removing panel on Kenmore Icemaker

[rearl]

I have a Kenmore Side by Side refrigerator. The door that moves open and shut to allow ice to exit is not working properly. This happened once before and I think I can repair it if I can determine how to remove the panel from the front of the freezer door without damage. The panel snaps in somehow but I don't want to force it open.

The reason why the door is not working is a small part that has fallen loose.

Please advise.
thanks

[DIY Guy]

This is one of the toughest problems; knowing what to push, pull, twist or unscrew and in what order. Unfortunately, every manufacturer builds these things their own way. That way can even vary between models and model year.

So, there is no way for me to tell you exactly how to open it up.

When I am opening equipment with no clear access, I use the following rules of thumb:

Moderate force or pressure should be adequate. It rarely requires much force to remove a part/panel.

If there is no visible fasteners, either an adjacent part must be removed to reveal the fasteners OR that part snaps in place.

If you are trying to access something that a repairperson would ever need to access, there has to be a way to do it. Step back and just think about it like a puzzle.

Occassionally, the risk of breaking a part and having to replace it is cheaper than the alternative of paying someone to fix it. However, some small, unique parts can be surprisingly expensive. So only risk this when all else fails.