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How to Remove the Front Panel on a Kenmore Elite Refrigerator

Andrew Todd

Many models of Kenmore Elite refrigerators have an ice dispenser and water fountain on the front of the freezer or refrigerator door, depending on the design of the refrigerator. The ice dispenser and water fountain assembly is secured to the door using several mounting screws. For cosmetic reasons, a plastic panel is installed around the perimeter of the ice dispenser and water fountain, which hides the mounting screws from view. The panel also houses the control panel assembly. When replacing or repairing the ice dispenser and water fountain, you must first remove this panel to access the screws.

  1. Unplug the refrigerator's power cord from the power outlet.

  2. Look on the underside of the plastic panel for a pry-notch.

  3. Insert a flat-head screwdriver into the notch and gently pry the panel off of the refrigerator. Work your way around the entire panel until it is removed. Be careful not to scratch the refrigerator door panel.

  4. Disconnect the control panel wire connector by squeezing the tab on the connector and pulling it away from the refrigerator wire harness. Alternatively, remove the control panel from the panel by depressing the tabs on the inside of the panel, or removing the screws -- depending on model -- and then removing.