April 19, 2023

DIY side-by-side refrigerator repair

If your side-by-side refrigerator isn't making ice or it isn't even running, Sears PartsDirect has the troubleshooting advice you need to fix the problem. If you see an error code, follow the troubleshooting steps in our refrigerator error code chart to find the cause of the failure. Use the step-by-step procedures in the refrigerator repair guides to help you replace failed parts.

Use advice from the refrigerator articles and videos page to help keep your side-by-side fridge running smoothly. To find the owner’s manual or a complete list of replacement parts for your refrigerator, search for your model number.

Side-By-Side Refrigerators

Repair guides for side-by-side refrigerators

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 do tests to diagnose the cause. If the electronic control board has failed, replace it following the instructions in this repair guide.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
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 door gasket by following these steps.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
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 door gasket by following these 4 easy steps.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
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 replace the refrigerator defrost sensor in about half an hour by following these instructions.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
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 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 these step-by-step instructions to replace the defrost heater.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
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 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 how.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
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. This repair guide shows how to replace a failed evaporator fan motor.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less
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 thermistor

The thermistor senses the temperature inside the refrigerator. If the actual temperature and the temperature you set are different, the thermistor could be the problem. You can replace a refrigerator thermistor by following these simple instructions.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
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-step instructions.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less
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 takes less than an hour.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less

Articles and videos for side-by-side refrigerators

September 18, 2023

How to Replace the Water Filter in a KitchenAid Refrigerator

How to Replace the Water Filter in a KitchenAid Refrigerator

Discover how easy it is to replace the water filter in your KitchenAid refrigerator.

September 15, 2023

How to Replace the Water Filter in a GE Refrigerator

How to Replace the Water Filter in a GE Refrigerator

See how to install the water filter on your GE refrigerator, no matter the filter type or refrigerator style.

September 15, 2023

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.

September 11, 2023

How to Replace the Water Filter in a Bosch Refrigerator

How to Replace the Water Filter in a Bosch Refrigerator

Let us show you how to install the different types of water filters in a Bosch refrigerator.

September 08, 2023

How to Replace the Water Filter in a Fisher & Paykel Refrigerator

How to Replace the Water Filter in a Fisher & Paykel Refrigerator

Need help replacing the water filter on your Fisher & Paykel refrigerator? Let us show you how.

September 07, 2023

How to Replace the Water Filter in an Electrolux Refrigerator

How to Replace the Water Filter in an Electrolux Refrigerator

Replacing the water filter in your Electrolux refrigerator is easy, no matter what type of fridge you have, following the steps in our DIY videos.

September 01, 2023

How to Replace the Water Filter in a Frigidaire Refrigerator

How to Replace the Water Filter in a Frigidaire Refrigerator

No matter what style Frigidaire refrigerator you own, we can help you replace the water filter.

June 20, 2023

How to use your refrigerator efficiently

How to use your refrigerator efficiently

Learn how to safely use your fridge efficiently to save energy.

May 22, 2023

Six common refrigerator parts that you can replace yourself in 2023

Six common refrigerator parts that you can replace yourself in 2023

See the top 6 parts that need replacing in most refrigerators. Get tips on replacing the parts and keeping your fridge in top shape.

April 05, 2023

Refrigerator Cleaning and Maintenance Checklist

Refrigerator Cleaning and Maintenance Checklist

Follow these steps to properly maintain your refrigerator and keep it in top shape.

March 10, 2023

(VIDEO) How Do You Remove a Stuck Refrigerator Water Filter?

(VIDEO) How Do You Remove a Stuck Refrigerator Water Filter?

Watch our video to get some easy DIY troubleshooting tips to follow to remove a stuck water filter in your Samsung, Whirlpool, Frigidaire or Kenmore fridge.

November 15, 2022

Common Refrigerator Ice Maker Problems and Solutions

Common Refrigerator Ice Maker Problems and Solutions

Find tips on how to fix the ice maker in your fridge when it isn't working or when it isn't working right.

November 12, 2022

5 Holiday Cleaning Tasks Essential to Boosting Your Home’s Image

5 Holiday Cleaning Tasks Essential to Boosting Your Home’s Image

Get tips on completing essential holiday cleaning tasks to brighten your home.

October 24, 2022

Easy DIY appliance repairs that anyone can do

Easy DIY appliance repairs that anyone can do

Get advice on simple DIY fixes for appliances that you can safely do on your own.

October 23, 2022

Why do I need a water filter in my fridge?

Why do I need a water filter in my fridge?

Find out why it's important to filter the water that goes through your fridge.

September 22, 2022

Are aftermarket refrigerator water filters as good as OEM filters?

Are aftermarket refrigerator water filters as good as OEM filters?

Learn about the differences between OEM fridge filters and aftermarket refrigerator replacement water filters.

September 19, 2022

Can my refrigerator water filter help protect me from Covid-19?

Can my refrigerator water filter help protect me from Covid-19?

Find out how your refrigerator's water filter can help keep you safe from COVID-19.

September 13, 2022

What happens if I keep using an expired water filter in my refrigerator?

What happens if I keep using an expired water filter in my refrigerator?

Learn why you should replace your refrigerator's water filter when it expires.

August 30, 2022

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.

August 19, 2022

Are DIY appliance repairs safe?

Are DIY appliance repairs safe?

Find out how to stay safe when repairing your appliances.

August 11, 2022

Tapping into a new feature in the Search Bar on Sears PartsDirect

Tapping into a new feature in the Search Bar on Sears PartsDirect

Learn about a new feature added to the Search Bar on Sears PartsDirect

July 19, 2022

Can I fix my own fridge?

Can I fix my own fridge?

Find DIY repair tips to fix your refrigerator when it breaks down.

June 29, 2022

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.

June 24, 2022

How to replace Whirlpool refrigerator water filter EDR1RXD1 (EveryDrop Type 1)

How to replace Whirlpool refrigerator water filter EDR1RXD1 (EveryDrop Type 1)

Learn how to replace the Whirlpool EveryDrop 1 refrigerator water filter.

May 16, 2022

How to disassemble the ice and water dispenser on a GE refrigerator

How to disassemble the ice and water dispenser on a GE refrigerator

See how to disassemble the dispenser on common GE refrigerators.

January 22, 2021

What type of water filter is in your Whirlpool refrigerator?

What type of water filter is in your Whirlpool refrigerator?

Need help replacing the water filter in your Whirlpool refrigerator? We’ll show you how it’s done.

December 16, 2020

How to replace remove-cup-filter-cover refrigerator filters

How to replace remove-cup-filter-cover refrigerator filters

Replacing a refrigerator water filter is crucial for keeping the ice and water clean and fresh-tasting. If your water filter is enclosed in a cup filter cover, our video shows how to replace it.

October 27, 2020

How to replace push-button-to-eject refrigerator water filters

How to replace push-button-to-eject refrigerator water filters

If your refrigerator has a button you push to remove the water filter, our video shows how to replace it.

October 27, 2020

How to replace eject-and-slide-out refrigerator water filters

How to replace eject-and-slide-out refrigerator water filters

Replacing a refrigerator water filter is crucial for keeping the ice and water clean and fresh-tasting. If your water filter ejects and slides out, our video shows how to replace it.

October 27, 2020

How to replace pull-down refrigerator water filters

How to replace pull-down refrigerator water filters

If the water filter in your refrigerator pulls down from the filter housing, our video walks you through how to replace it.

October 27, 2020

How to replace open-tray-and-twist-out refrigerator water filters

How to replace open-tray-and-twist-out refrigerator water filters

Watch our video to see how to replace a refrigerator water filter located in a tray you open and then twist out the filter to remove it.

October 27, 2020

How to replace an inline refrigerator water filter

How to replace an inline refrigerator water filter

An inline water filter should be replaced every 6 months. Our videos shows how to do it.

October 27, 2020

How to replace twist-to-remove refrigerator water filters

How to replace twist-to-remove refrigerator water filters

Watch our video to learn how to replace a water filter that you must twist to remove.

September 26, 2019

Keeping your smart appliances secure from hackers

Keeping your smart appliances secure from hackers

Find out how to protect your smart appliances from malevolent invasions by hackers.