Refrigerator drawer problem

Common reasons your refrigerator drawer problem

The most common reasons your refrigerator has a drawer problem are broken shelves, damaged door or a faulty icemaker assembly.

  • 56%

    56% of the time it's the
    Shelves

  • 16%

    16% of the time it's the
    Door

  • 6%

    6% of the time it's the
    Icemaker Assembly

  • 22%

    22% of the time it's the
    Something else

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Common refrigerator repair parts you may need

Replacing one of these refrigerator parts may fix your problem.

Shelves Replacement

Damaged refrigerator shelves can hinder the movement of a refrigerator drawer in multiple ways. The shelf provides structural support for stored items and contributes to the stability of the refrigerator's interior. If a shelf is broken, it might sag or lose alignment, causing resistance when pulling out or pushing in the drawer above or below it. Also, fragments or edges from the broken shelf can block the drawer's path, making movement difficult. This obstruction not only affects access to items inside the drawer but also risks additional damage to the drawer or other components if force is used to overcome the resistance.

Door Replacement

A defective refrigerator or freezer door can prevent the door from closing and sealing properly. There may be difficulty in smoothly opening or closing the freezer drawer, requiring excessive force. It may also cause a misalignment of the drawer, where it fails to sit flush with the freezer door. A damaged door can also make scraping or grinding noises during operation, indicating friction or misalignment issues. Additionally, the door gasket won't be able to maintain a proper seal, allowing warm, humid air into the refrigerator. This can lead to condensation, resulting in water leaks in the refrigerator that won't be able to drain away.

Icemaker Assembly Replacement

When the refrigerator's icemaker fails, it can have various repercussions, affecting different aspects of the refrigerator's operation, particularly ice production. Unusual noise during ice-making may indicate underlying issues with the icemaker's internal components. A malfunctioning icemaker might result in water seepage around its assembly, leading to water accumulation inside and around the refrigerator. Failure of the bail arm to cease ice production could cause the icemaker drawer to become jammed due to excess ice production, potentially causing damage to the drawer or adjacent shelf. If other refrigerator components fail, impacting cooling, it can also disrupt ice production, necessitating a thorough evaluation by a Sears Home Services professional for an accurate diagnosis.

What to expect when you experience a refrigerator drawer problem issue

Steps to fixing a drawer problem?

Correcting most drawer problems typically involves replacing the shelves, door or ice maker assembly. However, this isn't always the case. Thorough troubleshooting and an accurate diagnosis are key to resolving the problem.

Recommendations from Sears for a refrigerator drawer problem

When a refrigerator has a drawer problem it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional inspect the refrigerator and resolve the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of refrigerator failures.

Things to watch for with a refrigerator drawer problem diagnosis

Effectively diagnosing malfunctions in modern appliances necessitates a comprehensive understanding and specialized training. Addressing refrigerator issues without employing precise diagnostic techniques may lead to ineffective repairs and unnecessary part replacements. With significant advancements in appliance technology over the past decade, contemporary models now feature intricate electronic components that pose considerable challenges for troubleshooting. Consequently, do-it-yourself repairs on modern appliances have become increasingly intricate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my refrigerator drawer not working properly?
A broken track, misaligned rails, or faulty shelf brackets could cause issues with the refrigerator drawer. Inspect these components for damage or misalignment.
Could misaligned rails cause my refrigerator drawer to not function?
Yes, if the rails are misaligned, the drawer may not slide open or closed properly. Re-aligning the rails should restore function.
How can I fix my refrigerator drawer if it’s not working properly?
Check the tracks, rails, and brackets for damage or misalignment. Replacing damaged parts or adjusting the rails should restore the drawer’s operation.
What should I do if my refrigerator drawer continues not to work after realigning the rails?
If the drawer still isn’t working, brackets or internal components may need professional inspection and repair.

Repair Refrigerator Resources

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Glossary Terms

A dual ice maker is a feature in some refrigerators that includes two separate ice makers: one in the fridge compartment and another in the freezer section. This setup doubles the appliance's ice-making capacity.

A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.

Refrigerant is a chemical compound used in HVAC systems and refrigerators to absorb heat from the environment by cycling through states of evaporation and condensation, enabling the cooling process through its cycle of evaporation and condensation.

R-12 refrigerant, also known as Freon-12, is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compound that was once widely used in air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and aerosol propellants before its phase-out due to environmental concerns.

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