control thermostat
  • Temperature control board
  • Compressor
  • Main control board

This article is a detailed explanation of how to troubleshoot and fix each defective component.

Kenmore Fridge Door Fell Off – Quick Fix

Contact Kenmore to report the issue and request service on the door. More likely than not, you swing the door open too wide, and over time, the top hinge grew weak. Finally, it broke and the door fell off.

Watch the video here to understand how you can fix the door yourself, though it is a bit technical…

How to Replace Kenmore Refrigerator Door Gasket Retainer

To replace the door gasket retainer in a Kenmore refrigerator, take the following steps:

Step 1

Disconnect the power cord of the refrigerator from the wall outlet. Open the door of the refrigerator and pull the door trim off.

Pull back the gasket to access the retainer. Now, pull the retainer off of the door liner.

Step 2

Next, peel the gasket’s edge away from the door liner and turn the gasket outward. Now, you can slide the retainer off the door.

Step 3

Slide the new retainer onto the gasket to install it. Lay the gasket on the door liner by turning it inward over the retainer after installing it. Ensure the edge of the retainer goes behind the door frame’s lip.

Step 4

Tuck the spring of the retainer into its slot on the door liner. Afterward, push the retainer into position. Next, fix the door trim back and reconnect the refrigerator to electric power. Make sure the door closes and seals properly.

Here is a visual guide for replacing the retainer…

Kenmore Refrigerator Door Is Hot – Quick Fix

Clean the condenser coils and check the condenser fan. If the blades are stuck on something, remove the dirt and clean the blades. Make sure the motor is working by turning the blades.

If the blades don’t move freely, the bearings of the motor may be gone. You need to replace the motor because the bearings have no repair steps.

A faulty condenser fan and dirty condenser coils affect the temperature of the refrigerator, both internally and externally. They are unable to release heat or hot air and as a result, the heat transfers to the refrigerator.

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You may find the unit running constantly to keep a cool temperature and this process generates more heat.

Kenmore Refrigerator In-Door Ice Maker Not Working – How to Fix

The following are possible ways to fix the problem if an in-door ice maker in a Kenmore refrigerator not working:

1. Replace the Water Filter

The water filter may be clogged, thereby impeding the flow of water. Replace the filter with a bypass plug and see if the ice maker starts filling with water. If there is a change, replace the water filter.

Be sure to get a replacement using the model of your refrigerator as well as the number. Not all water filter types work on all Kenmore refrigerators.

2. Change the Water Inlet Valve

Inspect the valve at the bottom back of the refrigerator. Over time, deposits in water can clog the valve and slow the flow of water. Also, the solenoid may stop working or the water pressure may be too low. The inlet valve needs at least 20psi to be able to open and supply water.

Try dispensing water from the dispenser or through the water line. If you cannot get ¾ of glass within 10 seconds, the water pressure is too low and is affecting the valve.

Replace the water filter if it has been in use for longer than 6 months. But if you recently changed it, have a plumber increase the water pressure and see if the inlet valve begins to function well.

However, if none of the above applies, test the solenoid with a multimeter to see whether or not it is receiving power. If the solenoid is receiving enough power and the water pressure is sufficient yet the valve is not filling the ice maker with water, change the valve.

3. Straighten the Water Line

Take a look at the water line behind the ice maker to determine whether or not it is kinked or something is resting on it. Straighten the line and check for any breakage. You will have to replace the line if the kinks have broken it.

4. Replace the Ice Maker

When all else fails, check the ice maker. One or more of its internal components may be damaged but this may also mean replacing the entire assembly as it is not easy to find individual replacement parts.

But before replacing the machine, have a service agent check it and certify it in need of a replacement. However, if the cost of servicing is more than that of a new ice maker, simply replace it.

Note: Ensure the temperature in the refrigerator is set at the correct point for the ice maker to work. For the refrigerator set it at 37 degrees Fahrenheit and for the freezer, set it at 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Kenmore Refrigerator Door Light Switch Not Working – What to Do

If the door switch that controls the lights of your Kenmore refrigerator is not working, you need to replace it. Otherwise, the lights will stay on and become a fire hazard or stay off and affect how well you see the contents of the refrigerator.

Watch this video for steps to replace the door switch in your Kenmore refrigerator…

Kenmore Refrigerator Door Water Leak – Solved

If the water dispenser is in the door of the refrigerator, then the leak is from the dispenser. And trapped air in the dispenser causes it to leak.

Dispense about 2 to 3 gallons of water from the dispenser to flush the system and remove the trapped air. The air builds pressure and over time, it causes the water in the dispenser to leak.

Whenever you replace the water filter, get rid of trapped air by dispensing a few glasses of water. This is standard procedure if the water won’t leak.

However, if the refrigerator has no dispenser in the door, check the contents of the door bin. You may have a water-rich type of food there or a bottle of water that is leaking. Remove the contents, close the door, and wait to see if the leak continues.

Your Kenmore refrigerator may require service if the leak continues.

Kenmore Refrigerator Door Water Not Working – How to Fix

If the water dispenser in your Kenmore refrigerator door is not working, check the following:

  • Water filter
  • Water inlet valve
  • Water-tube in the door
  • Dispenser switch
  • Dispenser control board

You can check out this article for details on how to check and fix each component.

In addition to the above, check the door switch. The switch turns the water dispenser off once you open the door. The same applies to the ice dispenser. So if the switch is faulty, the dispenser may stay off.

Kenmore Refrigerator Door Pops Open – Quick Fix

If your Kenmore refrigerator has both freezer and fridge, check the force with which you close the freezer door. Sometimes, when you shut one door, the other pops open s little but settles back and closes properly if the refrigerator is level.

However, if the above does not apply and it is a new development, clean the door seal and make sure it is working. Otherwise, replace it.

Check the contents of the refrigerator; a shelf, rack, food item, or bin may be sticking out and pushing the door when you close it.

Check to see if the refrigerator is level. Proper leveling helps the door to close and seal but improper leveling leaves the door hanging open.

Furthermore, check the door hinge. It may be broken or out of place, causing the door not to stay closed. It may help to reduce the contents of the door bins.

Kenmore Refrigerator Door Reversal – Quick Guide

To reverse the doors on your Kenmore refrigerator, take the following steps:

Step 1

Get a 13/32-inch socket wrench with a 2-inch extension for the hinge at the bottom. Also, get a flat-head screwdriver, no. 2 Phillips screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, a 3/32-inch hex tool, a ¼ socket, and a ¼ hex tool.

Step 2

Disconnect the refrigerator from electric power and empty it of all contents, including the food, shelves, racks, door bins, and drawers.

Step 3

Unmount the two screws on the freezer handle’s bottom part with your screwdriver. For the screws on the upper part, remove them using the 3/32-inch hex tool, and remove the freezer’s handle completely.

For the plug button, unscrew it by rotating counterclockwise with your hands. Set the button on the other side of the door as well as the fastener for mounting the handle.

Step 4

Go to the hinge cover at the top of the refrigerator and gently pry it off using your flat-head screwdriver and remove it.

With the 13/32-inch socket wrench, loosen and remove the bolts on the hinge and lift the hinge off. Lift the door up a little and remove it. Turn it upside down on a smooth surface.

Step 5

Loosen the screw that holds the door cam or closer in place and remove the cam. Remove the hinge pin insert bracket and move it to the other side of the door while maintaining the orientation.

Flip the door cam to reverse it. Set it on the hinge pin insert bracket and tighten both using the single screw.

Pry the cover off on the left side of the refrigerator, on the top, using a flat-head screwdriver. You will see screw holes under the cover.

Step 6

Now, remove the two screws and hinge hole plug on the upper side of the handle of the refrigerator door.

Next, remove the set screw on the upper part using the 3/32-inch hex tool and detach the handle. The refrigerator door handle becomes the freezer door handle since you are reversing the doors.

Remove the plug button on that door with your hand by turning counterclockwise and remove the mounting fastener by loosening it with your ¼-inch hex wrench.

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Set the plug button on the other side and mount the fastener for the handle. Next, remove the middle hinge pin from the bracket using a ¼-inch socket wrench. Also, remove the washer from under the hinge and place it in a safe place.

Step 7

Now, lift the refrigerator and set it aside. Unscrew the screws on the insert bracket of the bottom hinge. Move the bracket to the other side of the door, making sure to maintain the orientation.

Screw the hinge pin bracket to the refrigerator door. Now, remove the two bolts holding the middle hinge bracket from the refrigerator cabinet. Remove the bottom hinge pin using a ¼-inch socket wrench.

Attach the pin to the other side of the cabinet, opposite the former location. Loosen the single screw and two bolts on the bottom hinge with a 13/32-inch socket wrench with a 2-inch extension. Remove the hinge and set it on the left side of the cabinet maintaining the same orientation before reattaching it.

Step 8

Begin to fix the doors of both the refrigerator and freezer back on the hinges. Ensure you fix all the bolts and screws in their proper places and make sure the doors sit on the hinge pins securely.

This video demonstrates the step-by-step process of reversing the door on a Kenmore top freezer refrigerator…

Kenmore Refrigerator Door Hard to Open – How to Fix

There are a number of reasons why the door of your Kenmore refrigerator is hard to open:

1. Air Pressure

When you open and close the door of the refrigerator, it loses some air and needs some time for the vacuum created to equalize. If you try to open the door immediately after you shut it, it won’t be possible.

You will need to allow a few minutes to pass for the air pressure to ease. Then, you can open it. This may be the case with your refrigerator. Give it a few minutes and try again.

2. Dirty Seal and Frame

If the air pressure issue does not apply to you, then the problem may stem from a sticky door seal or frame. Spilling drinks, especially sugary ones, on the door frame or seal causes the door to stick and become difficult to open.

Check the frame and seal and clean both if necessary. Even if you don’t notice any grime on them, it helps to clean them to eliminate that possibility. It also helps to apply some petroleum jelly or paraffin wax to the gasket to prevent further sticking.

3. Damaged Hinges

The hinges may be out of alignment or damaged from the forceful and frequent door opening. If you tend to open the door too wide or slam it shut forcefully, the hinges may be affected negatively.

Examine the hinges to determine whether or not they are damaged. Replace them following the user guide or hire a professional to do the job if they are damaged.

4. Poorly Arranged Shelves

One or more shelves may stick out and wedge the door shut from inside. If this is the case, you will always find that the door is hard to open. Therefore, it is important to arrange shelves, drawers, bins, and racks properly inside the refrigerator and freezer.

Kenmore Refrigerator Door Rusting – What to Do

Inspect the door to see whether or not the rust originated from the door. If it did, then repaint the door to eliminate the rust from the origin. The original paint may be too thin, causing the rust to start.

But if the rust is on the surface, you may have to replace the door because painting it won’t solve the problem.

Before replacing, however, try a salt and lemon mixture on the rust areas. Mix a tablespoon of lemon juice into a good amount of salt, enough to create a paste. Rub the paste into the areas with rust using a rag; there should be an improvement.

You can also try distilled white vinegar but use it with caution and gently clean it off the surface of the door.

A little dish soap and water on the rust spots may also help. Allow the soap and water to soak for about one hour and scrub the spots with a soft-bristled brush.

In the case of rust bubbling, rub the spot until there is only bare metal. Apply vinegar, rub it in, and clean it off. Then, repaint the door.

If all else fails, contact Kenmore to report the rust issue and request assistance. It seems rusting is seen frequently in Kenmore refrigerators.

Kenmore Refrigerator Door Sagging – Quick Fix

Check the door hinges; they are probably weak, making the door sag or become too low. To fix this, remove every item in the refrigerator door and close it properly.

Adjust the screws between the two doors or replace the faulty hinge. If it is a recent installment, the door needs to be removed and reinstalled properly. There are instructive steps in the user manual to guide you.

You should also check the leveling of the refrigerator. Improper leveling affects the doors of the refrigerator and fixing this may correct the sagging door issue.

How to Replace Kenmore Refrigerator Door Gasket – Quick Guide

To replace the door gasket in a Kenmore refrigerator, do the following:

1. Smooth Gasket Creases

A new refrigerator door gasket is likely to have creases that need smoothing. To do this, use a hairdryer set on low or soak the gasket in warm water. Be sure to dry it thoroughly after soaking it and allow it to cool completely before using it.

2. Remove the Old Gasket

Disconnect the refrigerator from power and pull the old gasket out of its track. Don’t try to pull it from the middle; start at a corner. But if this proves difficult, start at any point. Once you begin, the removal will become easy.

3. Clean the Track

More likely than not, the track that holds the gasket will be dirty. So, clean the track to remove all debris and dirt that may make it difficult for the new gasket to fit and seal properly.

4. Fix the Gasket

Fix the new gasket into the track beginning from the top of the door. Keep fitting it into the sides of the door all the way down to the bottom. Once done, check around the door for loose spots and fit those spots into the track if you find any.

Coat a thin layer of petroleum jelly on the new gasket so that it can seal properly. Then, shut the door to check how well you fixed the gasket and whether or not it is sealing. Make sure everything is in order before you restore power to the refrigerator.

How to Remove Kenmore Refrigerator Door with Waterline

To remove a Kenmore refrigerator door with a water line, do the following:

Disconnect the refrigerator from electric power and move it away from the surrounding surface. Pull out the waterline; press the fitting ring to release it and pull the line out of the connector.

Open the door with the line and lift off the hinge cover at the top. Pull out the tube, disconnect the wire connectors, and unscrew the grounding screw.

Next, turn the lever of the hinge counterclockwise and lift off the top hinge from the lever latch. Hold the door carefully while lifting it off the middle hinge pin.

Side-by-Side Model

Press the metal band at the line’s end and pull up the waterline. Open the door with the waterline and remove the single screw holding the cover of the hinge in place, at the top. Using a flat-head screwdriver, pry the cover loose and remove it.

Disconnect the wire connectors and unmount the grounding screw. Next, turn the lever of the hinge counterclockwise and lift the hinge off the lever latch. Now, hold the door carefully and lift it off the hinge pin at the bottom while pulling the waterline through the pin.

Kenmore Refrigerator Makes Noise When the Door Is Closed – Quick Fix

Check the evaporator fan. The fan runs when the door of the freezer is closed but stops once you open the door. If the noise stops when you open the door, inspect the fan.

Remove the inside back wall of the freezer; the fan is usually attached to it. See if there is an ice buildup around the fan; that may explain the noise. A failing motor can also generate some noise.

Check the blades to be sure they are clean and not damaged. Replace them if they are damaged or bent but if not, check the windings of the motor with a multimeter. If you find no continuity, replace the motor.

Additionally, you may have to use a hairdryer or steamer to melt any ice accumulated around the fan. Another option is to defrost the unit manually. These steps should stop the noise.

However, for a lasting solution, find out why there is ice around the fan if you find any. There is a leakage of air somewhere and if it is not fixed, the problem will return.

Recap

Sometimes, a Kenmore refrigerator door develops one problem or another and it becomes frustrating. But if you follow this guide, you will find a solution to most of the door problems.

However, if the problem persists or you can’t find a solution at all, contact Kenmore for further assistance. You can also use one of our technicians; reach them today.

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