DIY refrigerator repair

Whether your refrigerator isn't cooling properly or the ice maker is on the fritz, Sears PartsDirect has the refrigerator DIY repair help you need. See the most common refrigerator symptoms below and follow the troubleshooting tips to get your refrigerator working again.

Watch our compressor troubleshooting video to learn what steps to take when your refrigerator isn't cooling at all. If you see frost build-up on the back wall of the freezer, check out the tips in our defrost system troubleshooting video.

If your refrigerator has an electronic control, it likely displays an error code when a part stops working. Look up the error code and find troubleshooting tips in our refrigerator error code charts. Once you determine which part you need, see our DIY repair guides for step-by-step replacement help.

From how to store food so it stays fresh longer to information on water filters, our refrigerator articles and videos page provides numerous additional refrigerator tips and DIY troubleshooting advice. To find the owner’s manual or a complete list of replacement parts for your refrigerator, search for your model number.

Our DIY advice can help you troubleshoot Kenmore, LG, Samsung, Whirlpool and Frigidaire refrigerator problems.

Refrigerators

Symptoms common to all refrigerators

Choose a symptom to see related refrigerator repairs.

Main causes: leaky door gasket, defrost system failure, evaporator fan not running, dirty condenser coils, condenser fan not running
Things to do: clean condenser coils, replace the water filter, clean the interior, adjust doors to prevent air leaks, clean the drain pan
Main causes: jammed ice cubes, broken ice maker assembly, dirty water filter, kinked water line, bad water valve, freezer not cold enough
Main causes: damaged door seal, faulty defrost sensor or bi-metal thermostat, broken defrost heater, bad defrost timer or control board
Main causes: control board or cold control failure, broken compressor start relay, compressor motor failure, defrost timer problems
Main causes: blocked air vents, compressor problems, condenser or evaporator fan not working, control system failure, sensor problems
Main causes: blocked vents, defrost system problems, evaporator fan failure, dirty condenser coils, bad sensors, condenser fan not working
Main causes: water valve leaking, frozen or broken defrost drain tube, overflowing drain pan, cracked water system tubing, leaking door seal

Repair guides common to all refrigerators

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

July 20, 2015
Lyle Weischwill
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
July 20, 2015
Lyle Weischwill
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 temperature control board

If the temperature in your refrigerator doesn't match the temperature you set, the problem could be the temperature control board—a service technician can give you a definite diagnosis. If the board is at fault, follow these steps to replace it yourself.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less

Articles and videos common to all refrigerators

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

June 2, 2022

How to Remove a GE French Door Refrigerator Flipper Mullion

Lyle Weischwill

Learn how to replace the flipper mullion on a GE French door refrigerator.

April 19, 2022

How to change the water filter in an LG refrigerator

Lyle Weischwill

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

December 30, 2021

How to fix your evaporator cooling fan

Lyle Weischwill

Learn how to fix a broken evaporator fan