Even the smallest door opening can result in a refrigerator not cooling properly. What’s the problem when your GE refrigerator door won’t close? The door gasket may be damaged, preventing a proper seal. Troubleshoot a refrigerator door not closing correctly with these common causes.
GE Refrigerator Door Won’t Close? Here’s How to Solve the Problem.
When your GE refrigerator door won’t close it can set off reactions that create bigger problems. The warm air that enters increases the internal temperature, forcing the compressor to work harder. This, in turn, risks malfunction, higher utility bills, and spoiled food. Use the following troubleshooting tips to avoid these outcomes and maintain your fridge’s function.
Something is Blocking the Refrigerator Door
If your GE refrigerator door won’t stay closed, first check for any items that may be blocking the door’s path. If a drawer isn’t completely shut or a container extends beyond a bin or shelf, the door may not close completely. Rearrange any items that could interfere with the door’s path and don’t overstuff your refrigerator to the point where containers protrude from shelves.
GE Refrigerator Door Gasket is Dirty or Damaged
A refrigerator door gasket creates a tight seal when the door is closed, keeping warm air out and cool air inside. If it’s dirty or damaged, the seal may be compromised and a GE refrigerator door won’t close properly.
How can you tell if the gasket is compromised? Place a dollar bill in the refrigerator door so that a portion protrudes from the door when it’s closed. If you’re able to easily pull the bill out, the gasket’s seal is insufficient. Wear and tear such as loosening or tearing means the gasket must be replaced.
If the gasket is dirty, clean it with these simple steps to restore its seal:
- Mix a solution of ½ cup white vinegar and 1 cup water. Alternatively, combine ¼ bleach with 1 cup water.
- Dip a sponge or tooth brush in the solution and gently scrub the gasket.
- Pat the gasket dry with a paper towel.
GE Refrigerator Isn’t Level
When the refrigerator isn’t appropriately leveled, your GE refrigerator door won’t close on its own. The front should be raised just enough so that the doors close automatically when open less than 90 degrees.
How do you level a fridge so the door closes automatically? Some GE refrigerators have leveling legs behind the base grille that can be raised or lowered with a screwdriver. Use a carpenter’s level to make sure the front of the refrigerator remains ¼” higher than the rear when adjusting the legs. Other refrigerators have adjustable rollers that are raised and lowered via a leveling screw behind the base grille. Using a ⅜ socket wrench, turn the screw clockwise to raise the rollers or counterclockwise to lower them.
Refrigerator Door Hinges are Misaligned or Broken
If your GE refrigerator door won’t close automatically after the legs are leveled, there may be a door hinge malfunction. Over time, normal wear and tear may cause the hinges to misalign so the doors don’t close evenly. In other cases, the hinge spacers may loosen or break. When this happens, you’ll notice an uneven space between the refrigerator and freezer doors.
Realigning the doors or replacing the hinges can be a complex job that’s best performed by a professional refrigerator repair service.
Our experts can fix your refrigerator doors or address any other malfunction. Contact Tiger Mechanical for the best GE refrigerator repair in Gilbert!
