Maytag MFI2568AEW refrigerator Parts

Yes, for many households a bottom-mount refrigerator like the Maytag MFI2568AEW is a better everyday layout because fresh-food items sit at eye and waist level, while the freezer stays in a lower pull-out drawer. That usually means less bending for the foods you use most.

What “better” usually means in real use

Bottom-mount designs tend to work especially well when you cook often and want quick access to refrigerated foods.

• Fresh food is easier to reach (produce, milk, leftovers)
• Freezer storage is organized in drawers or bins, not deep shelves
• Wide refrigerator shelves make it easier to see items and reduce food waste
• Door openings are often shorter than side-by-side models, which can help in tighter kitchens
• Many models support in-door water and ice features (maintenance matters, such as filter changes)

Trade-offs to consider

A bottom-mount is not “better” for every home. Here are the common downsides.

• You bend more to access frozen foods
• Freezer drawers can feel heavy when fully loaded
• Some kitchens need extra clearance behind and above for airflow
• If the refrigerator is not leveled, doors and drawers may not close as smoothly

Quick comparison

Layout	Best for	Common drawback
Bottom-mount (like MFI2568AEW)	Fresh-food access and daily cooking	More bending for freezer items
Top-freezer	Budget and simple storage	Fresh-food section is lower
Side-by-side	Narrow door swing, frozen-food access	Narrower fresh-food shelves

Why installation and leveling matter

On the MFI2568AEW, proper placement and leveling help the refrigerator run efficiently and keep doors sealing correctly. We recommend following the clearances and leveling steps in the owner's manual, and using the installation guide for measuring the opening and setup details.

A practical tip if you use the water dispenser or ice maker

If your bottom-mount has a water dispenser or ice maker, staying on schedule with filter changes helps keep flow strong and taste clean. The correct replacement for this model is the refrigerator water filter EDR4RXD1. You can also use our DIY article, how to replace the water filter in a Maytag refrigerator, for step-by-step guidance.

For replacement parts and diagrams for Maytag MFI2568AEW, order from the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

Maytag refrigerators typically last 10 to 15 years with normal household use and basic maintenance. For your Maytag MFI2568AEW bottom-mount refrigerator, keeping airflow clear, seals tight, and filters fresh helps you get the most life out of the compressor and cooling system; see the owner's manual for model-specific care and operating guidance.

Typical lifespan and what affects it

Most refrigerator life is driven by how hard the sealed system works and how well the cabinet holds cold air.

• Usage and loading: frequent door openings and overpacking increase run time
• Condenser cleanliness: dust buildup raises temperatures and stresses the compressor
• Door seal condition: leaks force longer run cycles and can cause frost issues
• Room temperature and ventilation: hot garages and tight clearances shorten life
• Water system upkeep: timely filter changes help protect the dispenser and ice maker

Maintenance that helps you reach the high end of the range

These steps are simple, low-cost, and make a measurable difference in day-to-day performance.

• Vacuum dust from the condenser area (typically every 6 to 12 months)
• Keep door gaskets clean and check for gaps with the “paper test”
• Set temperatures to common targets: 37°F fresh food and 0°F freezer
• Leave space for airflow around the cabinet (follow clearances in the installation guide)
• Replace the water filter on schedule; the correct replacement is the refrigerator water filter EDR4RXD1

Quick reference: lifespan expectations by component

Component	Typical expectation	What you notice when it is wearing out
Compressor (sealed system)	Often 10+ years	warm temps, long run times, clicking/humming issues
Evaporator fan and airflow parts	5 to 10 years	warm fridge, noisy fan, uneven cooling
Door gaskets and hinges	5 to 10 years	moisture, frost, doors not closing easily
Ice and water components	5 to 10 years	slow fill, small cubes, dispenser issues

Why it matters

Knowing the normal 10 to 15 year lifespan helps you decide whether to maintain, repair, or replace. If your MFI2568AEW is cooling well and the cabinet seals properly, routine upkeep and timely part replacement can extend useful life and reduce energy waste.

You can order model-matched replacement parts from the parts list for MFI2568AEW, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

On a Maytag MFI2568AEW bottom-mount refrigerator, the “bottom part” most people mean is the machine compartment area where the cooling system lives; the key component there is the compressor, which pumps refrigerant to keep the refrigerator and freezer cold. See the owner's manual for your model’s compartment clearances and installation notes.

What’s typically located at the bottom (or lower rear)

Depending on what you’re looking at, the bottom area can include several parts:

• Compressor: the main pump for the sealed cooling system
• Condenser fan and blade: moves air across condenser coils to remove heat
• Drain pan: catches defrost water so it can evaporate
• Start device: helps the compressor start and run
• Control board (on some models): manages cooling and defrost functions

Quick guide: common “bottom” terms

What you call it	What it usually means	What it does
Bottom/back “motor”	Compressor	Circulates refrigerant through the sealed system
Bottom “fan”	Condenser fan	Cools the condenser coils and compressor area
Bottom “tray”	Drain pan	Collects defrost water
Bottom “relay”	Start device	Starts the compressor and protects it

When the bottom area is the source of a problem

If you’re asking because of noise, heat, or poor cooling, these checks help narrow it down:

• Make sure the refrigerator has airflow clearance behind it (the manual calls out space behind the machine compartment cover).
• Clean dust from the condenser coil area; heavy lint can make the compressor run longer.
• Listen for a clicking or repeated start attempt; that often points to a start device issue.
• Check for water under the unit; a drain pan or defrost drain issue can cause puddles.

Model-related parts that commonly apply to these symptoms include the refrigerator start device W10613606 and the refrigerator drain pan WP12579803.

Why it matters

Using the right name helps you pick the right repair path. For example, a “bottom fan” issue is usually a condenser fan problem, while a “bottom motor” complaint is often the compressor or its start device.

Last updated: February 2026

Ice on the bottom of the freezer in your Maytag MFI2568AEW almost always happens when the defrost drain clogs. During normal defrost, meltwater should flow down the drain; when it cannot, it refreezes on the freezer floor and builds into a sheet of ice. See the owner's manual for cleaning and access guidance.

What’s happening (and why it matters)

When the drain is blocked by ice, food particles, or sludge, defrost water has nowhere to go. It spreads across the bottom panel, freezes, and can eventually interfere with the freezer drawer, door sealing, and temperature stability.

Quick checks we recommend

• Unplug the refrigerator before working inside the freezer.
• Look for a solid ice layer on the freezer floor or under the lower basket.
• Check for water dripping into the fresh food section or pooling under crisper drawers.
• Confirm the freezer is running near 0°F to 2°F for normal operation (ice maker performance depends on this range).
• Inspect door gaskets for gaps that can add excess moisture.

How to clear a clogged defrost drain (typical steps)

1. Remove freezer contents and the lower drawer/baskets.
2. Melt the ice sheet using a hair dryer on low or by placing towels and letting it thaw.
3. Locate the drain trough under the evaporator cover (rear freezer panel area).
4. Flush the drain with hot water using a turkey baster until it flows freely to the drain pan.
5. Clean the drain opening; repeat flushing until water runs quickly.

Parts that can be involved

If the issue returns quickly, we typically look for airflow problems, sealing issues, or drain-pan related problems.

Symptom	Common cause	What to check
Ice sheet on freezer floor	Clogged defrost drain	Drain trough and drain tube for blockage
Frost and moisture buildup	Air leak	Door gasket sealing and door alignment
Water under fridge	Drain not reaching pan or pan issue	Drain pan position and condition

If you find cracks, warping, or persistent overflow at the bottom, replacing the refrigerator drain pan WP12579803 can help restore proper water collection.

Prevent it from coming back

• Keep food packages from blocking rear freezer vents.
• Wipe up spills promptly so debris does not wash into the drain.
• Keep door openings brief to reduce humidity entering the freezer.
• If you have a water dispenser, replace the filter on schedule; use the refrigerator water filter EDR4RXD1 and follow how to replace the water filter in a Maytag refrigerator.

Last updated: February 2026