How to Install Drawer Seal WP67002513 in a Whirlpool Refrigerator
Before You Start
A drawer seal looks simple, but it does important work. It helps close gaps around the drawer so cold air stays where it belongs. When that seal loses shape, gets packed with grime, or pulls away from its channel, the refrigerator can struggle.
You may notice these signs:
- Food in or near the drawer feels warmer than normal.
- Moisture builds near the drawer front.
- Frost or ice forms around the drawer area.
- The drawer does not close with a smooth feel.
- The refrigerator seems to run more than usual.
- You see cracks, bends, or gaps in the drawer seal.
These signs do not prove the drawer seal is bad by themselves. A refrigerator can also act up because of blocked vents, dirty coils, a weak door gasket, poor loading, or control issues. Start with a visual check. If the seal is damaged, loose, or no longer grips the drawer frame, replacement makes sense.
For model-specific use and care details, Whirlpool provides owner manuals and a Product Help Library. Use those resources when you need model location details or basic product support.
Fit Check for Whirlpool Drawer Seal WP67002513
Before you remove anything, confirm the part and model. This step saves time and prevents damage.
Use Drawer Seal WP67002513 only with the supplied compatible models in this article:
| Whirlpool Refrigerator Model | Listed for This Repair |
|---|---|
| 596.73503200 | Yes |
| 596.73503201 | Yes |
| AFD2535DEB | Yes |
| AFD2535DES | Yes |
| AFD2535DEW | Yes |
Find your refrigerator model number on the model tag. The tag is often inside the fresh food section, near a side wall, ceiling area, or frame. Do not use the sales name from the front of the refrigerator. Use the full model number from the tag.
Match every character. A missing letter or changed digit can matter. Appliance parts often look alike, but small changes can affect fit.
Also inspect the new seal before you install it. Look for cuts, crushed corners, twists, or hard bends. If the seal arrived folded, let it rest at room temperature. A seal that feels stiff can be harder to seat cleanly.
Do not trim the seal. Do not stretch it hard to make it fit. Do not use glue unless your service information calls for it. Most seal problems come from poor seating, dirty channels, or rushed alignment.
Tools and Supplies You May Need
Your exact tool need depends on how your drawer and frame are built. Since no special tool list was supplied, use a basic setup.
Gather these items:
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flat plastic putty knife or trim tool
- Clean towel
- Mild dish soap
- Warm water
- Small soft brush
- Flashlight
- Work gloves
- Phone camera for reference photos
Avoid sharp metal tools near plastic drawer parts. A metal screwdriver can gouge the drawer, cut the new seal, or crack trim. If you must lift an edge, use a plastic tool first.
Keep screws in a cup or small tray. Take photos before you remove parts. Pictures help you place the drawer, rails, and seal back in the same position.
Safety Steps That Matter
Unplug the refrigerator before you work near moving parts, wiring, or controls. If you only inspect the drawer seal, you may not need to move electrical parts. Still, unplugging gives you a safer work area.
Move food from the drawer to a cooler if needed. Do not leave perishable food out during a slow repair. Keep the refrigerator doors closed when possible.
Use care around plastic parts. Cold plastic can crack more easily than warm plastic. If the drawer or trim feels very cold and stiff, let it sit for a few minutes after removal.
Never pull on refrigerant tubing or sealed system parts. This drawer seal repair should not involve the sealed cooling system. If you see oily residue, damaged tubing, or a refrigerant concern, stop and contact a qualified technician.
Use Whirlpool’s Service and Support page if you need official manual support for your model.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Most failed drawer seal installs come from small errors. Avoid these mistakes.
Mistake 1: Installing Over Dirt
A dirty channel blocks a clean fit. Even a small crumb can lift the seal. Clean and dry the channel before installation.
Mistake 2: Stretching the Seal
Stretching may help the seal reach a corner, but it can pull back later. Work with the natural shape. Seat it without strong tension.
Mistake 3: Flipping the Seal
Some seals have a lip direction. If you reverse the seal, it may not close right. Use photos and the old seal as your guide.
Mistake 4: Forcing the Drawer
Drawer rails and plastic trim can crack. If the drawer will not release, inspect the stops. Do not pry blindly.
Mistake 5: Skipping the Final Fit Check
A seal can look right from the front but lift underneath. Run your finger around the whole seal. Check corners twice.
Drawer Seal Decision Matrix
Use this table before and after repair. It helps you decide if the seal is the likely cause.
| What You See | Likely Meaning | Best Next Move |
|---|---|---|
| Seal has visible tear | Seal cannot hold its shape | Replace the drawer seal |
| Seal is loose in channel | Seal may not grip correctly | Clean channel, then replace if loose |
| Seal looks dirty but not torn | Dirt may block closure | Clean first, then retest |
| Drawer rubs or binds | Drawer may be misaligned | Check rails and drawer position |
| Moisture appears near drawer | Air leak may exist | Inspect seal, door gasket, and loading |
| Whole refrigerator cools poorly | Cause may be broader | Check vents, settings, coils, and service info |
This matrix does not replace diagnosis. It gives you a practical path. Start with visible damage and fit issues. Then look at airflow, loading, and other seals.
How to Know the Repair Worked
A good repair should improve the drawer feel. The drawer should close smoothly. The seal should stay seated after several cycles.
Look for these results:
- Seal stays in the channel.
- Corners remain flat.
- Drawer closes without extra force.
- Moisture near the drawer decreases.
- Food temperature feels more stable.
- Refrigerator operation seems normal.
Do not judge the repair after five minutes. A refrigerator needs time to recover after being open. Check again later the same day. Then check the next day.
If the refrigerator still is not working properly, inspect other common areas. Look for blocked air vents, overloaded shelves, dirty condenser coils, or a weak main door gasket. A drawer seal helps one area. It cannot fix every cooling problem.
Medium Difficulty: What That Means
This job is not hard like sealed system work. You do not open refrigerant lines. You do not charge refrigerant. You do not replace a compressor.
It is also not a five-minute wipe-down. The medium rating comes from fit and handling. You need to remove the drawer without damage. You need to seat the seal evenly. You need to avoid twists and stretched corners.
Plan 30 to 60 minutes. Give yourself the full hour if the drawer has sticky residue or stubborn rails. Rushing causes most problems.
A careful homeowner can handle this repair. Stop if plastic parts feel stuck, cracked, or unsupported.
Care Tips After Installation
A drawer seal lasts longer when you keep it clean and avoid stress.
Wipe spills right away. Sugary liquids dry into sticky residue. That residue can pull on the seal when you open the drawer.
Do not overload the drawer. Heavy food can twist the drawer or push it out of line. A misaligned drawer can wear the seal faster.
Keep packages behind the drawer front. Food bags that hang over the edge can block closure.
Clean the seal with mild soap and warm water. Avoid harsh cleaners. Strong chemicals can dry or damage rubber-like materials.
Check the seal during routine cleaning. Look at the corners first. Early lifting is easier to fix than a fully deformed seal.
When You Should Stop and Get Help
Stop the repair if you see damage beyond the drawer seal. Some problems need a trained technician.
Get help if:
- The drawer rail is cracked or broken.
- The drawer will not align after careful reinstall.
- The refrigerator does not cool at all.
- You see oily residue near sealed system tubing.
- You hear loud new noises after the repair.
- The control panel shows problems you cannot identify.
- The seal area is damaged and cannot hold the part.
Do not keep forcing parts. Plastic refrigerator parts can break fast under pressure.
If you need part help, have your full model number ready. Also take clear photos of the drawer, seal channel, and model tag.
How to Install Drawer Seal WP67002513 Without Rework
The cleanest repair comes from three habits: verify, clean, and test.
Verify the model before you start. The listed models are 596.73503200, 596.73503201, AFD2535DEB, AFD2535DES, and AFD2535DEW. Do not rely on looks alone.
Clean the channel before the new seal goes in. A clean channel prevents raised spots and corner lift.
Test the drawer before you load it. Open and close it several times. Watch the seal. Fix small issues right away.
If you follow those steps, you reduce rework. You also protect the drawer from damage.
Troubleshooting After Replacement
If the new seal does not sit flat, remove the problem section and reseat it. Do not press harder over a twist. A twist usually gets worse.
If one corner pops out, inspect the channel. Look for debris, cracks, or a stretched corner. Clean again and seat the corner first.
If the drawer feels tight, check for food or bins blocking the path. Then check rail alignment. The seal may add fresh contact, but the drawer should not need force.
If moisture continues, inspect the main refrigerator door gasket. Warm air can enter through other gaps. Also check that vents are not blocked by food.
If cooling stays poor, use the refrigerator manual and product support resources. A drawer seal is only one part of the cooling system.
What to Do Next
Need help finding the right part for your Whirlpool refrigerator?
Final Checklist
Use this checklist before you call the job done.
- You matched the refrigerator model number.
- You confirmed the part number WP67002513.
- You removed the drawer without forcing it.
- You photographed the old seal position.
- You cleaned and dried the seal channel.
- You installed the new seal without stretching it.
- You checked all corners.
- You reinstalled the drawer on its rails.
- You opened and closed the drawer several times.
- You checked for lifted spots after testing.
- You gave the refrigerator time to stabilize.
If every item checks out, the repair is complete.