April 19, 2023

DIY top-freezer refrigerator repair

Our DIY troubleshooting help covers common top-freezer refrigerator failures such as not making ice, a fridge that doesn't run at all and a freezer that's not cold enough. Find your refrigerator symptom below to see what part might be broken.

Our refrigerator repair guides give you step-by-step directions on how to install replacement parts once you figure out the cause of the problem. Get additional advice and tips on how to keep your appliance working better and longer on our refrigerator articles and videos page.

To find the owner’s manual or a complete list of replacement parts for your top-freezer refrigerator, search for your model number.

top-mount refrigerator

Symptoms for top-mount refrigerators

Main causes: frozen or clogged defrost drain tube, cracked water system tubing…

Repair guides for top-mount refrigerators

How to replace an electronic control board on the back of a refrigerator

How to replace an electronic control board on the back of a refrigerator

If your refrigerator isn't running, an electronic control board failure could be the problem. A service technician can d…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a door gasket in a top-freezer refrigerator

How to replace a door gasket in a top-freezer refrigerator

The door gasket seals the gap around the door to keep the cold air in and the warm air out. It’s easy to replace a worn …

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a refrigerator water valve

How to replace a refrigerator water valve

Replace the water valve that feeds water to the ice maker and water dispenser if it no longer controls the flow of water…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace the compressor run capacitor in a top-freezer refrigerator

How to replace the compressor run capacitor in a top-freezer refrigerator

The run capacitor sends electric current to the compressor motor to help the motor run efficiently. Replace the run capa…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace the defrost thermistor in a top-freezer refrigerator

How to replace the defrost thermistor in a top-freezer refrigerator

The defrost thermistor attaches to the evaporator coil and measures the evaporator coil temperature during defrost.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace the electronic control board inside a top-freezer refrigerator

How to replace the electronic control board inside a top-freezer refrigerator

The electronic control board is the "brains" of the refrigerator. Replace the electronic control board if it fails.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace the light switch in a top-freezer refrigerator

How to replace the light switch in a top-freezer refrigerator

The light switch turns the refrigerator light on and off and monitors door position. Replace the light switch if it does…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace the thermistor in a top-freezer refrigerator

How to replace the thermistor in a top-freezer refrigerator

The thermistor monitors the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment. Replace the thermistor if it isn't detectin…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace the defrost heater in a top-freezer refrigerator

How to replace the defrost heater in a top-freezer refrigerator

The refrigerator defrost heater melts frost from the freezer’s evaporator fins. Replace the defrost heater if it doesn't…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace the condenser fan motor in a top-freezer refrigerator

How to replace the condenser fan motor in a top-freezer refrigerator

The condenser fan is in the machine compartment of the refrigerator next to the compressor. It moves air across the cond…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace the compressor start relay in a top-freezer refrigerator

How to replace the compressor start relay in a top-freezer refrigerator

The compressor start relay starts the compressor and shuts it off if the motor overheats. Replace the start relay if it'…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace the evaporator fan motor in a top-freezer refrigerator

How to replace the evaporator fan motor in a top-freezer refrigerator

The evaporator fan motor blows air across the evaporator coils and through the refrigerator cabinet for cooling. Replace…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to install an ice maker kit in a top-freezer refrigerator

How to install an ice maker kit in a top-freezer refrigerator

The ice maker kit is an optional accessory for refrigerators. Install the ice maker kit in a refrigerator that doesn't h…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace the water inlet valve in a top-freezer refrigerator

How to replace the water inlet valve in a top-freezer refrigerator

The water inlet valve controls water flow to the ice maker. Replace the water valve if it doesn't open or shut properly.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a refrigerator temperature control thermostat

How to replace a refrigerator temperature control thermostat

This helpful refrigerator repair guide explains how to replace the temperature control thermostat in a refrigerator.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace the defrost bi-metal thermostat in a top-freezer refrigerator

How to replace the defrost bi-metal thermostat in a top-freezer refrigerator

The defrost bi-metal thermostat is a safety device attached to the evaporator coil. The defrost bi-metal thermostat shut…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Articles and videos for top-mount refrigerators

What happens if I keep using an expired water filter in my refrigerator?

What happens if I keep using an expired water filter in my refrigerator?

Learn why you should replace your refrigerator's water filter when it expires.…

How to Replace the Water Filter in a Kenmore Elite Refrigerator

How to Replace the Water Filter in a Kenmore Elite Refrigerator

Replacing a water filter in a Kenmore Elite refrigerator is easy, no matter what type of fridge you have, following thes…

How to Replace the Water Filter in a KitchenAid Refrigerator

How to Replace the Water Filter in a KitchenAid Refrigerator

Discover how easy it is to replace the water filter in your KitchenAid refrigerator.…

How to Replace the Water Filter in a GE Refrigerator

How to Replace the Water Filter in a GE Refrigerator

See how to install the water filter on your GE refrigerator, no matter the filter type or refrigerator style.…

How to Replace the Water Filter in a Maytag Refrigerator

How to Replace the Water Filter in a Maytag Refrigerator

No matter what style Maytag refrigerator you have, we can walk you through replacing the water filter.…

How to Replace the Water Filter in a Frigidaire Refrigerator

How to Replace the Water Filter in a Frigidaire Refrigerator

No matter what style Frigidaire refrigerator you own, we can help you replace the water filter.…

How to use your refrigerator efficiently

How to use your refrigerator efficiently

Learn how to safely use your fridge efficiently to save energy.…

Six common refrigerator parts that you can replace yourself in 2023

Six common refrigerator parts that you can replace yourself in 2023

See the top 6 parts that need replacing in most refrigerators. Get tips on replacing the parts and keeping your fridge i…

Refrigerator Cleaning and Maintenance Checklist

Refrigerator Cleaning and Maintenance Checklist

Follow these steps to properly maintain your refrigerator and keep it in top shape.…

(VIDEO) How Do You Remove a Stuck Refrigerator Water Filter?

(VIDEO) How Do You Remove a Stuck Refrigerator Water Filter?

Watch our video to get some easy DIY troubleshooting tips to follow to remove a stuck water filter in your Samsung, Whir…

Common Refrigerator Ice Maker Problems and Solutions

Common Refrigerator Ice Maker Problems and Solutions

Find tips on how to fix the ice maker in your fridge when it isn't working or when it isn't working right.…

Easy DIY appliance repairs that anyone can do

Easy DIY appliance repairs that anyone can do

Get advice on simple DIY fixes for appliances that you can safely do on your own.…

Why do I need a water filter in my fridge?

Why do I need a water filter in my fridge?

Find out why it's important to filter the water that goes through your fridge.…

Are aftermarket refrigerator water filters as good as OEM filters?

Are aftermarket refrigerator water filters as good as OEM filters?

Learn about the differences between OEM fridge filters and aftermarket refrigerator replacement water filters.…

Can my refrigerator water filter help protect me from Covid-19?

Can my refrigerator water filter help protect me from Covid-19?

Find out how your refrigerator's water filter can help keep you safe from COVID-19.…

How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier.…

Are DIY appliance repairs safe?

Are DIY appliance repairs safe?

Find out how to stay safe when repairing your appliances.…

Tapping into a new feature in the Search Bar on Sears PartsDirect

Tapping into a new feature in the Search Bar on Sears PartsDirect

Learn about a new feature added to the Search Bar on Sears PartsDirect…

Can I fix my own fridge?

Can I fix my own fridge?

Find DIY repair tips to fix your refrigerator when it breaks down.…

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…

How to replace Whirlpool refrigerator water filter EDR1RXD1 (EveryDrop Type 1)

How to replace Whirlpool refrigerator water filter EDR1RXD1 (EveryDrop Type 1)

Learn how to replace the Whirlpool EveryDrop 1 refrigerator water filter.…

What type of water filter is in your Whirlpool refrigerator?

What type of water filter is in your Whirlpool refrigerator?

Need help replacing the water filter in your Whirlpool refrigerator? We’ll show you how it’s done.…

How to replace remove-cup-filter-cover refrigerator filters

How to replace remove-cup-filter-cover refrigerator filters

Replacing a refrigerator water filter is crucial for keeping the ice and water clean and fresh-tasting. If your water fi…

How to replace eject-and-slide-out refrigerator water filters

How to replace eject-and-slide-out refrigerator water filters

Replacing a refrigerator water filter is crucial for keeping the ice and water clean and fresh-tasting. If your water fi…

How to replace an inline refrigerator water filter

How to replace an inline refrigerator water filter

An inline water filter should be replaced every 6 months. Our videos shows how to do it.…

How to replace open-tray-and-twist-out refrigerator water filters

How to replace open-tray-and-twist-out refrigerator water filters

Watch our video to see how to replace a refrigerator water filter located in a tray you open and then twist out the filt…

How to replace twist-to-remove refrigerator water filters

How to replace twist-to-remove refrigerator water filters

Watch our video to learn how to replace a water filter that you must twist to remove.…

Keeping your smart appliances secure from hackers

Keeping your smart appliances secure from hackers

Find out how to protect your smart appliances from malevolent invasions by hackers.…