Replace Whirlpool Freezer Door Lower Closure Cam

Is your Whirlpool freezer door refusing to close completely? This common issue often stems from a worn-out or damaged freezer door lower closure cam. Don’t let warm air invade your freezer—watch the how-to video below to see how you can fix it in just a few minutes!

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

The freezer door lower closure cam on a Whirlpool refrigerator is located at the bottom of the freezer door and enables the door to close properly to prevent warm air from entering the freezer compartment. Over time, the freezer door lower closure cam may wear out or become damaged, leading to difficulties in closing the freezer door completely. 

This repair is relatively straightforward. With the right instructions and a few minutes of your time, you can successfully replace the freezer door lower closure cam yourself. 

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8Cyhv4Zrqw

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.

What you’ll need

• 3/16″ allen wrench
• 5/16″ nut driver
• Flathead screwdriver  

Safety precautions

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Don’t test wiring with a multimeter for live voltage if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short circuiting when testing. 
• 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.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 

Replacement steps

Removal 

1. Start by opening both doors of the refrigerator.
2. Open the water filter door and locate the toe grill at the bottom.
3. Using both hands, grasp the toe grill and pull it out.
4. Disconnect the two wiring harness plugs by pushing down the locking tab on top and removing the harness.
5. Place a towel at the corner underneath for any water remaining in the water line.
6. Pull out the water line and disconnect it from the coupling by pressing in the collar and pulling the line out.
7. Close both doors and go to the top of the refrigerator.
8. Remove the door hinge using an Allen wrench by removing the screws and pulling the hinge straight out.
9. Before removing the freezer door, remove the dispenser grill by pressing down the inner edge and pulling it out.
10. Carefully open the freezer door, keeping in mind that there is no top hinge.
11. Lift the door up while sliding the two wiring harness plugs through the hole, and place the door on its side.
12. Use a nut driver to remove the single screw securing the closure cam.
13. Pry the closure cam out using a flat-blade screwdriver and slide it off.
14. Pull the harness through to completely remove the old closure cam.

Installation

1. Install the new closure cam by sliding the harness and water line through it.
2. Lift the door up and insert the closure cam into the opening on the door.
3. Push the closure cam in and secure it with a single screw using a nut driver.
4. Bring the door next to the hinge and insert the harness and water line through the opening in the hinge.
5. Install the door onto the hinge and close the door.
6. Install the dispenser grill by dropping it down into place.
7. Install the hinge by aligning the holes and inserting the screws.
8. Use an Allen wrench to tighten the screws securely.
9. Align the doors so that the seam between them is the same up and down.
10. Open both doors and connect the water line and the harness.
11. Plug the water line into the coupling, ensuring it is securely inserted.
12. Plug the harness back in, making sure both plugs are connected.
13. Install the bottom grille by inserting the two mounting pins into the brackets inside the fridge.
14. Align the holes and push the grille in.
15. Close the doors, plug the fridge back in, and check that it is cooling properly.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the freezer door lower closure cam on 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.

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