KitchenAid Fridge French Doors Not Closing Properly? The Simple Fix You’ve Been Looking For

Leveling your KitchenAid French door refrigerator is crucial for optimal performance and longevity. An improperly leveled refrigerator can cause uneven cooling, premature wear and tear on the compressor, and even damage to the unit. This comprehensive guide will provide step-by-step instructions on how to level your KitchenAid French door refrigerator with ease.

Tools You’ll Need:

• Level
• Adjustable wrench or pliers
• Screwdriver (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Unplug the Refrigerator:

Before starting, unplug the refrigerator from the power outlet for safety.

2. Clear the Area:

Remove any food or items from the refrigerator and freezer compartments.

3. Locate the Leveling Legs:

Most KitchenAid French door refrigerators have four leveling legs located at the bottom corners of the unit.

4. Adjust the Leveling Legs:

Using an adjustable wrench or pliers, turn the leveling legs clockwise to raise the refrigerator and counterclockwise to lower it.

5. Level the Front-to-Back:

Place the level on the top front edge of the refrigerator and adjust the front leveling legs until the bubble is centered.

6. Level the Side-to-Side:

Move the level to the top side edge of the refrigerator and adjust the side leveling legs until the bubble is centered.

7. Re-Check:

Once you’ve adjusted the legs, re-check the level both front-to-back and side-to-side to ensure it’s level.

Additional Tips:

• If the refrigerator is not level after adjusting the legs, check if the floor is level. If the floor is uneven, you may need to shim the legs with a small piece of wood or cardboard.
• If the leveling legs are not accessible, use a screwdriver to adjust the leveling bolts located behind the kickplate at the bottom of the refrigerator.
• Once the refrigerator is level, plug it back into the power outlet and allow it to run for 24 hours before placing food inside.

Troubleshooting Common Leveling Issues:

• Refrigerator Tilts Forward: The front leveling legs are too low. Raise them until the refrigerator is level.
• Refrigerator Tilts Backward: The front leveling legs are too high. Lower them until the refrigerator is level.
• Refrigerator Rocks Side-to-Side: One side is higher than the other. Adjust the side leveling legs until the refrigerator is level.
• Door Gaps: If there are gaps between the doors, the refrigerator may not be level. Re-level the refrigerator and check the door gaps again.

Wrapping Up:

Leveling your KitchenAid French door refrigerator is a simple but essential maintenance task that can ensure years of trouble-free operation. By following these instructions, you can easily keep your refrigerator running smoothly and efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. How often should I level my refrigerator?

It’s recommended to level your refrigerator every 6-12 months, especially if it’s moved or if the floor has been uneven.

2. Can I use a different type of level?

Yes, you can use any type of level, including a torpedo level, box level, or laser level.

3. What happens if my refrigerator is not level?

An unlevel refrigerator can cause uneven cooling, premature wear on the compressor, and damage to the unit.

4. Do all KitchenAid French door refrigerators have four leveling legs?

Most KitchenAid French door refrigerators have four leveling legs, but some models may have only three.

5. Can I level my refrigerator without turning it off?

It’s not recommended to level your refrigerator without turning it off for safety reasons.