How to replace Whirlpool refrigerator pantry drawer support WP12656018

Is your Whirlpool refrigerator’s pantry drawer support giving you trouble? Don’t worry, you can tackle this common issue without calling in a pricey technician. Dive into our step-by-step guide and watch the included how-to video to learn how to replace it yourself, saving both time and money!

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

Like any appliance, your Whirlpool refrigerator can sometimes develop issues that require attention. One common problem is a malfunctioning pantry drawer support. The good news: you don’t need to be a professional technician to replace this part. With the right tools and some patience, you can fix it yourself and save a lot of money and hassle in the process.

You can find a replacement pantry drawer support here. If you need other replacement parts for your Whirlpool 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.

Watch the full repair here

What you need

• Replacement pantry drawer support (make sure it’s compatible with your specific refrigerator model before installing)
• 1/4-inch nut driver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Towel

Disclaimer: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some 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 eliminating any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• 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.
• 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 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.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.

Read more: Why It’s Best to Choose OEM Over Aftermarket Parts for Appliance Repairs

How to replace the pantry drawer support

Swap out the pantry drawer support in your Whirlpool refrigerator with these steps.

Step 1: Disassemble the refrigerator

1. Clear the area around your refrigerator to give yourself enough space to work.
2. Open both refrigerator doors.
3. Find the crisper pans, which are typically just above the pantry drawer. Gently pull them out and set them aside.
4. Carefully lift the glass shelf from its supports. You may need to tilt it slightly to release it.
5. The support rails hold the glass shelf in place. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the screws holding the rails.
6. Carefully pull the pantry drawer out and lift it off the rails. Set the drawer aside.
7. Find the pantry drawer support, which is typically located on the right-hand side of the refrigerator. Use your 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the three screws holding the support to the refrigerator’s sidewall.

Step 2: Install the new pantry drawer support

Now you’ll need to transfer all the parts from the old support to the new one, including the slide, connector bar, and temperature-adjusting rail.

1. Snap the slide into place on the new support. Align it and press it down until it’s secure.
2. Set the temperature adjustment on the support to the coldest setting so the connector bar can be removed.
3. Turn the support over, press the release buttons on the connector bar and rotate it to release it from the old support.
4. Attach the connector bar to the new support.
5. The rail may have a locking tab on the top and bottom. Release these tabs to slide the rail out from the old support, then install it on the new support.

Step 3: Reassemble the refrigerator

1. Place the new assembly on a soft towel to avoid any scratches or damage.
2. Carefully position the assembly inside the refrigerator. Start by hooking the bent slide into the back wall, then rotate it to engage the rear tabs.
3. Make sure the front of the assembly is securely placed on the mounting posts.
4. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to reattach the screws that hold the rail to the refrigerator’s sidewall.
5. Gently slide the pantry drawer back onto the rails. Make sure it fits snugly and locks into place.
6. Set the glass shelf back into its designated supports so it’s level and secure.
7. Return the support rails to their original positions. Use the 1/4-inch nut driver to fasten them with the screws you removed earlier.
8. Slide the crisper pans back into their slots above the pantry drawer.

Read more: A Complete Guide to Refrigerator Organization

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the pantry drawer support in your Whirlpool refrigerator.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two 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.

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