A refrigerator door must be in good operating condition for the unit to work. Learn about a Whirlpool refrigerator door and its functions in this article.
Table of Contents
Whirlpool Refrigerator Door Adjustment
To adjust the door on a Whirlpool refrigerator, it is crucial to determine the method based on the refrigerator model. A side-by-side refrigerator has a different adjustment method from a French-door model. This article on how to level Whirlpool refrigerator doors explains details on adjusting the door for each model.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Door Alarm Turn On – Steps
The door alarm on a Whirlpool refrigerator is an automatic feature that becomes activated when the door is open for longer than two to five minutes. You do not need to turn it on manually; if the door is not properly shut or the refrigerator is not leveled, and the temperature begins to rise, the alarm beeps every two minutes, accompanied by a flashing alarm light.
If the alarm is beeping even if the door is shut, ensure the door is properly closed. Check the door gasket and the bins and push items into their proper positions. Replace the gasket if worn or clean it if dirty. But the beeping may continue until the internal temperature drops if it has risen beyond a certain point.
The door switch may also be faulty. When you close the refrigerator door, it activates the switch and alerts the control board that the door is shut. But if the switch stops working, due to dirt, moisture, or faulty wiring, it may trigger the door alarm to beep. You can mute the alarm, but it is only a temporary measure. Replace the switch or check the control board if you want to stop the beeping.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Door Alarm Not Working – Quick Fix
Check the door switch if the door alarm is no longer working. Depress the switch and see if the light in the refrigerator works. If the light works when you touch the switch, you know it is not the problem. But if the light does not respond to the switch, replace the door switch.
The alarm may have loose connections and you will need to check it before determining whether or not you need new connections. There may be damaged wires in need of a replacement. Also, the control board may be malfunctioning; check the sensor connecting it to the alarm. If the sensor is defective, replace it and see if the alarm begins working. Otherwise, replace the entire control board.
However, if none of these fixes the door alarm, contact Whirlpool to report the alarm issue and request service. And if a Whirlpool technician is not readily available, employ the services of a qualified appliance technician for further assistance.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Door Ajar Light Stays On – Quick Fix
Check the door switch, refrigerator leveling, and door seal if the door ajar light stays on, on your Whirlpool refrigerator. This article on what to do about a Whirlpool refrigerator door ajar light explains how to troubleshoot each possible cause and fix it. Follow the instructions and fix your refrigerator. But if the door light remains on, get professional help.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Door Making a Creaking Noise – Fixed
If the door of a Whirlpool refrigerator makes a creaking noise, the first place to check is the hinge on the top. The hinge may be loose or there may be too much strain on it. Check the door and lessen the load on it if you have too many items stored in the door bins. If it applies and you reduce the load, check the door again.
Tighten the screws on the door hinge if the noise continues. That means removing the screws and putting them back, this time, ensuring you tighten them this time. But if the hinge is damaged, get a replacement hinge for the refrigerator.
Next is the door cam. If the creaking noise persists and the hinge is not the problem, check the door cam. It is a small piece of plastic on the bottom hinge that enables the smooth movement of the door. If broken, it may cause the door to pop or creak when in use. Replace the door cam following these instructions and it should stop the noise.
The door may be rubbing against the shelves, bins, or even one or more items in the refrigerator. Check the arrangement of the unit’s contents to see if any is far out enough to rub against the door. Push the items as far from the door as possible just to be sure. Close and open the door again to check the noise.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Door Closes too Fast – Solved
The first step is to check the leveling of the refrigerator. We have already discussed how to level the refrigerator, so follow the instructions or use the steps in the user guide to level the unit. A refrigerator must be level from side to side and from front to back, with the front slightly raised higher than the back. This should help fix the door issue.
But if the door still closes too fast, lower the front of the refrigerator a little. The height difference between the front and the back of the unit should not be more than half an inch. Otherwise, the door will close too fast and the refrigerator cannot function properly.
Another possibility is that the door is misaligned. Whirlpool has a method of aligning the door if they are not properly aligned, as discussed in the section about refrigerator door adjustment in this article. But if that does not work, you can try adjusting the doors at the hinges. Remove the hinge cover and adjust the doors, ensuring the door balances before replacing the hinge and tightening the screws.
Lastly, check the number and weight of the items stored in the door bins. Typically, the door holds food that does not need low temperatures, such as eggs, juice, and milk. But when you put heavy jars and can in the door, it may affect the hinges and misalign the door, causing it to swing shut faster than it should.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Door Drops
If the door drops, it means it will be misaligned. Check the door hinge; realign the hinge if out of place or replace it if damaged. Ensure the bottom hinge is still in place; the bottom hinge can also get damaged. In addition, check the load in the door bins and reduce it if necessary.
Check out these other articles…
How to Level a Whirlpool Refrigerator [Detailed Guide]
How to Replace a Whirlpool Refrigerator…[Detailed Guide]
How to Remove a Whirlpool Refrigerator…[In-depth Guide]
How to Install a Whirlpool Refrigerator…[Detailed Guide]
Whirlpool Refrigerator Noise [Proven Solutions]
Whirlpool Refrigerator Door Does Not Close – What to Do
There are simple reasons the door of your Whirlpool refrigerator does not close or pop open. Before checking for more complex causes, open the door and see if the shelves are properly aligned in it. Also, check to see if the items in the unit are properly arranged. It may be a poor arrangement of items keeping the door open. This is especially true if you recently loaded the unit.
Rearrange the shelves, bins, and racks. Check the door bins and push them back if they are out of place. This may mean removing every item in the refrigerator and rearranging them. It may also mean reducing the contents in the unit to make the door easier to close.
If the refrigerator has an ice maker, inspect the ice bucket to see if it is properly inserted under the machine. You may have recently removed it or items in the freezer may have nudged it out of position while rearranging them. Pull the ice bucket out and properly insert it; push it under the ice maker until it reaches the back of the refrigerator and balances well.
Furthermore, ensure the refrigerator is properly leveled. Leveling a refrigerator enables the door to close and seal tightly and poor leveling makes it difficult for the door to close. It may mean manually closing and ensuring the door seal each time you use the refrigerator, which is not attainable. Therefore, check the user manual for instructions on leveling the refrigerator.
Check the hinges. If they are loose, the door cannot close well. Before replacing the hinges, ensure the door bins do not have heavy items stored in them. Such items can misalign or even break the hinges and keep the door from closing. Reduce the weight on the door and inspect the hinges. If they are damaged, replace the hinges. But if they are still intact, tighten the screws to level the door.
New Installation
If it is a new installation, the refrigerator may have pieces of packaging sticking around the door. Therefore, inspect the area around the door and remove leftover packaging material so the door can close well. And ensure the door is correctly installed as a new refrigerator. A wrong installation keeps the door from closing or sealing. The same is true if you recently removed the door, even if it is not a new installation.
Hinged Seal
French-door models have a hinged seal fixed vertically on the left door. When you open the door, the seal automatically folds inward so that it is not in the way. But you must open the right door and close both doors to enable the seal to fold outward and form a seal between the doors. However, if you open the left door and it does not fold inward, it keeps the door from closing. You have to fold it in manually before closing the door.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Does Not Seal
Finally, check the door seal or gasket. It is the rubber material that runs around the door of the refrigerator. It is a magnetic strip that keeps the door tightly shut and traps the cold air in the refrigerator and keeps the warm air out. If the gasket is weak, the door cannot close. The same is true if the gasket is dirty or loose.
Therefore, inspect the gasket and clean it if dirty; warm water, soap, and an old toothbrush should do the job. And if it is loose, use a small flat-head screwdriver to push the gasket back in place. But if it is weak, replace the gasket. If you are unsure, do the dollar trick; close the door on a dollar bill and try pulling it out. If you cannot pull the dollar bill out without opening the door, the gasket is in good working condition. However, if you can pull it out with the door still closed, replace the gasket.
In rare cases, you may have to replace the entire refrigerator door. If the door was damaged during movement or due to a force hitting it, it might stop working. The refrigerator may be level and the gasket may be in good working condition, but the door still cannot close. Replacing the entire door fixes the problem.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Door Fell Off – Quick Fix
Check the affected door hinge to see if it is damaged. Over time, the door hinge can become weak, but it is not a typical occurrence and other factors can weaken or damage the door hinge. Ensure you do not have heavy items in the door bins because the weight can put a strain on the hinge and eventually damage it.
Replace the hinge and reuse the old door if it is in good operating condition. Otherwise, you may need a new door if the fault is from it. A damaged door may fall off even if the hinge is working. Contact Whirlpool to purchase a new door or hinge, depending on what you need to replace. And keep from overloading the door bin to prevent any future damage.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Door Frame Hot – Fixed
If the door frame on a Whirlpool refrigerator is hot, it may be normal. Typically, the frame is prone to condensation, which can freeze and cause the door not to open. The moisture tends to build during hot days. So, the refrigerator automatically passes warm liquid under the frame to keep the condensation away. That is why the area fills warm and may feel hot if the refrigerator needs to run longer on a particularly hot day.
However, the condenser coils may be significantly dirty or the heater that runs around the door gasket is working extra hard. So, if the door frame is hot, clean the condenser coils to improve the transfer of heat from the refrigerator to the atmosphere. You may also want to turn the heater off if you can locate the heater switch. But it may cause condensation to form on the frame and lead to freezing around the door gasket.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Door Gets Stuck – Solution
If the door was just opened and closed, it might be difficult to open until after a few minutes. When the door opens, cold air flows out and warm air replaces it. Closing the door causes the warm air to mix with the cold air and creates a vacuum, which tightens the door. The internal pressure needs to equalize and release the vacuum before you can open the door again.
This process is completely normal and tends to happen when the weather is humid and hot. But if that is not the case, check the frame around the door for ice. The door may get stuck if ice forms on the frame due to condensation. Typically, moisture forms around the door when the weather is humid and the frame is warm or hot.
The internal frame heater or the warm liquid running through the frame should keep the condensation away. However, if these are not in place, ice forms on the door frame and causes the gasket to stick. Use a warm cloth to clean the ice off the gasket and door frame, and ensure ice does not form on the frame in the future.
Other Possibilities
The door gasket may be sticky and dirty. Food spills can cause the gasket to stick to the frame, and over time, food tends to spill and mess the gasket up. Mix mild soap in warm water and clean the gasket with a soft sponge or cloth. If there are stubborn stains, use an old but soft toothbrush to clean the gasket.
Ensure you thoroughly dry the gasket after cleaning to even moisture. Otherwise, the moisture may freeze and create additional problems. It may help to put a layer of paraffin wax or petroleum jelly to keep the gasket lubricated and prevent a future occurrence.
You may also want to check how level the refrigerator is. Place a level on top of the refrigerator and check its balance. If the refrigerator is not leveled from front to back and side to side, adjust the leveling legs following the instructions in the user manual. Also, check the floor under the unit to ensure it is even. An uneven floor can affect the refrigerator’s functionality, so use shims to balance the unit.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Door Handle Loose – Quick Fix
A Whirlpool refrigerator typically comes with a one-eight hex key or Allen wrench. Get the hex key and locate the set screws on the door handle. There should be one on the top inner and bottom inner parts of the handle. Insert the hex key into the screw hold and turn them clockwise or to the right to tighten them.
And when they are tight, give each one another quarter turn to ensure a proper fit. The handle may remain loose without the extra turn. Your user manual contains specific instructions on fixing the door handle on your refrigerator model when it is loose.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Ice Door Not Closing – Fixed
If the ice door on the ice dispenser on a Whirlpool refrigerator is not closing, it may be due to a failed motor or broken mounting tab. If you have the electronic dispenser type, you may have to replace the motor or have a replacement ice door. And if the dispenser is the mechanical type and the mounting tab is broken, replace the ice door because you cannot fix the tab.
Here is a video showing how to replace the ice dispenser door on a Whirlpool refrigerator…
Whirlpool Refrigerator Door Handle Keeps Breaking – Quick Fix
If the handle on your Whirlpool refrigerator door keeps breaking, it may be time to contact the Whirlpool Service Center to inform them. The problem may stem from buying inferior parts or your handling. Ensure you are not applying excessive force on the handle and that the refrigerator door is not overloaded. Otherwise, it may affect the handle.
Also, ensure the handle is not installed too tight, which may cause it to become fragile. Employ a professional to check the handle and install the next one, making sure to get the right replacement part this time.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Door Leaking Water – What to Do
If your Whirlpool refrigerator door has a water or ice dispenser on it, the dispenser may be leaking. First, if you recently replaced the water filter, flush the system to remove air pockets. If there is trapped air, it can cause the dispenser to leak. Dispense water for a minute or two to clear the system.
Also, the water line that connects to the dispenser may be leaking. Inspect the water line for kinks or leaks, and replace it if there is a leak. Ensure the connection points are tight; tighten leaky points if applicable.
If the door continues leaking, check any stored items in the door. Inspect water bottles and other containers with liquid content. Remove each item and inspect it until you find the leaking one. If none of them is leaking and the dispenser is not the problem, you may need professional help to find the cause of the leakage.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Door Swings Open too Far – What to Do
You can use a doorstop for your Whirlpool refrigerator door that swings too far. If there is no built-in one, make one at home or buy one from the store. A floor bumper or typical doorstop should suffice. However, the doorstop should be rubber to protect the finish of the refrigerator. A piece of soft furniture may also work if you can position one behind the door.
Another option is to install a doorstop kit in your refrigerator. Your unit may already have a built-in one, which is typical for most refrigerators, but it may allow the door to swing as far as 180 degrees. If that is too wide, consider getting another kit installed that allows for a narrower swing. Contact the Whirlpool Center for assistance in installing the kit.
One last option is to reverse the door swing. If the current position means it hits the wall or any other object when it opens too far, you may have to move the door to the other side of the refrigerator cabinet. Follow the instructions in the user manual to reverse the door or have a professional technician do the job. However, check the user manual to determine whether or not your refrigerator model can work with a door reversal.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Door Removal – Steps
If you want to remove the door of your Whirlpool refrigerator, it is crucial to follow the instructions in the user manual. Each refrigerator model has a specific removal method, and this article explains each method in detail. If you are unsure of the steps, use the services of a professional technician. Refrigerator door removal can be complex, and you will need someone to help because of the weight of the door.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Doors Rusting – How to Fix
A stainless steel refrigerator is always in danger of rusting. However, caring for the refrigerator can prevent rust on the cabinet. But if your Whirlpool refrigerator already has rust, there are a few ways to remove it.
Try using 80-grit sandpaper on the rusting areas. Go in the direction of the grain; going against it may damage the finish. But it only works if the rust is not deep or extensive; it only works if there is minimal rust. If the refrigerator door has extensive rust stains, consider using a rust removal agent; naval jelly is an excellent example.
Do not paint the rusted area over; you must completely remove it before painting. The rust will eventually bleed through the paint if you do not remove it first, especially if the cause of the rust remains in place. But after removing the rust, you can apply a coat of paint; get professional advice about what type to use.
If the rust is too extensive, removal may not be the best idea. You may have to replace the doors or the entire unit. A refrigerator under warranty can be replaced at no extra cost to you. However, if there is no warranty, an entire repaint job may be ideal. But it may be more expensive than the cost of the refrigerator, so you may want to compare costs and see if it would be better to buy a new refrigerator.
How to Prevent Rust
Whenever there are spills on the finish, it is crucial to clean them off before they set. And clean the interior parts of the unit as often as possible; once a month is ideal. Use only warm water and mild dishwashing soap, and avoid abrasive or harsh cleaners. Also, clean the cabinet with a lubricant such as WD-40.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Door Reversal Instructions
If you want to reverse the door of your Whirlpool refrigerator, follow the instructions in the refrigerator user manual. The instructions are specific to your model and any other set of instructions can only be supplementary.
But if you no longer have the user manual, take the following steps. How you remove and reverse the door depends on the refrigerator model. This method describes how to reverse the door on a Whirlpool bottom-freezer mount model. It may not apply to all models, so contact the Whirlpool Center for further assistance.
Remove the hinge cover from the top hinge. There is usually a screw holding the hinge cover in place. Next, loosen and remove the screws holding the top hinge in place. Lift the hinge up and off the top of the unit and lay it aside. Prop the door against the cabinet with your body while opening it to about a 90-degree angle so that you can lift it off the middle hinge. Set the door aside and remove the cover of the hinge pin and the hinge pin from the middle part.
Open the door of the freezer to have better access to the torque screws on the hinge plate. Unmount the screws and remove the hinge plate. Go to the opposite side of the door and remove the hex-head screws on the frame. Thread them into the other side from where you removed the middle hinge plate. Next, install the middle hinge on the opposite side and secure it with the torque screws.
Fix the hinge pin into the middle hinge and replace the cover of the hinge pin over it. Go to the bottom of the door, on the side that was hanging on a hinge, and remove the door cam so you can install it on the opposite side. Once done, position the refrigerator door to align it with the middle hinge pin and set it on the pin. Now, close the door and align the top hinge with the screw hole on top of the refrigerator. Thread the screws into the holes and tighten them. Finally, set the hinge cover in place and secure it with its screw.
Next, move the door handle from its current position to the new position. Once you reverse the refrigerator door, the handle must also be reversed. Get a hex-head key and loosen the hex-head screws securing the handle to the door. Your Whirlpool refrigerator should have the hex-head key or Allen key for the job, but you can also buy a set from any hardware store.
Once the screws are loose, remove them with the handle to expose the mounting studs. Use a torques driver to loosen and remove the studs so you can move them to the other side of the door. Remove the plastic plugs on the side of the door where the handle goes and fix them into the stud holes where the handle used to be.
Now, install the mounting studs into the holes and tighten them in place. When in place, mount the door handle on the studs and insert the hex-head setscrews. Tighten the screws using the Allen key until they are tight. Give them another quarter turn to complete the installation.
Watch this video for a demonstration of the reversal steps…
Whirlpool Refrigerator Door Swing Adjustment
Follow the steps in this article to adjust the door swing on a Whirlpool refrigerator. You will need a drill with a square bit and a screwdriver to perform the task. Carefully follow the process and get a helper if necessary, especially when you have to lift the door off the hinge pin and set it down. Refrigerator doors tend to be heavy.
How to Replace a Whirlpool Refrigerator Door Seal
Before removing the old door seal, ensure you purchase a replacement using the refrigerator’s model number. It helps you get the correct type and fit for the unit. Getting a smaller size means stretching the rubber seal, which weakens and damages it. This guide on how to replace a Whirlpool refrigerator door gasket has all the details for removing the old one and installing the new seal.
Whirlpool Freezer Door Opens When Refrigerator Door Closes – Fixed
It may be normal to see the freezer door open when you close the refrigerator door. Sometimes, the push of air from one section to the other causes this result. This is especially true if you typically slam the refrigerator closed or push it forcefully. Closing the freezer door fixes the issue. It may not happen all the time, but do not worry if it does.
However, if the freezer door opens every time you close the refrigerator door, check to see if the door seal is weak. The freezer door may no longer be sealing tightly, and the smallest pressure opens it. Replace the seal if it is weak or thoroughly clean it if dirty.
Another possibility is poor leveling. Follow the instructions in the user manual to level the unit properly. Otherwise, the freezer door may keep opening when you close the refrigerator, among other issues.
Recap
This article is a guide on how to fix issues with your Whirlpool refrigerator door. It also shows detailed instructions and directions on reversing the door, aligning, and adjusting the door. The refrigerator’s user manual typically has instructions on how to use the refrigerator, but this guide comes in handy if you no longer have the manual.
Contact the Whirlpool Center if you cannot find instructions for your specific model. This is especially necessary if the refrigerator is still under warranty. You will get professional assistance without any cost to you. But if you no longer have a warranty on the appliance, use the services of a professional and trained appliance technician for further assistance.
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