Justin, A Million Thanks for this video !! Called an appliance repair company to come out and fix my ice cube flap and the repairman wouldn't even try to fix it, didn't want to scratch the finish, parts not available etc. Watched your video and had the same problem as you. Fixed the arm like you said and everything works great. Another YT video shows an easy way of getting the control panel off without any damage. Thanks Again. !!!
You, Justin, are AWESOME!!! I just used the comments below to figure out how to get the front off, definitely the "scariest" part. Then I found where you said about the little plastic piece slipping behind. Removed the screws to put it back into place behind that piece. Put it back together, plugged it back in and BAMMMM...MAGIC. A working ice dispenser. Thank You!!
Can't thank you enough... ordered ice flap motor for my Kenmore Elite Fridge, expecting a how to diagram. They did not include it. Spent several hours guessing how to unsnap front display. Started to replace motor and remembered your video. Left old motor in, reset the flap, and voila, success. At least will get my $$ back on the motor. If I had replaced motor without spotting the flap problem, would still have not worked. Really, thanks a ton for posting. Cheers.
Thanks for this!! Worked perfectly, but I kept having to do it again and again over a period of time. Found a way to fix it for good! I took a re-usable straw that was pretty firm that would fit over the round part. Put the flat piece behind the round part, cut the straw so it extended beyond the original piece. It is on there enough that it won't allow the unsupported end to bend and is long enough that the flat piece cannot get past it. Whoo Hoo. permanent fix!!
It is engineered so that it slips past and can be fixed this way rather than breaking parts or burning out the motor. I'd rather do this every few years than have to try to order parts and replace those.
THANK YOU!! Your video probably saved me hundreds of dollars. To pry off the cover, I inserted a small flathead screwdriver at the bottom of the panel on both sides. When I unsnapped the bottom I carefully pried the sides and top off. I was afraid if I went in from the top I would dent the stainless steel. But this method prevented that from happening. I then unscrewed the screws holding the gray plastic back panel in place and, based on the video, pushed the little arm behind the solenoid. And that was it. It only took a few minutes and now I have a functioning icemaker again. I can’t say enough thank you. I didn’t have to disconnect any wires, nor did I turn off the power. This was because I wasn’t touching anything that might shock me or damage the system.
Perfect! This is exactly what I needed. After popping the front panel off and then removing the 2 screws and popping the back plate off.... I found the problem was the exact same thing, the motor lever was behind the flap lever. I think the screws that hold the motor get a little loose over the years of use. That's how this happens. I loosened them more and forced the levers back to the correct positions and then pushed the motor to the right as much as possible while tightening. All fixed. Perfect video. Thanks!
I've made this fix four times in a period of six years. It works and works until one day you hear a snap and Bingo! it's broken. Get ready to do it one more time.
I could NOT believe I found this video. Your video was the FIRST ONE after I did the search. Exact same model and all. Gee whiz. Thank you sincerely for posting.
Thanks so much! Saved me a service call. I started with prying the cover from underneath first. This gave me a little gap on the sides so I could fit my prying tool in there without doing damage. I used a plastic automotive door clip tool so as not to scratch the stainless steel or accidentally put too much pressure and break something. These are available at any automotive supply place. Thanks again Justin!
This is the same thing that happened to my fridge. I used a butter knife to pop off the control panel cover and access the screws to get to the mechanism. We used this opportunity to clean the water spout area and the ice chute door. I taped the tab in place, hopefully it won't break. Thanks for sharing this easy repair that saved us $$$.
I just made this repair and it was shockingly easy. Thank you for the video! (Be sure to follow the instructions on how to remove the panel provided in other videos if you don’t already know how.) This after a holiday weekend of children going after crushed ice for their kiddie drinks like fiends. Which led to the ice door freezing shut and then led to the plastic mechanism shown in this video needing to be reset. While I agree it’s poor design I think the intent is for the plastic mechanism to act as a “trip” to prevent the door motor from burning out in case the ice door freezes shut. Moral of the story? Don’t do crushed ice!
Great video - Thanks for pulling this together. My problem turned out to be the plastic post on the motor had slipped in front of the lever for the ice door flap as noted in your video. I removed two of the three screws on the solenoid motor, rotated it to the left, and sild the post behind the white flap. The door now opens and closes as designed -no new parts needed. I got the panel off by gently prying at the corners with two straight edge razor blades that fit into the very narrow spaces between panel edge and refrigerator door. Once the gap widened enough, I then used a thin putty knife to apply more gentle pressure. One by one the plastic clips released after working it about 10 minutes. In retrospect, I think it would have helped if I did the bottom first part first (where the seam is actually located about one inch behind the face of the control panel). I used small amounts or silicone grease on the clips to aid in reassembly or future disassembly (if needed ).
Excellent video, thank you. My Kenmore Elite had exactly the same problem, just took top screw holding motor, tilted it and put tab behind pin. it works perfect. Maybe 5 minutes tops.You did me a great service by posting this video.
Thank you for this video and for saving me a $90 service call. I removed the front panel with my wife's flat tipped plastic orange zester. I found that on the left side of the panel underneath was an area where there was a seam where I could insert the plastic tip and I was able to pry the panel off with a little pulling. Once I got the panel off, I found the exact same problem, where the ice flap tab had jumped in front of the motor arm. Using my plastic "tool", I was able to gently pry the ice flap tab and slide it back behind the motor arm where it belongs. It fixed the problem immediately. My unit is 4 years old. I agree that this is a poorly designed system, and that motor arm needs to be longer. Otherwise this will continue to happen. By the way, it was right after I used the "crushed ice" setting, which I almost never use, that the problem started. Coincidence? I don't know. But thanks again. If it ever happens again I'll know what to do.
Dude. Mine has been broke for like 5 years. We just been dumping the ice in a ice bin in the freezer and just open the freezer to get ice when you want ice. Like you said $90 bucks for someone to come out. So I was just content. Watched this video and it took me less the 5 mins to fix it. Thanks. !
Thanks! This was exactly what happened to mine. Before I took it apart I could hear the motor running a few seconds after ice to attempt to close the flap, so I didn’t think I needed a new motor. When I took it apart it was just what you saw. I didn’t extend post as some did, but I’ll be carful with crushed ice making sure there isn’t any collected at the bottom of the door.
Thank you so very much for posting this video!! After a lot of searching on TH-cam for a video that specifically dealt with this issue, I came across your video and was excited to see if I could handle this job on my own. It took me longer because I was so very paranoid about breaking the tabs or something else, so I went slow. As it turns out I only broke one tab, and was able to fix this on my own. Can't wait til hubby gets home so I can tell him I fixed it!! Thanks again!
Looks like most comments posted here are a little old, but I just watched this and it is the exact same problem I was having. Pretty easy fix. Thanks so much for posting this!
Thank you for this video! You just saved me hundreds of dollars as I probably would have ordered parts to replace the whole flap assembly. Two tips for others opening the front cover if you have the 700 series: 1) The only place where I could pry the cover open were the two upper corners. I used a very small flathead and pried off those two top corners. From there, I had the same experience others had where I thought I was going to break the thing, but yanking the cover off seems to be the only way to remove it. I tried prying off the cover from other areas, but only ended up scratching the cover pretty badly. 2) There is a second cover to get to the chute. To remove this second cover, I had to remove a couple electronic connections. I took pictures just in case, as there are multiple unused plugs and I wasn't sure I'd remember where everything went. After that, there are two screws to remove the cover and then Justin's video shows exactly what has to be done.
To pop off the front panel, you can start pulling underneath on the matte grey pieces. I started to use a screw driver to pry the panel off, but quickly realized that would be a quick way to damage the face of the panel. Pull the matte grey pieces -there are two and they frame the dispenser shroud. After you pull them away from the body of the assembly, start to work your hands up the sides of the panel until it pops off. There is a small block with wiring connected to the back of the panel on the left side. Disconnect this before continuing to pull the panel away -it’s the power to the panel. I let the panel hang from this point while I performed the repair in the video. There are tabs and foam at the top of the panel that make wedging the panel off from the bottom impractical, so start to pull straight toward yourself when you get to the top of the panel. Thank you for this comment and the video!
Like many others, I really appreciate you posting this video, as I had the same problem. The only issue is the clips at the top of the control panel. I used a flashlight and small flat blade screwdriver to release the clips. After that, all went extremely well!!! Thank you!!!
Had the same problem due to bad engineering. I slipped over a stiff piece of tubing and applied apoxy to extend the piece. Took longer to find the apply than fix. Thanks!!
AWESOME Video ! Yes - the removal of the control panel part would have been helpful, but there are other 'how to remove/replace the control panel vids that gave me hints'. It cost nothing to repair but a few hours to find this video. Thank you !!
Same problem, same reset fix at least 6 times in the last 2 years since moving into this house. I think the sticking / freezing of the insulated flap may occur when we active the " ultra ice " feature to make ice rapidly. Totally AGREE there is a design flaw but also agree that it's likely meant as a intended week link to prevent breakage of more expensive parts. There has to be a better long term solution. For now, I drilled a hole and inserted a small screw into the end of the motor arm pin to make it longer by about 1/4 inch to get stronger overlapping contact with the cam. We'll see how long that lasts or if it breaks parts. If that doesn't work, next I'll replace the cam with a metal spring that will enact some force, but reset itself if the flap door sticks. At which point I could just jar the flap loose with my finger and continue on with my day. Another thought is rubbing some olive oil on the cold side of flap surface to discourage freezing up.
Thanks. I actually heard the tab snap. I though at the time that a plastic part had broken. Thanks to you showing the issue I was able to fix it pretty quickly. The only improvement I made was to remove the top right screw holding the motor. That allowed it to move making pushing the arm past the other much easier and made me less nervous about breaking it.
Thanks for the help. My motor was still working, but the arm had just slipped past the door actuator. Loosened 1 motor screw, slid the arm behind (instead of in front) of the actuator, and working perfectly. Now to return the motor and get my $28 back.
Thank you so much for the video, just remember to unplug the refrigerator before you start.I agree with everyone that removing the front panel is the most difficult part.I used a putty knife and started at the intersection of the panel and the lower panel of the unit. It took working up and angled toward the front of the panel on both sides. It took a bit of pushing and they did release. Then went to the top of the panel and carefully worked the clips loose. I did use a plastic sleeve over the motor push arm to extend it a bit and hopefully that prevents the issue in the future.
Fabulous! Our flapper door has been broken for years! I was about to put a pull string on it. The hardest part is getting the control panel out. This fridge has been a poor performer from the start. We had terrible trouble with it icing up around the circulator fan.
Thank you so much for your instructive video. You gave me the guts to open the front facia and I found out the flapper motor was rusted. Pull it out ready for local purchase tomorrow. Was your video helpful? Extremely!!!! Thank you from Puerto Rico. May you and yours have a wonderful 2022 full of joy and health!!! Frank
Thanks! Have the same problem. Was ready to order a part, I've already take the control panel off previously due to a water leak. It is a little nerve wracking pulling the panel off. I broke a few tabs along the top. My only advice would be to pull the panel downwards while you are prying it slowly off. The tabs extend upwards into the door. The panel does reseat even with a few tabs broken.
I have had the same exact problem, twice now in the three years I've had this fridge. The first time I paid for a sear home repair service to come and fix it. Just happened again, about a year later, and I fixed it myself this time. Saved the repair cost, but what a stupid design flaw.
Thank you so much for this video, you saved me so much money. I also cleaned out my trigger that was sticky from juice build up. Mine works like new again👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾. Thanks again
Thank you! I had the exact same issue, and once opened I saw the exact same problem with the flap in front of the other piece. I agree that it’s a poor design...but it’s not the only thing wrong with this refrigerator. Nothing is any good these days, I guess. We’ve got our old Frigidaire out in the garage that’s worked like a tank for 30 yrs. BTW, I had to find another video showing how to get to the mechanism...remove the control panel without ruining it. Anyway, thanks again.
Thank you for the video this is exactly what mine did. SCARY as hell removing that control panel. Use a credit card, plastic putty knife or similar. (lock the panel) get on your knees and look up where the ice/water dispenses. on right; (carefully) wedge the credit card between the plastic piece where the light is and the smaller plastic piece toward the control panel (they are slightly different gray colors on mine) and gently pull back and the clips should release. repeat on the left. that should get you started to be able to work around the left, right and top of the control panel. on the top there is some double-sided tape that will get messed up and is impossible to get back in (at least for me). Good luck.
Very helpful video, though I , like many others, had to go find other videos on how to get to the control panel and the inner cover off first, as it seems everything is plastic and fragile, and job one is to not make things worse.
I have performed this repair twice now, and I test it before replacing the cover/panel. Works fine. After putting everything back together, I test the dispenser again and immediately hear the tab snap out of place again, - in front of the solenoid motor arm. So frustrating!
Great video now i know what the problem is!........one thing though that i have done is i removed the spring for the flap so so really dont need the motor as the flap sits open all the time.
Thank you Thank you Thank you! Just like the other commentor, you saved me at least a hundred bucks. I could hear the flap motor turning on to open the flap and again 5 seconds later to close the flap, so it sounded like it might be the exact problem you had. And it was. I wonder if it's designed to slip past that lever if there's much resistance (if the flap freezes shut) so it doesn't break parts or burn out the motor? I could see how clogged ice that melts/freezes could freeze the flap shut. Anyway, thanks a bunch!
Add my name to the list. Had the same issue and just loosened the motor, slid everything back in place and tightened the motor. Lets see how long it lasts. I wonder if a current replacement part made the paddles longer.
You are right, should have filmed the opening up of the front control panel. It is scary to take it off because you are afraid of breaking it. Basically you pry it off where you see the seams. I'd use some kind of plastic wedge, maybe a flat head screw driver. There are plastic tabs that are snapped on holding it there. You kind of pry it off and it pops out of the tabs. There are no screws just plastic snaps or tabs. Good luck, may the force be with you.
It was scary trying to take that apart. But I figure it was worth a try as the alternative was spending $hundreds to have someone come out and fix it anyway. I downloaded the service manual but it was really weak at describing how to take it apart. I had the most problem with the funnel. It said remove it first by pulling it down then forward. That sure didn't work. Turns out there 4 plastic tabs holding it in place up top, that have little screwdriver slots. I struggled and struggled with that part, eventually snapping off 3 of the 4 tabs. Oops. But the it went back in and is staying in place, although it wobbles now. Fortunately it's piece that rarely gets touched and just sits there, so no biggie. (Now I'm not even sure I had to remove the funnel at all.) The control panel front comes off much easier gently prying all around the edges. There's a lot of tabs but they're smaller and snap loose with only modest prying. Just have to get it started on the underneath side then work around the sides and then the top. Mine had sticky foam on the top edge helping hold it in place too. Once fully loose, the control panel wires could stay connected. There was enough slack in the wiring to just let it dangle there. 2 white screws were then removed holding a cover panel underneath. Had to back that cover out from the left side first as there was a fixed tab/slot on the right.
This was a really useful video. I used some thin plastic wedges to pop out the tabs on the bottom of the control panel first. These are the plastic parts on the left and right underneath the control panel where water dispenses. These popped relatively easily. I then popped the tabs on the left vertical side of the control panel, again, somewhat easy. I had to take off the door handle of the fridge door to be able to pop the right side of the control panel. This was difficult and I think I snapped a piece of plastic. With the bottom and both sides popped the top edge was somewhat easy to remove. Once removed and left dangling, there is a plastic plate underneath that is held in by 2 white plastic screws and some more tabs. I removed the screws, the tab on the right hand side is a little tricky to release. Once released I could see what I see in the video, I had the same problem. It took a minute to fix and test. Putting the plastic plate back in place was a little tricky, as you need to get the tabs in the correct place, but you don't have much room to maneuver. Putting the electronic control panel back in place was dead simple, all of the tabs clicked back into place with no problem. Many thanks for your help. I saved about $350 on a service call.
Mine did the same thing and I was able to fix it like you did but it keeps doing it. We’re you able to come up with a permanent solution? Do they make a better part now and if so where did you order from?
Wow Exactly the same thing happened to me, No sure how the short plastic piece go disengaged but when corrected all ok. Thanks a repair service would have charged for a new motor, cap and labor.
I had the same problem and used this video to fix it. It works for a little while and then it happens again. The last time I fixed it the repair only lasted a few days, so it's frustrating to have to go in and fix this regularly. Has anyone had any luck modifying it so this doesn't continue to happen?
Perfect! This is what happened to ours too. This video helps figure out removing the front panel, and also how to replace spring if door doesn't CLOSE if needed: rEjA9H71CtQ The top-right tab is really hard to separate initially - there's lots of electronics in the way, so you have to be very careful when reaching in with a thin wide flathead screwdriver. Another recommendation that helped with other tabs is using a putting knife wrapped in painters' tape.
Extremely helpful. Used to "fix" the ice maker chute operation on my Kenmore Elite Model 795.72043.316. Instructions on removing the control panel were found here: th-cam.com/video/-uaY3cIrpQo/w-d-xo.html. Thanks to TomlinsTE for that video referral. And thanks Justin for posting this fix - a lifesaver!!!
Wow! You rock! Took me less than 10 minutes to fix!! I used this video with it so I could figure out how to remove the front panel. just google “TH-cam uaY3cIrpQo it wouldn’t let me post the link.
I would think the kind of guy who would pay $3k for a frig would be the kind of guy who would pay $90+ for a service call. I'm the type of guy who would do neither.
Justin, A Million Thanks for this video !! Called an appliance repair company to come out and fix my ice cube flap and the repairman wouldn't even try to fix it, didn't want to scratch the finish, parts not available etc. Watched your video and had the same problem as you. Fixed the arm like you said and everything works great. Another YT video shows an easy way of getting the control panel off without any damage. Thanks Again. !!!
You, Justin, are AWESOME!!! I just used the comments below to figure out how to get the front off, definitely the "scariest" part. Then I found where you said about the little plastic piece slipping behind. Removed the screws to put it back into place behind that piece. Put it back together, plugged it back in and BAMMMM...MAGIC. A working ice dispenser. Thank You!!
Can't thank you enough... ordered ice flap motor for my Kenmore Elite Fridge, expecting a how to diagram. They did not include it. Spent several hours guessing how to unsnap front display. Started to replace motor and remembered your video. Left old motor in, reset the flap, and voila, success. At least will get my $$ back on the motor. If I had replaced motor without spotting the flap problem, would still have not worked. Really, thanks a ton for posting. Cheers.
Thanks for this!! Worked perfectly, but I kept having to do it again and again over a period of time. Found a way to fix it for good! I took a re-usable straw that was pretty firm that would fit over the round part. Put the flat piece behind the round part, cut the straw so it extended beyond the original piece. It is on there enough that it won't allow the unsupported end to bend and is long enough that the flat piece cannot get past it. Whoo Hoo. permanent fix!!
I will definitely be trying that next time. Justin is the man! I pull up this video about once a year to remind myself how to fix it.
It is engineered so that it slips past and can be fixed this way rather than breaking parts or burning out the motor. I'd rather do this every few years than have to try to order parts and replace those.
THANK YOU!! Your video probably saved me hundreds of dollars. To pry off the cover, I inserted a small flathead screwdriver at the bottom of the panel on both sides. When I unsnapped the bottom I carefully pried the sides and top off. I was afraid if I went in from the top I would dent the stainless steel. But this method prevented that from happening. I then unscrewed the screws holding the gray plastic back panel in place and, based on the video, pushed the little arm behind the solenoid. And that was it. It only took a few minutes and now I have a functioning icemaker again. I can’t say enough thank you. I didn’t have to disconnect any wires, nor did I turn off the power. This was because I wasn’t touching anything that might shock me or damage the system.
Perfect! This is exactly what I needed. After popping the front panel off and then removing the 2 screws and popping the back plate off.... I found the problem was the exact same thing, the motor lever was behind the flap lever. I think the screws that hold the motor get a little loose over the years of use. That's how this happens. I loosened them more and forced the levers back to the correct positions and then pushed the motor to the right as much as possible while tightening. All fixed.
Perfect video. Thanks!
I've made this fix four times in a period of six years. It works and works until one day you hear a snap and Bingo! it's broken. Get ready to do it one more time.
I could NOT believe I found this video. Your video was the FIRST ONE after I did the search. Exact same model and all. Gee whiz.
Thank you sincerely for posting.
Thanks so much! Saved me a service call. I started with prying the cover from underneath first. This gave me a little gap on the sides so I could fit my prying tool in there without doing damage. I used a plastic automotive door clip tool so as not to scratch the stainless steel or accidentally put too much pressure and break something. These are available at any automotive supply place. Thanks again Justin!
This is the same thing that happened to my fridge. I used a butter knife to pop off the control panel cover and access the screws to get to the mechanism. We used this opportunity to clean the water spout area and the ice chute door. I taped the tab in place, hopefully it won't break. Thanks for sharing this easy repair that saved us $$$.
Thanks for the video! You saved me $197 on a service appointment. Easy fix, exactly as described in your video.
I just made this repair and it was shockingly easy. Thank you for the video! (Be sure to follow the instructions on how to remove the panel provided in other videos if you don’t already know how.)
This after a holiday weekend of children going after crushed ice for their kiddie drinks like fiends. Which led to the ice door freezing shut and then led to the plastic mechanism shown in this video needing to be reset. While I agree it’s poor design I think the intent is for the plastic mechanism to act as a “trip” to prevent the door motor from burning out in case the ice door freezes shut. Moral of the story? Don’t do crushed ice!
Great video - Thanks for pulling this together. My problem turned out to be the plastic post on the motor had slipped in front of the lever for the ice door flap as noted in your video. I removed two of the three screws on the solenoid motor, rotated it to the left, and sild the post behind the white flap. The door now opens and closes as designed -no new parts needed. I got the panel off by gently prying at the corners with two straight edge razor blades that fit into the very narrow spaces between panel edge and refrigerator door. Once the gap widened enough, I then used a thin putty knife to apply more gentle pressure. One by one the plastic clips released after working it about 10 minutes. In retrospect, I think it would have helped if I did the bottom first part first (where the seam is actually located about one inch behind the face of the control panel). I used small amounts or silicone grease on the clips to aid in reassembly or future disassembly (if needed ).
Excellent video, thank you. My Kenmore Elite had exactly the same problem, just took top screw holding motor, tilted it and put tab behind pin. it works perfect. Maybe 5 minutes tops.You did me a great service by posting this video.
I was able to fix mine in 10 minutes and saved over $300 for a service call. It was just like the video. Thank you so much.
Thank you for this video and for saving me a $90 service call. I removed the front panel with my wife's flat tipped plastic orange zester. I found that on the left side of the panel underneath was an area where there was a seam where I could insert the plastic tip and I was able to pry the panel off with a little pulling. Once I got the panel off, I found the exact same problem, where the ice flap tab had jumped in front of the motor arm. Using my plastic "tool", I was able to gently pry the ice flap tab and slide it back behind the motor arm where it belongs. It fixed the problem immediately. My unit is 4 years old. I agree that this is a poorly designed system, and that motor arm needs to be longer. Otherwise this will continue to happen. By the way, it was right after I used the "crushed ice" setting, which I almost never use, that the problem started. Coincidence? I don't know. But thanks again. If it ever happens again I'll know what to do.
Thank you for posting this. I had the same problem. Took 5 minutes to fix from start ton finish, including cleaning up all the little mold spots.
Dude. Mine has been broke for like 5 years. We just been dumping the ice in a ice bin in the freezer and just open the freezer to get ice when you want ice. Like you said $90 bucks for someone to come out. So I was just content. Watched this video and it took me less the 5 mins to fix it. Thanks. !
Thanks! This was exactly what happened to mine. Before I took it apart I could hear the motor running a few seconds after ice to attempt to close the flap, so I didn’t think I needed a new motor. When I took it apart it was just what you saw. I didn’t extend post as some did, but I’ll be carful with crushed ice making sure there isn’t any collected at the bottom of the door.
Thank you so very much for posting this video!! After a lot of searching on TH-cam for a video that specifically dealt with this issue, I came across your video and was excited to see if I could handle this job on my own. It took me longer because I was so very paranoid about breaking the tabs or something else, so I went slow. As it turns out I only broke one tab, and was able to fix this on my own. Can't wait til hubby gets home so I can tell him I fixed it!! Thanks again!
Looks like most comments posted here are a little old, but I just watched this and it is the exact same problem I was having. Pretty easy fix. Thanks so much for posting this!
Thank you! The first time this happened I paid to have it fixed. I wasn't there to see what they did. This time with your help I fixed it myself.
Thank you for this video! You just saved me hundreds of dollars as I probably would have ordered parts to replace the whole flap assembly. Two tips for others opening the front cover if you have the 700 series:
1) The only place where I could pry the cover open were the two upper corners. I used a very small flathead and pried off those two top corners. From there, I had the same experience others had where I thought I was going to break the thing, but yanking the cover off seems to be the only way to remove it. I tried prying off the cover from other areas, but only ended up scratching the cover pretty badly.
2) There is a second cover to get to the chute. To remove this second cover, I had to remove a couple electronic connections. I took pictures just in case, as there are multiple unused plugs and I wasn't sure I'd remember where everything went. After that, there are two screws to remove the cover and then Justin's video shows exactly what has to be done.
Thank you for explaining how to open the front cover. Wish it was in the video...
Thanks to both of you. I was able to fix the problem as described in the video.
To pop off the front panel, you can start pulling underneath on the matte grey pieces. I started to use a screw driver to pry the panel off, but quickly realized that would be a quick way to damage the face of the panel. Pull the matte grey pieces -there are two and they frame the dispenser shroud. After you pull them away from the body of the assembly, start to work your hands up the sides of the panel until it pops off. There is a small block with wiring connected to the back of the panel on the left side. Disconnect this before continuing to pull the panel away -it’s the power to the panel. I let the panel hang from this point while I performed the repair in the video. There are tabs and foam at the top of the panel that make wedging the panel off from the bottom impractical, so start to pull straight toward yourself when you get to the top of the panel. Thank you for this comment and the video!
Like many others, I really appreciate you posting this video, as I had the same problem. The only issue is the clips at the top of the control panel. I used a flashlight and small flat blade screwdriver to release the clips. After that, all went extremely well!!! Thank you!!!
Great explanation and demonstration of the issue we have with the same model.
I literally fixed the problem in 10 minutes! Thank you!
Had the same problem due to bad engineering. I slipped over a stiff piece of tubing and applied apoxy to extend the piece. Took longer to find the apply than fix. Thanks!!
AWESOME Video ! Yes - the removal of the control panel part would have been helpful, but there are other 'how to remove/replace the control panel vids that gave me hints'. It cost nothing to repair but a few hours to find this video. Thank you !!
Same problem, same reset fix at least 6 times in the last 2 years since moving into this house. I think the sticking / freezing of the insulated flap may occur when we active the " ultra ice " feature to make ice rapidly. Totally AGREE there is a design flaw but also agree that it's likely meant as a intended week link to prevent breakage of more expensive parts.
There has to be a better long term solution. For now, I drilled a hole and inserted a small screw into the end of the motor arm pin to make it longer by about 1/4 inch to get stronger overlapping contact with the cam. We'll see how long that lasts or if it breaks parts. If that doesn't work, next I'll replace the cam with a metal spring that will enact some force, but reset itself if the flap door sticks. At which point I could just jar the flap loose with my finger and continue on with my day. Another thought is rubbing some olive oil on the cold side of flap surface to discourage freezing up.
Thanks. I actually heard the tab snap. I though at the time that a plastic part had broken. Thanks to you showing the issue I was able to fix it pretty quickly. The only improvement I made was to remove the top right screw holding the motor. That allowed it to move making pushing the arm past the other much easier and made me less nervous about breaking it.
Thanks for the help. My motor was still working, but the arm had just slipped past the door actuator. Loosened 1 motor screw, slid the arm behind (instead of in front) of the actuator, and working perfectly. Now to return the motor and get my $28 back.
Thanks so much for your video. Scary pulling off the control panel but following your detail, ice is now dispensing!!!
Thank you so much for the video, just remember to unplug the refrigerator before you start.I agree with everyone that removing the front panel is the most difficult part.I used a putty knife and started at the intersection of the panel and the lower panel of the unit. It took working up and angled toward the front of the panel on both sides. It took a bit of pushing and they did release. Then went to the top of the panel and carefully worked the clips loose. I did use a plastic sleeve over the motor push arm to extend it a bit and hopefully that prevents the issue in the future.
Fabulous! Our flapper door has been broken for years! I was about to put a pull string on it. The hardest part is getting the control panel out. This fridge has been a poor performer from the start. We had terrible trouble with it icing up around the circulator fan.
Just like the others, I was able to fix in under 5 minutes! Thanks again!
I had exactly the same problem on my Kenmore Elite. I was planning on replacing the motor before I saw this video - thanks!
Thank you so much for your instructive video. You gave me the guts to open the front facia and I found out the flapper motor was rusted. Pull it out ready for local purchase tomorrow. Was your video helpful? Extremely!!!!
Thank you from Puerto Rico.
May you and yours have a wonderful 2022 full of joy and health!!!
Frank
This made the repair very simple. I really can't thank you enough!
Thanks! Have the same problem. Was ready to order a part, I've already take the control panel off previously due to a water leak.
It is a little nerve wracking pulling the panel off. I broke a few tabs along the top. My only advice would be to pull the panel downwards while you are prying it slowly off. The tabs extend upwards into the door. The panel does reseat even with a few tabs broken.
You are an absolute life saver! Thank you for this video! Got mine fixed in less than 5 minutes!
Thank you for this video. The same thing happened to mine and I did the exact thing you did and now my ice maker works!!!!
Thank you for this. Saved me a ton of money. This was exactly the problem.
Saved my behind! Threw $20 your way at the donate link! Thank you!
Thanks a ton! Saved money and won points with my better half!
You and TH-cam are awesome! I just fixed this in
Exact same problem. Thanks for the video. I could not have gotten it apart without your help.
I have had the same exact problem, twice now in the three years I've had this fridge. The first time I paid for a sear home repair service to come and fix it. Just happened again, about a year later, and I fixed it myself this time. Saved the repair cost, but what a stupid design flaw.
Fixed in 5 minutes thanks to your post. Thank you very much!
Thank you so much for this video, you saved me so much money. I also cleaned out my trigger that was sticky from juice build up. Mine works like new again👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾. Thanks again
Thank you! I had the exact same issue, and once opened I saw the exact same problem with the flap in front of the other piece. I agree that it’s a poor design...but it’s not the only thing wrong with this refrigerator. Nothing is any good these days, I guess. We’ve got our old Frigidaire out in the garage that’s worked like a tank for 30 yrs. BTW, I had to find another video showing how to get to the mechanism...remove the control panel without ruining it. Anyway, thanks again.
Ok but how do u take the unit apart to get to the flap?
You are the man! You saved me like $300 and now my wife thinks I’m the man! I agree that it some bad engineering by Kenmore.
Thanks for posting this video, you just saved my a couple of dollars.
Great Video. I had the same problem. took 3 minutes to fix after watching your video. thanks
Thanks to you I fixed it myself. I had the exact same problem too. I appreciate your help.
Thank you for the video this is exactly what mine did. SCARY as hell removing that control panel. Use a credit card, plastic putty knife or similar. (lock the panel) get on your knees and look up where the ice/water dispenses. on right; (carefully) wedge the credit card between the plastic piece where the light is and the smaller plastic piece toward the control panel (they are slightly different gray colors on mine) and gently pull back and the clips should release. repeat on the left. that should get you started to be able to work around the left, right and top of the control panel. on the top there is some double-sided tape that will get messed up and is impossible to get back in (at least for me). Good luck.
Thank you very much! I had the exact same problem and I'm so grateful I found your video!
Very helpful video, though I , like many others, had to go find other videos on how to get to the control panel and the inner cover off first, as it seems everything is plastic and fragile, and job one is to not make things worse.
Thanks for making the video I followed it and fixed my ice flap.
Thanks for the video. Had the same problem and fixed it in no time!
Thanks for the video. You just saved me 100$ . My wife was like you fixed it. I told her well yeah what do you think. 🤣
Again thanks for the video
I have performed this repair twice now, and I test it before replacing the cover/panel. Works fine. After putting everything back together, I test the dispenser again and immediately hear the tab snap out of place again, - in front of the solenoid motor arm. So frustrating!
Great video now i know what the problem is!........one thing though that i have done is i removed the spring for the flap so so really dont need the motor as the flap sits open all the time.
that is like leaving your freezer door open all of the time. Not recommended.
Thank you SO much for sharing!!!!! If you have anymore on this fridge please share!
Thanks! exact same problem fixed based on your video.
Thank you Thank you Thank you! Just like the other commentor, you saved me at least a hundred bucks. I could hear the flap motor turning on to open the flap and again 5 seconds later to close the flap, so it sounded like it might be the exact problem you had. And it was. I wonder if it's designed to slip past that lever if there's much resistance (if the flap freezes shut) so it doesn't break parts or burn out the motor? I could see how clogged ice that melts/freezes could freeze the flap shut.
Anyway, thanks a bunch!
I had the same thought about the design issue. Is it a bug or a feature?
Great video! You have saved me much time and money.
Add my name to the list. Had the same issue and just loosened the motor, slid everything back in place and tightened the motor. Lets see how long it lasts. I wonder if a current replacement part made the paddles longer.
Your video was good except, why didnt you show HOW you removed the front cover? Can you show how you removed the front cover?
You are right, should have filmed the opening up of the front control panel. It is scary to take it off because you are afraid of breaking it. Basically you pry it off where you see the seams. I'd use some kind of plastic wedge, maybe a flat head screw driver. There are plastic tabs that are snapped on holding it there. You kind of pry it off and it pops out of the tabs. There are no screws just plastic snaps or tabs. Good luck, may the force be with you.
It was scary trying to take that apart. But I figure it was worth a try as the alternative was spending $hundreds to have someone come out and fix it anyway. I downloaded the service manual but it was really weak at describing how to take it apart. I had the most problem with the funnel. It said remove it first by pulling it down then forward. That sure didn't work. Turns out there 4 plastic tabs holding it in place up top, that have little screwdriver slots. I struggled and struggled with that part, eventually snapping off 3 of the 4 tabs. Oops. But the it went back in and is staying in place, although it wobbles now. Fortunately it's piece that rarely gets touched and just sits there, so no biggie. (Now I'm not even sure I had to remove the funnel at all.)
The control panel front comes off much easier gently prying all around the edges. There's a lot of tabs but they're smaller and snap loose with only modest prying. Just have to get it started on the underneath side then work around the sides and then the top. Mine had sticky foam on the top edge helping hold it in place too.
Once fully loose, the control panel wires could stay connected. There was enough slack in the wiring to just let it dangle there. 2 white screws were then removed holding a cover panel underneath. Had to back that cover out from the left side first as there was a fixed tab/slot on the right.
This was a really useful video. I used some thin plastic wedges to pop out the tabs on the bottom of the control panel first. These are the plastic parts on the left and right underneath the control panel where water dispenses. These popped relatively easily.
I then popped the tabs on the left vertical side of the control panel, again, somewhat easy. I had to take off the door handle of the fridge door to be able to pop the right side of the control panel. This was difficult and I think I snapped a piece of plastic. With the bottom and both sides popped the top edge was somewhat easy to remove.
Once removed and left dangling, there is a plastic plate underneath that is held in by 2 white plastic screws and some more tabs. I removed the screws, the tab on the right hand side is a little tricky to release.
Once released I could see what I see in the video, I had the same problem. It took a minute to fix and test.
Putting the plastic plate back in place was a little tricky, as you need to get the tabs in the correct place, but you don't have much room to maneuver. Putting the electronic control panel back in place was dead simple, all of the tabs clicked back into place with no problem.
Many thanks for your help. I saved about $350 on a service call.
Same here thanks a million. Easy fix I was afraid that it would have turned into a nightmare parts etc. Thanks for the video.
Mine did the same thing and I was able to fix it like you did but it keeps doing it. We’re you able to come up with a permanent solution? Do they make a better part now and if so where did you order from?
Thank you!! Had the same problem and was able to fix it thank to your video. Cheers!
Perfect!!....My issue was the exact same, thank you for sharing!!!
I think that is like that so you can force the flap open and not break anything?
Awesome help for my problem which was exactly as yours. I agree that the engineering is terrible on this link!
Thank you so much for this video. It was so helpful!
You rock. Was able to fix mine as well! Thanks!
Great video and was just what was wrong 15 mim fix !
Hello, can you please provide a video on how to remove the cover? The ice flap is my issue but I'm very concerned on how to remove the cover.
It's listed in comments above
Wow Exactly the same thing happened to me, No sure how the short plastic piece go disengaged but when corrected all ok. Thanks a repair service would have charged for a new motor, cap and labor.
Awesome info. fixed it. Thanks much...
You are the man! Thanks!
I had the same problem and used this video to fix it. It works for a little while and then it happens again. The last time I fixed it the repair only lasted a few days, so it's frustrating to have to go in and fix this regularly. Has anyone had any luck modifying it so this doesn't continue to happen?
Does anyone else have an issue with the ice flap sealing shut? I bought new one and it doesn’t seem to completely close.
Perfect!
This is what happened to ours too.
This video helps figure out removing the front panel, and also how to replace spring if door doesn't CLOSE if needed: rEjA9H71CtQ
The top-right tab is really hard to separate initially - there's lots of electronics in the way, so you have to be very careful when reaching in with a thin wide flathead screwdriver. Another recommendation that helped with other tabs is using a putting knife wrapped in painters' tape.
Extremely helpful. Used to "fix" the ice maker chute operation on my Kenmore Elite Model 795.72043.316. Instructions on removing the control panel were found here: th-cam.com/video/-uaY3cIrpQo/w-d-xo.html. Thanks to TomlinsTE for that video referral. And thanks Justin for posting this fix - a lifesaver!!!
Thanks for the link to removing the control pannel
thank you for video!!!!!!!!
Wow! You rock! Took me less than 10 minutes to fix!! I used this video with it so I could figure out how to remove the front panel. just google “TH-cam uaY3cIrpQo it wouldn’t let me post the link.
thanks
pry here
Thanks! - Here is how to disassemble the front. th-cam.com/video/3k79F5WlQ6k/w-d-xo.html
That's the video I used as a guide. Made it so easy
This needs to be to the top! This is a huge portion of the fix!
I would think the kind of guy who would pay $3k for a frig would be the kind of guy who would pay $90+ for a service call.
I'm the type of guy who would do neither.
Too many uhms to continue watching!