Frigidaire Electrolux Pedestal Drawer Won't Close — 4 Causes & How to Fix

You're doing laundry, and when you push the pedestal drawer closed, it just bounces back open. Maybe it clicks but doesn't latch, or maybe it won't even make contact. This isn't just annoying — it's a tripping hazard and prevents your laundry area from looking finished. One customer told us it was an "easy repair" once they identified the actual problem, which is usually one of four specific issues.

Quick Symptom Check

• Drawer bounces back when pushed: The latch mechanism isn't engaging properly
• Drawer clicks but doesn't stay closed: The catch is worn or misaligned
• Gap visible when drawer appears closed: Latch components are damaged
• Drawer closes but pops open randomly: Internal latch spring has failed
• No resistance when closing: Latch assembly completely broken

Cause #1: Broken Drawer Latch (Most Likely — 65% of Cases)

The 137006200 latch assembly takes hundreds of open-close cycles, and the plastic eventually fatigues. You'll see a crack in the latch housing or the spring-loaded catch won't return to position. This affects models like the EPWD157SIW0, EPWD15IW2, and EPWD15SS2 — basically any Frigidaire or Electrolux front-load pedestal from 2008-2015.

How to diagnose: Open the drawer fully and look at the latch mechanism on the drawer itself (not the frame). Press the catch with your finger. If it doesn't spring back firmly, or if you see any cracks in the white plastic housing, that's your problem.

Fix: Replace the latch assembly (part 137006200). It's held in with two screws on the underside of the drawer front. Takes about 15 minutes and only requires a Phillips screwdriver.

Cost: $15–$25 for the part

Cause #2: Misaligned Drawer Frame (20% of Cases)

If the pedestal was bumped or moved, the drawer slides can shift slightly. The latch will try to engage but miss the catch plate by a millimeter or two — enough to prevent proper closure.

How to diagnose: Close the drawer slowly while watching the latch mechanism. If it's aiming above, below, or to the side of the catch plate on the frame, you've got an alignment issue. You might hear it scraping or clicking in the wrong spot.

Fix: Remove the drawer completely (lift up at the back while pulling out). Check the slide mounting screws inside the pedestal — they may have loosened. Tighten them and reinstall the drawer, testing the alignment as you go.

Cost: Free (just your time)

Cause #3: Damaged Catch Plate on Frame (10% of Cases)

The catch plate — the metal piece attached to the pedestal frame that the latch hooks into — can bend or break off. This happens if something gets jammed in the drawer or if the drawer was forced closed when obstructed.

How to diagnose: Look at the frame where the latch should catch. The metal plate should be flat and perpendicular to the drawer path. If it's bent, loose, or has broken plastic around it, that's preventing the latch from engaging.

Fix: If the plate is just bent, you can carefully bend it back with pliers. If the mounting is broken, you'll need to contact Frigidaire for the frame assembly — this isn't sold as a separate part.

Cost: Free to $80 (if frame replacement needed)

Cause #4: Obstruction in Drawer Track (5% of Cases)

Lint, small socks, or detergent buildup can prevent the drawer from closing the last critical millimeter needed for the latch to engage.

How to diagnose: Pull the drawer out and look inside the tracks on both sides. Run your hand along the track — you're feeling for anything sticky or any small objects.

Fix: Clean the tracks with a damp cloth. Vacuum out any lint. If there's detergent residue, use a bit of white vinegar on a cloth to dissolve it.

Cost: Free

When to Call a Pro

You can handle this repair yourself in almost every case. The latch replacement is straightforward — one customer noted that "customer service was excellent" and the "part arrived in good condition and fit exactly as if it was original." You're just removing two screws and reversing the process.

Call a pro only if the pedestal frame itself is cracked or if you've discovered that the drawer slides need replacement (you'll know because the drawer won't glide smoothly even when empty). That's a more involved repair requiring the pedestal to be moved away from the washer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will any pedestal drawer latch work with my Frigidaire model?

No — you need the 137006200 specifically for Electrolux and Frigidaire pedestals manufactured between 2008-2015. This latch fits models like EPWD157STT0, EPWD15MB1, EPWD15RR1, and dozens of others. Check your model number against the compatibility list, but if your pedestal has a white plastic latch, this is almost certainly the right part.

Can I just glue the broken latch instead of replacing it?

You can try, but it won't last. The latch mechanism includes a spring-loaded catch that needs to move freely and withstand repeated force. Glue adds bulk and stiffness that prevents proper function. You'll be replacing it again in a few weeks. The part costs $15-25 — just do it right the first time.

My drawer closes but won't stay closed when the washer is running — is that the same problem?

Yes. Vibration from the washer exposes a weak latch that might barely hold during normal conditions. The spring in the latch assembly has weakened, so it can't maintain tension against the vibration. Replace the 137006200 latch and the problem will disappear. This is actually one of the most common symptoms of a failing latch.