Do you have a Kenmore Elite freezer that is not cooling properly, making loud noises, or leaking water? If so, you might need to remove the back panel of your freezer and inspect the components behind it. The back panel, also known as the evaporator cover, protects the evaporator coils, the fan motor, the defrost heater, and the drain pan. These parts are responsible for maintaining the temperature and airflow in your freezer.
In this blog post, we will show you how to remove the back panel of your Kenmore Elite freezer and what to look for. This is a useful DIY skill that can help you troubleshoot and fix some common freezer problems. You will need some basic tools and a replacement part if needed.
To remove the back panel of your Kenmore Elite freezer, you need to unplug the freezer, remove the shelves and baskets, remove the screws and clips that hold the panel in place, and pull out the panel.
Why do you need to remove the back panel of your Kenmore Elite freezer?
The back panel of your Kenmore Elite freezer covers some important parts that affect your freezer’s performance. Sometimes, these parts can malfunction or get damaged due to wear and tear, frost buildup, or power surges. Removing the back panel can help you access these parts and check for any signs of trouble. Here are some reasons why you might need to remove the back panel of your Kenmore Elite freezer:
- Your freezer is not cooling properly. This could be caused by a faulty fan motor that does not circulate cold air inside the freezer, or a clogged drain pan that prevents water from draining properly.
- Your freezer is making loud noises. This could be caused by a loose or broken fan blade that hits the back panel or the evaporator coils, or a defective defrost heater that makes popping or hissing sounds.
- Your freezer is leaking water. This could be caused by a frozen or cracked drain pan that overflows when the defrost cycle runs, or a damaged gasket that lets warm air enter and melt the ice.
How to remove the back panel of your Kenmore Elite freezer
Before you start, make sure you unplug your freezer or turn off the circuit breaker for safety reasons. You will also need to empty your freezer and remove any shelves or baskets that might get in your way.
Step 1: Remove
the shelves and baskets
To access the back panel, you need to remove the shelves and baskets from the freezer. Simply lift them up and slide them out of the slots. Set them aside in a safe place.
Step 2: Remove
the screws and clips that hold the panel in place
To remove the back panel, you need to loosen the screws and clips that secure it to the freezer wall. These screws are located around the edge of the panel, and they can be removed with a flathead or crosshead screwdriver. The clips are small plastic pieces that snap into the panel, and they can be pried out with a flathead screwdriver.
Step 3: Pull out
the panel
Once you loosen the screws and clips, you can pull out the panel from the freezer. Grab the end corners of the panel with your fingertips and pull it out and away from the freezer. Be careful not to damage any wires or components behind the panel.
What to look for behind the back panel of your Kenmore Elite freezer
After you remove the back panel, you will see the evaporator coils, the fan motor, the defrost heater, and the drain pan. These are the parts that you need to inspect for any problems. Here are some things to look for behind the back panel of your Kenmore Elite freezer:
- The evaporator coils are metal tubes that carry refrigerant and cool down the air in the freezer. They should be clean and frost-free. If they are dirty or covered with ice, they can reduce the cooling efficiency and cause overheating. You can clean them with a soft brush or a hair dryer on a low setting. If they are damaged or leaking refrigerant, you will need to replace them.
- The fan motor is a small device that spins the fan blade and circulates cold air inside the freezer. It should run smoothly and quietly. If it is noisy, stuck, or not working at all, it can cause poor cooling and frost buildup. You can test it with a multimeter for continuity and voltage. If it is defective, you will need to replace it.
- The defrost heater is a metal rod that heats up during the defrost cycle and melts any frost on the evaporator coils. It should turn on and off automatically and evenly. If it is burnt out, shorted, or not heating up, it can cause excessive frost and water leakage. You can test it with a multimeter for resistance and continuity. If it is faulty, you will need to replace it.
- The drain pan is a plastic tray that collects the water that drips from the evaporator coils during the defrost cycle. It should be clear and free of debris. If it is frozen, cracked, or clogged, it can cause water to overflow and leak from the freezer. You can thaw it with a hair dryer or hot water, or replace it if it is damaged.
Conclusion
Removing the back panel of your Kenmore Elite freezer is a handy way to access and inspect the parts behind it. You will need some basic tools and a replacement part if needed. By removing the back panel, you can troubleshoot and fix some common freezer issues.
We hope you found this blog post helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. And don’t forget to check out our other blog posts on kitchen appliances and food safety at PressToCook.com!
