How To Remove The Back Panel From A Whirlpool Refrigerator Freezer

freezer, you may wonder how to remove it safely and easily. The back panel of the freezer, also known as the evaporator cover, protects the evaporator coils and fan that are responsible for cooling the freezer and refrigerator compartments.

To remove the back panel from a Whirlpool refrigerator freezer, you need to unplug the appliance, remove the shelves and drawers from the freezer, and unscrew the back panel from the freezer wall.

In this post, we will show you how to remove the back panel from a Whirlpool refrigerator freezer and what to look for behind it.

How to remove the back panel from a Whirlpool refrigerator freezer?

Before you start, make sure you have the following tools and materials:

• A Phillips screwdriver or a nut driver
• A flat-head screwdriver
• A towel or a rag
• A cooler or another freezer to store your food items

Then, follow these steps to remove the back panel from your Whirlpool refrigerator freezer:

1. Unplug your refrigerator from the power source and turn off the water supply if you have an ice maker or a dispenser.
2. Remove any food items from the freezer and place them in a cooler or another freezer.
3. Remove any shelves, drawers, or baskets from the freezer and set them aside.
4. Locate the screws that secure the back panel to the freezer wall. They are usually on the top and bottom corners of the panel. You may need a Phillips screwdriver or a nut driver to remove them.
5. Gently pull out the back panel from the freezer wall. You may need to disconnect the wire harness that connects the fan to the control board. You may also need to use a flat-head screwdriver to pry off any clips or brackets that hold the panel in place.
6. Carefully set aside the back panel on a towel or a rag.

What to look for behind the back panel of your Whirlpool refrigerator freezer?

Once you have removed the back panel of your Whirlpool refrigerator freezer, you will be able to see and inspect the following components:

• The evaporator coils: These are thin metal tubes that carry refrigerant and absorb heat from the air inside the freezer. They should be clean and frost-free. If they are dirty or covered with ice, they may affect the cooling performance of your refrigerator. You can clean them with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner. You can also defrost them with a hair dryer or a fan if they are frozen.
• The evaporator fan: This is a small motor that blows air over the evaporator coils and circulates it throughout the freezer and refrigerator compartments. It should be spinning freely and quietly. If it is noisy, stuck, or not working at all, it may need to be replaced.
• The defrost heater: This is an electric device that turns on periodically to melt any frost or ice that forms on the evaporator coils. It should be intact and not burned out. You can test it with a multimeter for continuity.
• The defrost thermostat: This is a sensor that monitors the temperature of the evaporator coils and turns on or off the defrost heater accordingly. It should be closed when cold and open when warm. You can test it with a multimeter for continuity.
• The defrost drain: This is a small hole at the bottom of the freezer that allows water from the defrost cycle to drain into a pan under the refrigerator, where it evaporates. It should be clear of any debris or ice that may clog it. You can clear it with hot water or a turkey baster or pipe cleaner.

How to replace the back panel of your Whirlpool refrigerator freezer?

After you have inspected or repaired the components behind the back panel of your Whirlpool refrigerator freezer, you need to replace it by following these steps:

1. Reconnect the wire harness that connects the fan to the control board if you disconnected it earlier.
2. Align the back panel with its slots and holes on the freezer wall and push it in until it snaps into place.
3. Secure the back panel with any clips or brackets that you removed earlier.
4. Replace any screws that you removed earlier with a Phillips screwdriver or a nut driver.
5. Replace any shelves, drawers, or baskets in the freezer compartment.
6. Restock your freezer with your food items.
7. Plug in your refrigerator and turn on the water supply if you have an ice maker or a dispenser.

FAQs about removing the back panel of your Whirlpool refrigerator freezer

Q: Why do I need to remove the back panel of my Whirlpool refrigerator freezer?

A: You may need to remove the back panel of your Whirlpool refrigerator freezer for various reasons, such as:

• To troubleshoot or repair a problem with the cooling system, such as a faulty fan, heater, thermostat, or drain.
• To clean or defrost the evaporator coils if they are dirty or iced up.
• To access or replace the water filter if it is located behind the back panel.

Q: How often should I remove the back panel of my Whirlpool refrigerator freezer?

A: There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on several factors such as usage, maintenance, and environmental conditions. However, some general guidelines are:

• You should remove the back panel of your Whirlpool refrigerator freezer whenever you notice a problem with the cooling performance, such as warm or not cold enough temperatures, frost or ice buildup, water leakage, or unusual noises.
• You should remove the back panel of your Whirlpool refrigerator freezer at least once a year to clean and defrost the evaporator coils and clear the defrost drain.
• You should remove the back panel of your Whirlpool refrigerator freezer every 6 months or as recommended by your manufacturer to change the water filter if it is located behind the back panel.

Q: What are some safety precautions to take when removing the back panel of my Whirlpool refrigerator freezer?

A: Some of the safety precautions to take when removing the back panel of your Whirlpool refrigerator freezer are:

• Unplug your refrigerator from the power source and turn off the water supply if you have an ice maker or a dispenser.
• Wear gloves and safety glasses to protect your hands and eyes from sharp edges or electrical components.
• Use the right tools and follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your refrigerator or injuring yourself.
• Do not use any sharp tools or heat sources that may damage the back panel or the components behind it.