If you have a GE refrigerator with a bottom freezer, you may have noticed that the freezer door handle is loose, making noise or even falls off after use. This can be annoying and potentially dangerous, as a loose handle can cause you to lose your balance or drop items from the freezer. But don’t worry, there is a simple way to fix this problem and prevent it from happening again.
The main cause of a loose GE freezer door handle is improper installation by the owner or installer. To fix it, you need to tighten the set screws at each end of the handle with an Allen wrench or snap the handle into place firmly.
In this post, we will explain how to identify the type of handle you have, how to tighten or snap it properly, and how to check if your refrigerator is part of a recall that affects some models with loose handles.
There are two types of handles for GE bottom freezer refrigerators: stainless steel handles with set screws and plastic (colored) handles or stainless steel handles without set screws.
The set screws are small hexagonal screws that are located at each end of the handle, where it attaches to the door. You can see them if you look closely at the handle. You will need a 3/32” or ⅛” Allen wrench to tighten them.
The plastic (colored) handles or stainless steel handles without set screws do not have any visible screws. They are attached to the door by snapping into place. You will need to pull them firmly in the right direction to lock them into place.
Depending on the type of handle you have, follow these steps to fix a loose GE freezer door handle:
If you are not sure how to do this, you can watch these videos for more guidance:
Some GE french door refrigerators with bottom freezers in stainless steel color have been recalled due to a risk of loose handles that can detach and cause injuries. The recall involves refrigerators manufactured from Feb. 2020 through Aug. 2021.
To check if your refrigerator is part of the recall, you need to compare your model number and serial number with the list on the GE website. You can find these numbers on a label inside your refrigerator, usually on the left wall near the top.
If your refrigerator is affected by the recall, you should contact GE for a free repair. Do not attempt to fix the handle yourself, as this may void your warranty or cause further damage.
Q: How do I fix a loose GE refrigerator freezer door handle?
A: The main cause of a loose GE refrigerator freezer door handle is improper installation by the owner or installer. To fix it, you need to tighten the set screws at each end of the handle with an Allen wrench or snap the handle into place firmly.
Q: How do I identify the type of handle I have?
A: There are two types of handles for GE bottom freezer refrigerators: stainless steel handles with set screws and plastic (colored) handles or stainless steel handles without set screws. The set screws are small hexagonal screws that are located at each end of the handle, where it attaches to the door. The plastic (colored) handles or stainless steel handles without set screws do not have any visible screws. They are attached to the door by snapping into place.
Q: How do I check if my refrigerator is part of a recall?
A: Some GE french door refrigerators with bottom freezers in stainless steel color have been recalled due to a risk of loose handles that can detach and cause injuries. To check if your refrigerator is part of the recall, you need to compare your model number and serial number with the list on the GE website. You can find these numbers on a label inside your refrigerator, usually on the left wall near the top.
A loose GE freezer door handle can be a nuisance and a hazard, but it can be easily fixed with the right tools and techniques. Whether you have a stainless steel handle with set screws or a plastic (colored) handle or a stainless steel handle without set screws, you can tighten or snap it into place in a few minutes. However, if your refrigerator is part of a recall, you should contact GE for a free repair and avoid using the handle until it is fixed.
