How to replace the fresh food door gasket on a GE refrigerator

Is your refrigerator struggling to keep your food cold and fresh? A cracked or warped door gasket might be letting valuable cold air escape, causing spoilage and increased energy costs. Fear not! This common issue can be easily resolved with a quick DIY gasket replacement, and we’ve got a handy how-to video just below to guide you every step of the way.

Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!

If you notice your refrigerator isn’t keeping food as cold as it should, it could be time to replace the fresh food door gasket. The gasket is the rubber seal that runs around the door frame and keeps cold air contained inside the fridge. Over time, normal wear and tear can cause the gasket to crack or warp, allowing cold air to escape. Replacing a worn-out gasket is an easy DIY fix that can restore proper cooling and prevent spoilage.

If you need a replacement refrigerator fresh food door gasket WR14X27231 for your Whirlpool refrigerator, you can use your model number to find what you need at AppliancePartsPros.com. We also have thousands of free DIY troubleshooting and repair guides to help you fix your refrigerator yourself. 

Watch the full repair here!

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

Symptoms of a failed gasket

Symptoms that your gasket needs replacing include:

• Increased frost build-up inside the refrigerator.
• Condensation collects on the interior walls and shelves.
• Food spoiling more quickly than normal.
• The refrigerator running loudly or for long periods of time.

Replacing the gasket is a straightforward DIY repair that can resolve cooling issues and eliminate food spoilage. 

Before starting any appliance repair project, always make sure to unplug the refrigerator or turn off the power at the circuit breaker. This prevents any chance of electric shock while working on the unit.

Now let’s go over the materials needed and the step-by-step process for removing the old gasket and installing a new one.

What you’ll need

This repair only requires a few basic tools:

• New GE refrigerator door gasket (#WR14X27231) – The new replacement gasket. Order the correct size for your refrigerator model.
• Flat blade screwdriver – Used to pry off the old gasket from the door frame.

That’s all you need to get the job done. Make sure you have the new gasket on hand before removing the old one.

Removing the old gasket

Start by opening the fresh food compartment door to access the gasket.

1. To remove the old gasket, insert a flat-blade screwdriver into the gasket groove near one of the corners. Carefully pry the gasket away from the door frame.
2. Slowly work your way around the door, prying the gasket out of the channel. Take care not to damage the door frame.
3. Once you have the gasket freed in one spot, you can then pull it out manually using your hands. Simply grab the loose section and slowly peel away the rest of the gasket.
4. The old gasket should come off relatively easily, but be gentle while removing it. Pry it loose carefully with the screwdriver rather than tugging aggressively.
5. Thoroughly clean out the door frame channel that held the old gasket. Remove any grime buildup so the new gasket can form a tight seal.

Now the door is prepped and ready for the new gasket installation.

Installing the new gasket

1. First, test fit the replacement gasket to ensure you have the proper size for your refrigerator model. The new gasket should fit snugly into the door frame groove.
2. Since the replacement gasket comes tightly coiled up, it can be quite stiff and difficult to work with. To make installing it easier, you’ll want to soften up the gasket first.
3. One method is to leave the gasket in a sink or tub of hot water for a few hours before installing. The heat will make the vinyl more pliable and flexible.
4. Alternatively, on a hot sunny day, you can place the gasket outside on the ground. The sun’s warmth will soften it up in a few hours.
5. Once the gasket is more limber, it will be much easier to shape and install on the door.
6. Start the installation by firmly pressing the gasket into the door frame groove at each corner. 
7. Use your thumbs to push the gasket into place, taking care not to stretch or deform it.
8. Work your way around the door, pressing the gasket into the channel groove with your fingers. Go slowly and apply even pressure, ensuring it sits cleanly all the way around.
9. Pay special attention to the magnet strip built into the gasket. This is what adheres to the refrigerator cabinet and forms the airtight seal.
10. Make sure the magnet strip gets fully inserted into the groove and makes flush contact with the cabinet. You may need to run your fingers along it, pushing the strip into place.
11. Continue around the door frame, taking your time and checking that the gasket sits correctly in the channel. Don’t rush this step, as a poorly seated gasket can compromise the seal.
12. Once the gasket is fully installed all the way around, close the refrigerator door and let it sit for several hours. This allows the vinyl to conform to the door shape and solidly adhere in place.
13. If needed, use a hair dryer or heat gun to gently warm and reshape any areas where the gasket is warped or not making proper contact. Just don’t overheat the vinyl.
14. With the new gasket installed, plug the refrigerator back in and verify it’s cooling efficiently. 
15. Monitor internal temperatures for a day or two to confirm it maintains the correct temperature.

More information

Thanks for reading! If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, you can find more resources including our DIY blog at AppliancePartsPros.com. There, you can enter your model number to order the exact parts you need. Most orders arrive in two business days.

You can also reach our award-winning customer service team at 1-877-477-7278, chat with a pro on our website and watch thousands of free video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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