If you have a GE freezer with an ice dispenser, you may have noticed a small plastic flap or door that opens and closes when you dispense ice. This flap, also known as the flapper, helps prevent warm air from entering the freezer and frost from forming on the ice chute. However, over time, the flapper can wear out, crack, or warp, causing air leaks and ice buildup. In this blog post, we will show you how to replace the flapper on your GE freezer and prevent these problems.
To replace the flapper on your GE freezer, you need to remove the control panel, the dispenser housing, and the old flapper. Then you need to install the new flapper and reassemble the dispenser. This is a relatively easy and inexpensive repair that you can do yourself with some basic tools and a new flapper part.
What You Will Need
To replace the flapper on your GE freezer, you will need:
- A new flapper part (GE part number WR17X11653)
- A flathead screwdriver
- A Phillips screwdriver
How to Replace the Flapper on Your GE Freezer
Follow these steps to replace the flapper on your GE freezer:
- Unplug your freezer or turn off the circuit breaker that powers it.
- Open the freezer door and locate the control panel above the ice dispenser. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry off the control panel from the bottom and lift it up slightly.
- Disconnect the wire harnesses from the control panel and set it aside.
- Remove the four Phillips screws that secure the dispenser housing to the freezer door. One screw is in each corner of the housing.
- Pull out the dispenser housing and disconnect any wire harnesses attached to it. Set it aside.
- Locate the old flapper behind the ice chute. It is held in place by two pins on each side.
- Use a flathead screwdriver to pry off one side of the flapper from its pin. Then slide out the other side of the flapper from its pin and remove it.
- Take the new flapper and align it with the pins on each side of the ice chute.
- Push one side of the flapper onto its pin until it snaps into place. Then slide in the other side of the flapper onto its pin and make sure it is secure.
- Reconnect any wire harnesses to the dispenser housing and align it with the freezer door.
- Install the four Phillips screws that secure the dispenser housing to the freezer door.
- Reconnect the wire harnesses to the control panel and snap it back into place.
- Plug in your freezer or turn on the circuit breaker that powers it.
- Test the ice dispenser and check if the flapper is working properly.
FAQs
Q: How do I know if I need to replace the flapper on my GE freezer?
A: Some signs that you need to replace the flapper on your GE freezer are:
- The flapper is cracked, broken, or warped
- The flapper does not seal properly when closed
- The flapper does not open or close smoothly when dispensing ice
- There is frost or ice buildup on the ice chute or inside the freezer door
Q: How often do I need to replace the flapper on my GE freezer?
A: There is no set rule for how often you need to replace the flapper on your GE freezer, as it depends on how frequently you use the ice dispenser and how well you maintain the freezer. However, a good practice is to inspect the flapper every few months for any signs of wear or damage and replace it as needed.
Q: What are some tips to prevent frost or ice buildup on my GE freezer?
A: Some tips to prevent frost or ice buildup on your GE freezer are:
- Keep your freezer door closed as much as possible and avoid opening it unnecessarily
- Make sure your freezer door seal is intact and clean
- Avoid placing hot or moist foods in your freezer without cooling them first
- Defrost your freezer regularly if it does not have an automatic defrost feature
Conclusion
Replacing the flapper on your GE freezer is a simple way to improve its performance and prevent air leaks and frost formation. By following our step-by-step guide, you can easily replace the flapper yourself with some basic tools and a new part. If you need professional help, contact GE Appliances Factory Service for fast and reliable repairs.
