When you have a problem with your refrigerator door, chances are the unit will have cooling problems. Fortunately, there are solutions to such a problem.
Table of Contents
Refrigerator Door Creaks – Quick Fix
Add a food-safe lubricant to the door hinges if you find the door loudly creaking. You will find quite a few of those types of lubricants in stores, but you must have someone to help you before correctly applying the lubricant. It will require lifting the door a little to apply the grease with a cotton wool swab.
Open and close the refrigerator door a few times after the application to help the lubricant settle. The creaking noise should stop after some time. It is important to note that refrigerators may creak a little after some years of use. If the creaking noise is not loud or excessive, you may want to let it be. But over time, dirt and food crumbs can settle in them, making it difficult to close the door. The weight of food in the door bins can also contribute to the noise.
Therefore, clean the door hinges when you hear a creak from the door. Also, take care not to spill food often. Furthermore, keep the door bins as light as possible to prolong the life of the hinges and refrigerator. Overstuffing can wear the hinges out and cause trouble to the refrigerator.
Refrigerator Door Does Not Close – What to Do
Take a look at the door bins to be sure nothing is sticking out. You may have accidentally placed items in such a way that the bins are sticking out. The same applies to shelves and racks. Putting too many items in the refrigerator can move the shelves ever so slightly, keeping the door from closing.
If that does not apply, check the door seals. They may be dirty, so clean them with warm water and soap, ensuring you do a thorough job. Try closing the door to see if it fixes the problem. Check for looseness if dirt is not the problem. You can fix the seal into position with a small screwdriver if it is even slightly loose. Otherwise, consider replacing it because a weak seal can keep the door from closing.
Furthermore, check the hinge alignment. If the hinges are not aligned, the door will not close. Overloading the door bins can affect the hinges, but wear and tear can also affect them. Also, improper installation affects them if you ever removed the door. Follow the manual instructions on how to realign the door hinges or find a professional to do the job.
Refrigerator Leveling
When these steps fail, check to see if the refrigerator is level. It should be level from one side to another and from back to front. Get a level and place it atop the refrigerator. Remove the refrigerator’s bottom grille or any cover that secures the feet or adjustment screws.
Using a pair of pliers, turn the feet or screws counterclockwise or clockwise and watch the bubble in the level. You may someone to help you with this task. The bubble must settle between the vertical lines inside the level. When the bubble is at the center, the refrigerator is level. A level refrigerator must tilt a little to the back. That way, the door easily closes and remains closed.
Note: An improperly leveled refrigerator keeps the refrigerator door from closing by itself. The refrigerator must tilt slightly to the back, with the front part being slightly raised. That way, the door swings shut when you open it at a 90-degree angle or less.
Damaged Closing Cam
If the leveling does not fix the door issue, you may want to check the closing cam at the bottom of the door. To do that, turn the thermostat off and store perishable food items in a cooler or another refrigerator. Unmount the single screw holding the hinge cover in place to uncover the hinge. Unscrew the bolts on the hinge and remove the hinge. Set it aside.
Next, lift the door up and separate it from the refrigerator. Set it on a flat surface and remove the closing cam at the bottom using a flathead screwdriver. Clean the hinge and area with soap and water before putting a new closing cam. Ensure the area is completely dry and apply petroleum jelly before replacing the door.
Set the door on the hinge pin at the bottom and put the top one into the door. Mount the bolts to secure the top hinge and place the hinge cover over it. Then, secure it with the screw.
The above fixes should work at fixing a refrigerator door that does not close. However, speak with the manufacturer or an independent repair technician if the problem persists.
Refrigerator Door Does Not Seal – Solved
Food crumbs or something close to that may be stuck to the door seal, keeping it from closing tightly. Check the seal for dirt or for any items inside the refrigerator that may be sticking out. While there, take a look at the spine of the door, where the hinges are. Ensure nothing sticks out of the gap between the door and frame.
Next, check the seal for dirt. The most likely cause for a door not sealing is the door seal. It may be dirty, loose, or weak. Therefore, mix mild detergent in warm water and thoroughly clean the seal. Scrub it without causing damages, making sure to reach the folds. You should also clean the pocket onto the which the seal adheres. It may be as grimy as the seal, making it impossible for the seal to work. Like the seal, do a thorough job of cleaning it.
Afterward, dry the seal and the pocket as thoroughly as you can. When they are dry, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to them to increase the seal’s ability to adhere. The seal will stick better after that. But replace the door seal if these steps do not fix the problem.
Refrigerator Door Does Not Stay Open – Solution
Begin by checking how far back the refrigerator tilts. When leveling the refrigerator, it should tilt only slightly to the back. If it exceeds a certain point, the door will not stay open unless you hold it open. Use a level to check it and adjust the leveling screws until you achieve the right balance.
Check the upper or lower door closing cam if your refrigerator door does not stay open. You will need to remove the door to check the cam; you cannot do it otherwise. Disconnect the refrigerator from power before performing this task. Also, ensure you buy the right type of door closing cam for your refrigerator type using the model number of the unit.
Here is a video demonstrating how to replace the door cam on your refrigerator…
Refrigerator Door Falling Off – What to Do
Check to see if the door hinges are still useable if the door keeps falling off or fell off. The problem may stem from weak hinges. Replace the hinges with the correct part or have a professional do the job. You should also check the load in the door bins. Having too many heavy items in the door can affect the hinges and cause them to weaken before time.
In some cases, you may find that the door is damaged and you have to buy a new one. A new refrigerator door tends to be expensive, so it helps to lessen the load on the door to prevent a future occurrence.
This video shows how to fix a refrigerator door that fell off…
Check out these other articles…
Refrigerator Thermostat [How to, Issues & Proven Solutions]
Refrigerator Thermistor [How to, Problems & Solutions]
Refrigerator Temp Goes Up and Down [How to Fix]
Fridge Temp Alarm Keeps Going Off [How to Fix]
Refrigerator Thermometer [Detailed How to Use Guide]
Refrigerator Door Feels Hot – How to Fix
A hot refrigerator door may not be a cause for alarm. Typically, a refrigerator door and outside walls may feel warm from time to time during normal operations. But when the door or walls become extremely hot on a continuous basis, check the following:
1. Condenser Coils
Run a vacuum cleaner over the condenser coils if you notice they are excessively dirty. They tend to get dirty over time due to their location, even with a protective panel over them. This is especially true if you have pets that shed or live in a dusty area.
Use a small brush to do a more detailed and thorough cleaning if the vacuum cleaner does not get all the dirt. Otherwise, the dirt will act as a cover or blanket over the coils, preventing them from dissipating heat from the refrigerator. As a result, the refrigerator becomes too hot. It may affect its performance over time if the trend continues.
2. Door Gasket
The gasket may be worn and leaky, letting air into the refrigerator. Run your hand down the length of the gasket; if you feel cold air escaping without opening the door, replace the gasket. Otherwise, open and close the door on a dollar bill and pull it. The suction from the gasket should make it impossible to remove the bill without tearing it. If you can, replace the door gasket.
The warm air that enters the refrigerator increases the internal temperature and triggers the compressor to run more often than it should. The constant running may cause the hot exterior you feel.
3. Condenser Fan
The coils and compressor may be overheating and affecting the refrigerator due to a faulty condenser fan. Check to make sure the fan is attached to the refrigerator and check its blade. Clean and turn it; if it is stiff, the motor may be faulty. Ensure nothing is impeding its movement.
Next, check the fan motor. It should run while the refrigerator is operating. But if not, run a continuity test on it using a multimeter. Replace the fan motor if you find no continuity.
Refrigerator Door Hard to Open – Quick Fix
If you just opened and closed the door, or even slammed it shut, warm air enters the refrigerator and mixes with the cold air. This process creates a vacuum, and as the warm air cools, it thins, creating suction. You need to give the unit a few minutes to release the vacuum so that the door is easier to open.
Sometimes, the door gasket has food and drink spills that make it too gummy. When it seals, it becomes too hard to open the door. Therefore, check the gasket for such spills and thoroughly clean it. Ensure you use soap and warm water for the best results. Then, apply some petroleum jelly or paraffin wax to the seal to lubricate it.
Refrigerator Door Ice Dispenser Not Working – How to Fix
Check the following and replace any faulty ones if your refrigerator door ice dispenser is not working:
1. Dispenser Switches
Ensure the switches are working by testing each one with a multimeter. They should have continuity to work, but if not, replace the ones not working. Otherwise, the ice dispenser will not get voltage.
The actuator may be broken, cutting off interaction between the switches and the dispenser. Inspect the part and replace it if it is broken.
2. Door Motor
Test the door motor using a multimeter to check for continuity. The motor closes and opens the door of the dispenser to keep the temperature cold. If the motor stops working, the ice dispenser will not function. So, replace the motor if you find that it has no continuity.
3. Auger Motor
The motor ensures the auger assembly is functioning properly. Remove the ice bucket and turn the auger with your hand. It should freely turn if the motor is in good working condition. Otherwise, run a continuity test on the motor to ensure there is continuity. Replace the motor if there is none.
4. Solenoid
Check the continuity of the solenoid using a multimeter. The actuator pin must also move without a hitch. The problem does not stem from the solenoid if it has continuity and the pin moves well. But if not, replace the solenoid. The solenoid controls the flap that opens to release the ice. If it stops working, the ice dispenser will have no ice to dispense.
Contact the manufacturer for further assistance or hire an independent appliance technician if none of the above fixes solves the problem.
Refrigerator Door Keeps Hitting Wall – Solved
A refrigerator door should not swing so far as to hit the walls near it. But if it does, you can opt to reverse the door to the other side of the cabinet. Many modern refrigerators have a design that makes it easy to switch the doors. You can consult the refrigerator’s user manual to see whether or not your model has a reversible door.
If it does, ensure there are no walls close by that it may hit. That way, there will be no damage to both the walls and refrigerator door. Then, switch the doors. Get a helper or hire a professional to switch the door to the opposite side.
Refrigerators usually have stops that prevent them from opening too far. Your manual may have instructions on how to adjust the stop if the door opens more than 90 degrees. If your refrigerator does not have the feature, use an external doorstop for the same purpose. Your refrigerator manufacturer may have such kits for sale.
Another option is to create your own doorstop with items around the house. Soft or cushioned furniture help to protect the refrigerator door and walls around it. So, move some furniture close to the door. You can also use conventional doorstops for the same job.
Refrigerator Door Leaking Water – Quick Fix
Check the items in the door bins, defrost drain, door water, and ice dispensers, and water lines for faults, as we discuss in this article.
Refrigerator Door Uneven – What to Do
Ensure the refrigerator is level. Improper leveling can keep the door misaligned. Place a level atop the refrigerator without placing it on the door. Next, locate the leveling screws and turn them until the bubble inside the level rests in the center.
If that does not solve the problem, locate the door adjustment screw on the bottom hinge, where it joins the refrigerator body. Find an Allen wrench or nut driver to turn the screw, depending on the type of screw it is. If the door is higher than it should be, turn the screw counterclockwise to lower it. But if it is too low, turn the screw clockwise to raise the door.
Refrigerator Door Handles Turned Yellow – What to Do
You may have to replace the refrigerator door handles if the color change is due to age or an irreversible reaction. Deep color change has no other solution than to replace the handles completely. Another option is to paint the handles to cover the yellow color if you are not ready to replace them.
But if you believe the color change is reversible, make a solution of water and vinegar, equal parts of each. Then, clean the door handles with it as it may work at removing the yellow discoloration. The same applies to making a paste out of baking soda and water. Yet another option is cleaning the handle with Mr. Magic Clean Eraser.
If the discoloration comes from the plastic material of the handles reacting to the sun rays, use hydrogen peroxide liquid or cream to try making them white again. First, wash and dry the handles to remove dirt. Next, apply a layer of cream or liquid over the handles and put a plastic wrap over them. Then, put them in a plastic bag that is resealable.
Put the bag outside, under the sun, and leave it there for about six hours. Ensure you keep an eye on it, and turn it from time to time so that sunlight can touch every angle of the handles. Afterward, check the handles to see if there is any positive change. If there is but not enough, you may have to repeat the process.
Refrigerator Hot Around Door Seal – Quick Fix
Check the compressor, condenser fan, and condenser coils. Ensure the condenser fan is working so that the compressor and coils do not overheat. When they do, the panel around the door seal becomes hot.
Some refrigerators have a heating system on that door panel that prevents condensation from building up. Typically, the seal should only get warm, not hot. So, if you find the seal becoming too hot, ensure the compressor is not overheating, along with the coils.
Turn the fan blade and clean it if it is dirty. Ensure the motor runs as the refrigerator operates. If the fan seems to be faulty, replace it. That should fix the overheating problem if nothing else is causing it. Also, be sure the condenser coils are clean.
Another possible reason for the hot seal is that the heating system is running non-stop. Consult the user manual for the refrigerator to determine how to turn it off. You can also contact the manufacturer to report the issue and request assistance if nothing else seems to work.
How to Replace a Refrigerator Door Seal
To replace the door seal on a refrigerator, remove the seal from its packaging and allow it to sit for a day. When it comes, it is folded in the packaging, and the folding affects the magnetic strip. Leaving it out will allow it to regain form. But you can use a tub of hot water or a hairdryer to achieve the same purpose.
Next, check to see if the seal on the door is the push-in type. You can simply align the seal’s backside ridge with the channel into which the seal goes, and push it into position. Some manufacturers recommend using vinyl cement in the channel first before inserting the seal; it helps to hold the seal in place.
However, if the seal is the type that snaps in, insert the seal’s inside edge behind the lip of the retainer in the door panel. Begin at a corner of the door to ensure the seal’s proper positioning. But if the seal is the type you screw in, fix the top half first by inserting the seal and mounting the screws. Then, fix the lower half the same way. Fixing it that way prevents the door liner from moving out of position.
Watch this video for instructional steps to replace the door seal on your refrigerator…
How to Remove a Refrigerator Door with Water Line
Disconnect the refrigerator from electric power and turn off the water supply to the refrigerator. If the unit has a kickplate at the bottom, remove it by pulling the top part forward with your thumbs. This releases the clips that secure it. When you remove it, you will the feed tube under the left door that supplies water to the door dispenser.
Place a rag on the floor under the water tube and release the coupling on the tube by pressing the clip with your thumb. Push in the pipe so that you can pull it out. Set it aside where it is not in the way.
Next, reach to the top of the door where the hinge is. Use a screwdriver to unmount the single screw holding the hinge cover in place. You will see a wiring harness and three screws holding the hinge in place under the cover. Disconnect the harness and remove the screw that holds the ground wire in place.
With a nut driver, unmount two of the three screws holding the hinge to the refrigerator. Set them safely aside and loosen the third screw without removing it. Hold the door securely with your body while you slowly remove that last screw; removing all three at the same time will cause the door to drop and get damaged.
Hold each side of the door and lift it off the hinge at the bottom. While doing so, the water tube will slide out of the bottom hinge pin. Do this carefully so as not to damage anything. Then, set the door aside.
This is a visual representation of how to remove a refrigerator door with a water line…
Recap
A refrigerator door is about the most used part of a refrigerator. It is indispensable because it helps to hold in the cold air and preserve the food, among other things. Therefore, it is crucial to fix any issue with the door or any part of it to keep the refrigerator optimally working.
If none of the above works for you, contact the manufacturer. Alternatively, reach us using the chatbox to your right. We have appliance technicians waiting to assist you.
Refrigerator Door – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why Does My Refrigerator Door Make a Popping Noise?
The door closing cam or bearing is broken if your refrigerator door pops whenever you use it. The cam is either on the top hinge part or the bottom one. Removing the door will reveal where it is so that you can replace it.
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