Can't open the freezer door on fridge

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Reload8098
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4:54a, 10/2/25
AG
We can't open the freezer door on our backup fridge, a Whirlpool. We thought it was stuck due to ice buildup but thawing out the fridge didn't solve the issue.

I can't find anything helpful using google. Anyone have any ideas?
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dudeabides
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5:52a, 10/2/25
AG
Does your freezer compartment have a slide out door on rails, or a regular door on hinges? If the former, something inside the freezer probably shifted and is jamming it. You might try slipping a coat hanger in the freezer compartment to shift things around and see if that allows the door to open.
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Sims
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7:59a, 10/2/25
AG
Top hinge is usually exposed, can you just remove the hinge?
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Reload8098
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10:33a, 10/2/25
AG
It won't budge 1/1000 of an inch. Door is on rails.
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TexAg1987
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In reply to Reload8098 • 4:15p, 10/8/25
Reload8098 said:
We can't open the freezer door on our backup fridge, a Whirlpool. We thought it was stuck due to ice buildup but thawing out the fridge didn't solve the issue.

I can't find anything helpful using google. Anyone have any ideas?

How long did you let it thaw?

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Reload8098
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10:47p, 10/9/25
AG
36 hours
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Mark1978Kingwood
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1:08p, 10/10/25
AG
Try rocking it side to side and front to back , heavily, to jar loose anything that may be jamming the door
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tgivaughn
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1:48p, 10/10/25
AG
By now (48hrs defrost) you should see some progress with a gentle prybar.
Even so, best to dolly it out to the sunny driveway, blow a fan inside ref. and outside the freezer.
Last ditch efforts would be to position warm gel packs at freezer door rail/movement points, also WD-40 spray.
I agree with the ideas above that should also contribute to a resolution.

If this has stumped the chumps, post it!
Inquiring minds need to know!
Gotta draw since me got no grammar
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JP76
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8:02p, 10/10/25
Use a flat bar to pry it open
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Reload8098
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4:40p, 10/12/25
AG
I guess I will probably try a pry bar, if I can get on an edge. On fall break right now but will try it later this week when we return. Thanks for the advice Ags.
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Baby Billy
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9:19p, 10/14/25
AG
Have you pissed off your wife recently? She might have super glued it
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Reload8098
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11:04p, 10/14/25
AG
Recently, as in the last 30 minutes? Probably
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Reload8098
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11:14p, 10/14/25
AG
As a follow-up, the door won't move 1/100th of an inch. Can't get a wire hanger inside the drawer. We're going to trying shaking it tomorrow, but I'm not hopeful that it will work.
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JP76
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11:50p, 10/14/25
Is this a French door or is freezer on top or bottom ?
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Reload8098
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In reply to JP76 • 8:29a, 10/15/25
AG
Bottom drawer.

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Reload8098
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In reply to JP76 • 8:29a, 10/15/25
AG
ddp
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JP76
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2:17p, 10/15/25
I assume there is no child lock feature that could be engaged on the control panel ?


I would unplug it and try defrosting again as it has to be a high probability of ice causing the issue. Unplug for 48 hours and try to open it again
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Reload8098
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2:34p, 10/15/25
AG
Doesn't hurt to try at this point.
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TexAg1987
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In reply to JP76 • 2:51p, 10/15/25
JP76 said:
I assume there is no child lock feature that could be engaged on the control panel ?


I would unplug it and try defrosting again as it has to be a high probability of ice causing the issue. Unplug for 48 hours and try to open it again

I think this may be the answer.

Defrosting a closed freezer may take an unusually long time if it is solid ice.

If you can get to the drain and disconnect/clear it, maybe you can start seeing drips as it starts to melt. Possibly introduce hot water thru the drain to help?

Put it outside in the sun.
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Reload8098
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5:22p, 10/15/25
AG
It's not connected to a water line, it's our backup fridge/freezer.
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JP76
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In reply to Reload8098 • 5:18a, 10/16/25
I have busted an inch plus of ice out of a freezer before that was keeping the storage tray from opening at the bottom but it was a side by side model. Have seen this happen on a side by side when someone left the door partially cracked and the freezer kept running until it froze over with ice. I assume it could happen on your style as well. Also have seen happen when a defrost thermostat went bad on the unit.
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cobalt
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3:38p, 10/16/25
AG
We have the same fridge/freezer. I don't recall exactly how long it took to thaw, but it was days.

I replaced the icemaker in the lower freezer, and we haven't had an issue since.
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Reload8098
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4:44p, 10/17/25
AG
Just returned home from a work trip and unplugges the unit. I'll try it Monday afternoon and give ya'll an update.
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Dill-Ag13
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In reply to Reload8098 • 3:04p, 10/18/25
AG
Hit it with your purse if that doesn't work
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Reload8098
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In reply to Dill-Ag13 • 11:09p, 10/18/25
AG
Dill-Ag13 said:
Hit it with your purse if that doesn't work

WTF are you talking about?
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Dill-Ag13
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In reply to Reload8098 • 4:54p, 10/19/25
AG
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dubi
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In reply to Reload8098 • 9:49a, 10/20/25
AG
Reload8098 said:
Just returned home from a work trip and unplugges the unit. I'll try it Monday afternoon and give ya'll an update.

It is Monday update time!
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Reload8098
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11:31a, 10/20/25
AG
I pulled so hard on the handle I was moving the refrigerator across the damn floor; but the SOB didn't move a frick'n centimeter.
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dubi
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In reply to Reload8098 • 11:38a, 10/20/25
AG
Reload8098 said:
I pulled so hard on the handle I was moving the refrigerator across the damn floor; but the SOB didn't move a frick'n centimeter.

Can you please a space heater behind the freezer to see if it will melt the ice?
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Reload8098
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In reply to dubi • 12:30p, 10/20/25
AG
dubi said:
Reload8098 said:
I pulled so hard on the handle I was moving the refrigerator across the damn floor; but the SOB didn't move a frick'n centimeter.

Can you please a space heater behind the freezer to see if it will melt the ice?


Yeah, I can. Do you really think there could still be ice after almost 72 hours? Don't mean that in a smarta** way, it just doesn't seem likely??
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dubi
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In reply to Reload8098 • 12:32p, 10/20/25
AG
Reload8098 said:
dubi said:
Reload8098 said:
I pulled so hard on the handle I was moving the refrigerator across the damn floor; but the SOB didn't move a frick'n centimeter.

Can you please a space heater behind the freezer to see if it will melt the ice?


Yeah, I can. Do you really think there could still be ice after almost 72 hours? Don't mean that in a smarta** way, it just doesn't seem likely??

What do you have to lose at this point? It could be frozen solid.

We could always use tannerite?
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Reload8098
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In reply to dubi • 2:08p, 10/20/25
AG
dubi said:
Reload8098 said:
dubi said:
Reload8098 said:
I pulled so hard on the handle I was moving the refrigerator across the damn floor; but the SOB didn't move a frick'n centimeter.

Can you please a space heater behind the freezer to see if it will melt the ice?


Yeah, I can. Do you really think there could still be ice after almost 72 hours? Don't mean that in a smarta** way, it just doesn't seem likely??

What do you have to lose at this point? It could be frozen solid.

We could always use tannerite?


I lowered the fridge using the adjustment knobs and was able to crack open the right side. About 2 gallons of water leaked out. Wife helped crack the left side enough to get some light on it. SOB, there is still ice in the mfer.

Though I like the idea of tannerite. Or I could try a purse.
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TexAg1987
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In reply to Reload8098 • 2:27p, 10/20/25
If you can get to the drain tube, take it off and or clear it out so it will keep draining.

Hope you don't have it packed with fish or something equally vile when it gets warm.



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malenurse
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In reply to Reload8098 • 3:33p, 10/20/25
AG
Reload8098 said:
dubi said:
Reload8098 said:
dubi said:
Reload8098 said:
I pulled so hard on the handle I was moving the refrigerator across the damn floor; but the SOB didn't move a frick'n centimeter.

Can you please a space heater behind the freezer to see if it will melt the ice?


Yeah, I can. Do you really think there could still be ice after almost 72 hours? Don't mean that in a smarta** way, it just doesn't seem likely??

What do you have to lose at this point? It could be frozen solid.

We could always use tannerite?


I lowered the fridge using the adjustment knobs and was able to crack open the right side. About 2 gallons of water leaked out. Wife helped crack the left side enough to get some light on it. SOB, there is still ice in the mfer.

Though I like the idea of tannerite. Or I could try a purse.

The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But, it's still on the list.
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Reload8098
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In reply to TexAg1987 • 3:43p, 10/20/25
AG
TexAg1987 said:
If you can get to the drain tube, take it off and or clear it out so it will keep draining.

Hope you don't have it packed with fish or something equally vile when it gets warm.




Thanks, I'll check that. Have some chickens, quail and dove in the freezer. The rest is flour and baking crap. The rib is a baker.
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