How to replace GE freezer door cam closure WR02X10780
Steven E / Tuesday April 9, 2024
Is your GE refrigerator’s freezer door refusing to shut, leaving you worried about food spoilage and energy waste? The real issue might be a worn-out cam closure, but don’t worry—this simple DIY repair is easier than you think. Grab your tools and follow along with our step-by-step guide and exclusive how-to video below to get your freezer door closing securely again.
Need a part? Search below using your appliance model number to find exactly what you need:
Is your GE refrigerator’s freezer door not closing properly? Does it pop open when you try to shut it? The culprit could be a worn-out cam closure. Replacing this small but important part is an easy DIY fix that can get your freezer door working as good as new.
You can find a replacement freezer door cam closure here. If you need other replacement parts for your GE refrigerator, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find them. It’s that easy! Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of guides to show you how to install your new parts.
Read more: How to clean and maintain your refrigerator’s water dispenser
What is the cam closure and why is it important?
The cam closure is a plastic part mounted on the bottom of a GE refrigerator’s freezer door. It works in conjunction with the hinge and door gasket to keep the door sealed shut.
There are two pins on the cam closure that fit into holes on the bottom hinge. When you swing the freezer door closed, the cam closure turns and the pins engage with the hinge to pull the door tight. This compresses the door gasket for an airtight seal.
Over time, the plastic cam can wear out or become damaged. If it’s faulty, the freezer door won’t close properly or create an effective seal. If that happens, warm air can leak in and cause the freezer to work harder to maintain the set temperature. This can strain on other parts and decrease the fridge’s lifespan.
What you need
- 5/16 inch nut driver
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Small flat-blade screwdriver
- T20 Torx screwdriver
- Duct tape
- New GE freezer door cam closure (make sure it’s compatible with your model before installing!)
Make sure to unplug the refrigerator or turn off the power at the circuit breaker before starting. Also, shut off the water supply line.
Read more: How To Keep Food Fresh When Your Refrigerator Fails
Keep safety first
When working on any appliance, always keep safety first to avoid personal injury or damage to the appliance or parts. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
- Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock.
- Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.
- If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
- Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
- Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access appliance parts.
- Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
- Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
- Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
- Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
- Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
- When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
- Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.
Read more: Appliance error codes: What are they & how can I fix them?
How to replace the freezer door cam closure
Ready to fix your GE refrigerator’s freezer door? Grab your tools and supplies and follow these steps.
Step 1: Remove the toe grill
The cam closure is located at the base of the freezer door, behind the toe grill cover.
- Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the two screws holding the toe grill.
- Pull off the plastic grill.
Step 2: Disconnect the water line and wiring
- Use a small flat-blade screwdriver to pry off the wiring harness plug.
- Use a towel to catch any water drips.
- Push in the locking collar on the water line as you gently pull the tubing off the connector.
Step 3: Tape the freezer door and remove the top hinge
- Close both the freezer and refrigerator doors.
- Use strips of duct tape to adhere the freezer door to the cabinet.
- Use a 5/16-inch nut driver to remove the two screws from the top hinge.
- Lift off the hinge, but leave the duct tape in place for now.
Step 4: Remove the freezer door
- Carefully peel back the tape so the freezer door can separate from the top hinge, but keep it supported.
- Open the door and lift it off the bottom hinge.
- Set the door aside so you can access the cam closure.
Step 5: Replace the cam closure
- Use a T20 Torx bit to remove the two screws holding the old cam closure in place.
- Discard the worn part.
- Line up the new cam closure and insert the two pins into the hinge holes.
- Secure the new cam closure with the T20 Torx screws.
Step 6: Reinstall the freezer door
- Lift the freezer door and gently feed the water tubing and wiring harness back through the bottom hinge.
- Apply the duct tape strips again to support the door.
- Slide the door onto the bottom hinge, then reattach the top hinge.
- Install the two 5/16-inch screws, but leave them slightly loose for now.
Step 7: Reconnect the water and wiring
- With both doors open, push the water supply tubing firmly back into the connector until it clicks.
- Plug the wiring harness back into its socket.
Step 8: Replace the toe grill
- Slide the toe grill into place and guide the water and wiring inside it.
- Insert and tighten the two Phillips head screws.
Finish up
- Remove the remaining duct tape.
- Plug the refrigerator back in and turn on the water supply.
- Carefully check for any leaks at the water line connection.
- Give the freezer door a test swing and make sure it seals properly when it’s closed.
Read more: How To Use A Multimeter To Check Appliance Parts
More information
Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the door cam closure in your GE refrigerator.
If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over 2 million parts and most orders arrive in 2-3 business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.
While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel. We can also help you troubleshoot common fridge problems here.
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With nearly a decade of experience in providing top-notch customer service regarding appliance parts and repair, Steven enjoys sharing practical advice, troubleshooting tips, and interesting information to help readers stay informed.