Kitchenaid french door refrigerator PROBLEM

16 years ago

I am wondering if anyone is having the same problem I am. I bought my kitchenaid refrig (model # KBF A25ERSS01) about 2 years ago and for the first year everything was great. THEN the refrigerator door started popping open when I closed it. A few times we did not notice that it was open and it was left that way for a long time. Obviously this is a problem. I had a service guy come out and he told me to lubricate the rubber gaskets - he did that and left me some gunk to put on the gaskets. This helps for a few weeks but then we are back to the same problem. When we have company we have to warn everyone to be sure the refrig is closed. This is annoying and simply should not be an issue with this appliance. Does anyone have a solution? Or has anyone experienced the same problem? I am getting ready to call service again but the last time I did they gave me the same story. Help, please. Thanks!

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Comments (4)

maryland_irisman
16 years ago
Some of these units need the feet adjusted so the refrig. slants back a bit so gravity and the weight of the door complete the task. Not a whole lot of tilt, just a little. Over time, the gaskets warp or a build up of gunk (a small amount will do it) from normal use can be an issue. The gasket is somewhat like an accordion and a magnetic strip is inside to pull the gasket to the frame. Over time, the gasket does not spring back to a compressed state and on the hinge side, it offers resistance and works to pinch instead of collapse on the hinge side, preventing the door from closing all the way without additional force by the user. Check that out and if in fact that is where the problem is, make them change the gasket. When it is out of warranty, be prepared you may have to do this again or, do as you do now and tip everyone to make sure the door is closed. Changing the gasket may solve the problem forever. This problem shows itself on just about any make or model. Not every unit, but some and that's no consolation to someone it is happening to.

The grease is an attempt to reduce some of the friction and allow the gasket to move with less friction and then collapse. Of course dust will accumulate and you'll need to wipe it down and re-lubricate. Vegetable oil would do the trick as a food grade oil, on an ongoing basis.
Lorraine Black
9 years ago
I opened the door of my 3 month old kitchenaid french door refrigerator yesterday and a long thin magnet slowly slid from the gasket onto the floor. I don't know where it came from or I would put it back - obviously now the door is not sealing as well. Will call service, for the fourth time, the first three times were for the range (same age, same brand) and now here we go with the refrigerator.
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Kim Graddy
6 years ago
Same issue.
Lorraine Black
6 years ago
Sorry to hear that! Ours needed a gasket replacement while under warranty, and again 1.5 years later, which cost $300. The technician said to wipe down the gasket with vaseline periodically so it didn't dry and crack. We have since moved, and the new home already had kitchenaid microwave, range, and dishwasher. There were enough good things about the home, I begrudgingly accepted the appliances as part of the package. Have already had to call service on the microwave.