How to properly remove the drawer from an LG refrigerator: instructions with photos and expert advice

Removing a plastic drawer from the refrigerator LG seems like a simple task - until you are faced with jammed guides, hidden fasteners, or the risk of breaking the fasteners. Unlike old Soviet models, where the containers simply pulled out, modern refrigerators LG (especially the series InstaView Door-in-Door or Side-by-Side) are equipped with complex fixation systems. Mistakes during dismantling can lead to cracks in the drawer, damage to the seals, or even breakage of the door mechanism.

This article will help you figure out how to carefully remove the drawer for cleaning, replacement or repair - without contacting a service center. We will look at the design features of different lines LG, list the necessary tools (spoiler: often only hands are enough!) and warn about typical mistakes. And if your drawer is “stuck” to the guides, we will give proven ways to release it without force.

Important: the procedure may vary depending on year of manufacture the refrigerator. For example, models LG till 2018 often used metal guides with latches, while new ones (2019–2026) used plastic slides with magnetic latches. If you are not sure about the design - before dismantling, take a photo of the mounts on your phoneso that you can put everything back together correctly.

1. Preparation: what to do before removing the drawer

Before pulling the drawer, make sure that the refrigerator disconnected from the network. This is not only a safety issue - if you accidentally touch the buttons on the panel (for example, in models LG InstaView with touch controls), the cooling mode may be interrupted or the function Smart Diagnosiscan be activated, which will begin testing the system.

Also prepare:

• 🧼 Place a soft cloth or towel under the box so as not to scratch the floor when falling.
• 🔦 Flashlight - illuminate the internal guides (latches are often hidden in the depths).
• 📏 A ruler or plastic spatula - will help to pry latches if the drawer is “jammed.”
• 🧲 Magnet (optional) - in some models LG (for example, GR-B207) magnetic locks are used.

If the drawer is filled with products, do not try to pull it out "by weight" this is the most common reason breakage of guides. It is better to temporarily transfer the contents to another container or cooler bag. For models with a system DoorCooling+ (for example, LG GC-B247), be sure to close the compartment door - otherwise the sensors may block the mechanism due to a sudden change in temperature.

⚠️ Attention: refrigerators LG with function Linear Cooling (linear cooling) when removing drawers, an alarm may sound. This is normal - the system reacts to changes in air flow. To turn off the alarm, after putting the drawer back, press and hold the button Alarm Off 3 seconds.

2. Types of drawer fastenings in LG refrigerators: how to recognize them

The design of the fastenings depends on Refrigerator series and Drawer material. The table below shows the main options that are found in models LG of the last 10 years:

To determine the type of fastening in yours model, inspect:

• 🔍 The side walls of the drawer - if plastic “ears” or metal hooks are visible, this is latches.
• 🔍 The back of the guides —in models with Total No Frost (for example, LG GB-B579) there are often spring stoppers.
• 🔍 Front bar —if it protrudes beyond the drawer, most likely, this is a latch that needs to be pressed.

In refrigerators LG with a system Smart ThinQ (for example, LFXS26973S) boxes can be equipped with weight sensors. If after removal an error appears on the display Er FF , do not be alarmed, this means that the system has lost connection with the sensor. To reset the error, press and hold the button Ice Plus 5 seconds.

3. Step-by-step instructions: how to remove a plastic box

Consider a universal algorithm for most models LG (suitable for series GC, GR, GN etc.). If your refrigerator is one of Side-by-Side or Door-in-Door, skip to the next section - there are separate instructions.

1. Step 1. Free the drawer from the products and extend it to the maximum distance. If the drawer “rests”, do not pull by force - most likely, the stopper has worked.

2. Step 2. Press the latches on the sides of the drawer. They can be:

   • 🔘 Visible buttons (press with your thumbs on both sides at the same time).
   • 🔘 Hidden latches (pry them off with a screwdriver or fingernail).

Step 3. Lift the front of the drawer 1-2 cm and pull it towards you. In models with plastic slides (for example, LG GC-B207), this particular movement is often required.

Step 4. If the drawer does not budge, inspect the back of the guides - there may be an additional stop there. Insert a flat-head screwdriver into the groove and gently press it out.

For clarity, typical locations of the latches:

[Front of the drawer]
│
▼
┌───────────────────┐
│ ←─► (Clamps) │ ← Click here
└───────────┬───────┘
│
▼
[Rear wall of the refrigerator]

If the drawer still cannot be removed, check:

• 🔹 Is the sealing rubber getting in the way (sometimes it clings to the protrusions).
• 🔹 Is there ice on the guides (in models without No Frost).
• 🔹 Are the plastic slides broken (sign - the drawer “walks” left and right).

Disconnected the refrigerator from the mains|

I emptied the box of products|

Put a cloth under the box in case it falls|

Checked the presence of latches on the sides|

Prepared a flashlight to inspect the guides-->

4. Features of removing drawers in LG Side-by-Side and Door-in-Door refrigerators

Models Side-by-Side (for example, LG LFXS26973) and Door-in-Door (for example, LG GR-D247) have unique fastening mechanisms. Here, drawers are often secured not only with latches, but also magnetic locks or spring stoppers.

For Side-by-Side:

1. Open the door compartment where the drawer is located.

2. Click on red lock button at the top of the drawer (usually it is hidden under the decorative overlay).

3. Pull the drawer towards you, while lifting it by the front edge.

For Door-in-Door:

1. Open the inner door (the one that opens into the main chamber).

2. Locate on the side walls of the drawer plastic levers (they can be transparent).

3. Press the levers upand then pull the drawer forward.

In models with the function Craft Ice (for example LG LFXC24726) freezer drawers can be locked automatically when the ice maker is turned on. To unlock, press and hold the button Ice Off 3 seconds.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators LG Side-by-Side with a water dispenser (LFXS26973S etc.), when removing drawers from the upper chamber, the child lock may be activated. If, after installing the drawer back, the dispenser does not work, press and hold the button Child Lock 5 seconds.

What to do if the drawer is jammed due to ice?

If the drawer cannot be removed due to ice on the guides (relevant for models without No Frost), do not try to break it out! Turn off the refrigerator, open the door and point a hairdryer with cold air (not hot!) at the ice build-up. After 10–15 minutes, the ice will melt and the box will be free. Under no circumstances use a knife or other sharp objects - this will damage the plastic and seals.

5. Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes break drawers or guides. Here are the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them:

Another common problem is the drawer is removed only halfway. This happens due to:

• 🔸 Dirty guides (accumulated dirt interferes with movement).
• 🔸 Deformed slide (for example, after moving the refrigerator).
• 🔸 Stuck rollers (in models with telescopic guides).

If the box is “stuck” halfway, try:

1. Gently rock it left and right to move it slides.

2. Apply to the guides silicone grease (do not use WD-40 - it is aggressive for plastic!).

3. Check whether it interferes sensor wire (in models with Smart Diagnosis).

6. How to clean and install the drawer back.

After removing the box, you can wash, disinfect or replace to a new one. To wash, use:

• 🧼 Warm water with soap (not hot - the plastic can be deformed!).
• 🧽 Baking soda (1 tablespoon per 1 liter of water) - removes odors.
• 🧴 Vinegar solution (1:1 with water) - disinfects, but not leave for a long time.

What to do not:

• 🚫 Use abrasive sponges - they scratch the plastic.
• 🚫 Wash in the dishwasher (even if the drawer is marked as “washable”)
• 🚫 Dry in direct sunlight - the plastic may turn yellow.

To install the drawer back:

1. Align the guides - they should be parallel.

2. Insert the drawer at an angle (the front part is higher back) and carefully push it in.

3. Make sure that the latches click - pull the box towards you, it should not move out spontaneously.

If after installation the box “dangles” or does not lock, check:

• 🔧 Are the metal parts bent? slides.
• 🔧 Are the plastic inserts-limiters lost (they may fall out when washing).
• 🔧 Is the sealing rubber getting in the way (sometimes it moves during dismantling).

7. When to contact the service: signs of serious problems. problems

It is not always possible to remove the box yourself. Contact the service center LGif:

• 🔧 The guides are bent or broken (for example, after the refrigerator fell while moving).
• 🔧 The box is cracked at the seam - this is can lead to moisture getting into the insulation.
• 🔧 After removing the drawer, the refrigerator displays an error Er IF (problem with the fan).
• 🔧 The latches do not click back - this is a sign of a broken spring mechanism.

The cost of repairing guides in official services LG (for 2026):

• 💰 Replacement of plastic slides - from 1,200 to 2,500 rubles.
• 💰 Repair of metal guides - from 1 800 to 3,500 rubles.
• 💰 Replacing the entire drawer - from 3,000 to 8,000 rubles (depending on the model).

If the refrigerator is under warranty, do not try to repair the guides yourself this may void the warranty In models with the system. Smart ThinQ (for example, LG ThinQ Wifi) any intervention in the mechanical part is recorded in the device logs, and the service center may refuse free repair.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators LG with inverter compressors (series Linear Cooling) after incorrect dismantling of the drawers, the calibration of the sensors may be lost. If, after installing the drawer back, the refrigerator begins to work louder or turns on more often, reset the settings: press and hold the button Power Cool 10 seconds.

Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to remove the drawer without unplugging the refrigerator?

Technically yes, but it is unsafe. will jam and the door will remain open, the compressor will work in increased mode, which can lead to overheating. It is better to spend 1 minute turning off the power. LG InstaView) When you touch the buttons, the operating mode may be lost. Additionally, if the drawer gets stuck and the door remains open, the compressor will work harder, which can lead to overheating. It's better to spend 1 minute turning off the power.

Why does the drawer not come back up after washing?

Most often this happens due to:

1. Deformation of the plastic after washing with hot water (the box becomes wider and does not fit into the grooves).
2. Displacement of the sealing rubber on the guides.
3. Loss of plastic inserts-limiters (they may fall out when washed).

Try to cool the box in a cool place (for example, on the balcony in winter) - plastic will return to the original dimensions. If this does not help, check if the metal guides are bent.

How to remove a glass shelf in an LG refrigerator?

Glass shelves in models LG (for example, Side-by-Side LFXS26973) are attached differently than plastic ones drawers. Algorithm:

1. Lift the shelf up to free it from the rubber inserts.
2. Tilt the shelf towards you at an angle of 30° and remove it from the grooves.
3. If the shelf does not budge, check for screws on the sides (in some models they are hidden under decorative plugs).

Important: glass shelves are heavier than plastic ones - when removing them, hold them with your second hand to avoid falling.

What to do if the drawer lock is broken?

If the plastic lock is cracked or broken off, you can:

• 🔧 Temporarily fix with electrical tape (but this is a short-lived solution).
• 🔧 Replace with a similar one (fasteners for many models LG are sold separately, the article number is usually indicated on the back of the box).
• 🔧 Use universal plastic latches (sold in hardware stores).

To replace the latch:

1. Remove the drawer and guides.
2. Carefully remove the broken latch from the groove (tweezers may be required).
3. Insert the new latch until it clicks.

How to remove a drawer in an LG freezer with the No Frost system?

In freezers chambers LG (for example, GB-B579) boxes are often mounted on metal slides with spring locks. To remove them:

1. Pull the drawer towards you until it stops.
2. Lift the front of the drawer up - this will release the spring stops.
3. If the drawer does not budge, press the metal hooks on the sides (they can be hidden under plastic covers).

Attention: in freezers with the function Frost Free when removing the drawers, the defrosting mode may be activated. This is normal - after installing the drawer back, the refrigerator will return to normal mode in 10–15 minutes.