Repairing Guides

how to repair whirlpool refrigerator not cooling

by Prof. Ashleigh Schmeler MD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Whirlpool Refrigerator and Freezer Not Cooling – How to Fix

  1. Condenser Coils Are Dirty. Check the condenser coils to see if they are dirty. ...
  2. Evaporator Fan Motor is Bad. If the fan blades don’t spin freely or if the motor is noisy, then you know the motor is bad. ...
  3. Start Relay Is Acting Up. The start relay is attached to the compressor and if it is bad, the compressor will have a difficult time running.
  4. Condenser Fan Motor Is Faulty. You can see the condenser fan because it is right beside the compressor. Take a look at its blades. ...
  5. Thermistor Is Defective. To know if a thermistor is working, test its resistance together with the temperature of the refrigerator using a multimeter.
  6. Start Capacitor Needs Changing. Test the capacitor with a multimeter. If it is faulty, there will be no continuity so should be replaced.
  7. Temperature Control Thermostat Needs to Be Changed. Check the functionality of the thermostat by turning it and listening for a click. ...

Possible Cause #1: Dirty Condenser Coils
  1. Pull fridge away from the wall – allows better access to the back and underneath of unit. ...
  2. Vacuum – use a narrow hose attachment to vacuum all the coils and external hardware on the refrigerator.
  3. Use a Dryer Brush – scrub the coils with a dry brush to remove stubborn debris.
Apr 2, 2019

How to recharge a whirlpool refrigerator?

How to Recharge Home Refrigerators

  1. Remove all perishable foods from inside the refrigerator. Unplug the refrigerator and, if possible, move it to the center of the room.
  2. Locate the refrigerator's compressor. This is a cylindrical black component typically found at the bottom of the refrigerator.
  3. Open the compressor's intake valve and attach your vacuum pump to the opened valve.

More items...

How to fix a freezer that is not cooling?

Kenmore Ice Maker Not Freezing – Quick Fix

  1. Water Inlet Valve. A malfunctioning water inlet valve will not let water flow through it to the ice and water dispenser.
  2. Water Filter. Check the water filter to see if it is clogged with dirt or debris. ...
  3. Freezer Temperature. ...
  4. Pressure of Water. ...
  5. Ice Maker. ...
  6. Water Supply Line. ...
  7. Power Supply. ...

Why is my Whirlpool refrigerator not getting cold?

  • Locate the Condenser coils – On most refrigerators, they’re behind the rear access panel, at the bottom of the refrigerator door. ...
  • Unplug the Whirlpool Refrigerator.
  • Carefully remove the fridge panel or grille to access the coils.
  • Clean the coils and the area around them gently, using a vacuum hose attachment.

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How to troubleshoot Whirlpool dryer problems and repairs?

Whirlpool Duet Dryer troubleshooting

  • Dryer still Beep. This is a simple problem and easy to solve within a few minutes. ...
  • Auto shut off. It is another troubleshooting problem when you start the dryer it makes a noise in a heavy voice and automatic shutoff after a few minutes.
  • Dryer not spin but properly heated. ...
  • Overheating Problem. ...

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How do I reset my Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling?

1:075:47Whirlpool Refrigerator not cold/cooling - Reset mother boardYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo first step go ahead and push this in and out three times and what that's going to do is reset theMoreSo first step go ahead and push this in and out three times and what that's going to do is reset the control. Board one two three wait about three to five seconds.

Why is my refrigerator running but not cooling?

The most common reason why a refrigerator is not cooling is a problem with the evaporator coils. Over time, evaporator coils can become covered with ice, which prevents the coils from working properly. If the coils are covered in ice, the ice will need to be defrosted to fix the problem.

How do I fix my refrigerator that is not cooling?

Pull the unit away from the wall and unplug it. Check the owner's manual for any “off” or “zero” settings in your fridge and freezer and set them to off or zero. Plug the unit back in and adjust the temperature controls of both to your desired setting. Give the fridge about 24 hours to cool to your set temperature.

Why is my Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling but the freezer is working?

When you find your refrigerator not cooling but freezer works, one common culprit is an overstuffed refrigerator. Proper airflow can be blocked if there is too much food in the refrigeration compartment. Without proper circulation of cold air, your food will be warmer than it should be.

How do I reset my Whirlpool refrigerator compressor?

Here's how to do it:Unplug your refrigerator. Disconnect your fridge from its power source by removing the power cord from the wall outlet. ... Turn off the refrigerator and freezer from the control panel. ... Reset your freezer and fridge temperature settings. ... Wait for the refrigerator temperature to stabilize.

How do I know if my refrigerator compressor is not working?

You'll know that your compressor is bad when it starts making abnormal noises, the compressor overheats or not providing proper cooling, or when the fridge compressor clicks on and off too frequently.

What is the first thing to check when a refrigerator stops working?

The first thing to check is the breaker (in your home's electrical service panel) of the circuit serving the fridge. Most homes have a dedicated 20-amp circuit for the fridge alone, while older homes may have it on a general kitchen circuit.

Why is my Whirlpool refrigerator not cold enough?

The most typical source for a Whirlpool refrigerator to stop cooling is the condenser coils being dirty. Since the refrigerant travels through the condenser coils, heat is dissipated. The coils will not be able to successfully release heat if it is blocked with dust and the likes.

Why has my fridge gone warm?

Refrigerator Is Too Full If there are too many items in your fresh food compartment, that cold air may not circulate properly, resulting in a refrigerator that's warm. It's fairly common for a refrigerator to feel warm if it's overstuffed, and this problem is obviously easy to resolve.

Why would refrigerator stop cooling but freezer still works?

Evaporator Coils One of the main reasons for fridge not cooling but freezer works is that the evaporator coils are not working in proper order. The evaporator coils are filled with frost, so air doesn't get space to pass through them to get cold. For a solution, you have to first remove the frost by blowing hot air.

Does a Whirlpool refrigerator have a reset button?

Press and hold the reset button for about ten seconds. Once you hear a chime (or the ice maker turning on again), let go of the button. If your unit doesn't have a reset button, find the on/off switch and turn the machine off. Then, unplug the fridge, wait ten minutes, and plug it back in.

Why is my fridge not getting cold but my freezer is?

The most common cause for this condition is a problem with the defrost system. If the refrigerator freezer is cold but the refrigerator is warm, the evaporator fan motor might have failed. Every refrigerator has a set of coils called an evaporator. These are the coils that get cold.

Will unplugging a fridge reset it?

Yes, unplugging the refrigerator will reset the appliance, provided you leave the refrigerator unplugged and undisturbed for 45 to 50 minutes. When the refrigerator is unplugged, do not open the doors.

How do you reset a refrigerator?

1:132:36Refrigerator Troubleshooting, Hard Reset, and Liquid Temperature ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf the cause of your issue is still a mystery you'll want to try what is called a hard reset unplugMoreIf the cause of your issue is still a mystery you'll want to try what is called a hard reset unplug your unit from the wall for 30 to 45. Minutes then plug the unit back in this will reset the unit.

What is the first thing to check when a refrigerator stops working?

The first thing to check is the breaker (in your home's electrical service panel) of the circuit serving the fridge. Most homes have a dedicated 20-amp circuit for the fridge alone, while older homes may have it on a general kitchen circuit.

Why is my fridge blowing warm air?

0:022:37How to Fix a Refrigerator Blowing Hot Air - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe fridge itself is blowing hot air if the refrigerant has leaked out it will circulate room-MoreThe fridge itself is blowing hot air if the refrigerant has leaked out it will circulate room-temperature. Air through the fridge. Then it is useless until repaired and refilled.

Why is my refrigerator not cooling?

The start capacitor provides a boost of power to the compressor during start-up. If the start capacitor isn’t working , the compressor may not start. As a result, the refrigerator will not cool. To determine if the start capacitor is defective, test it with a multimeter. If the start capacitor is defective, replace it.

What happens if the refrigerator coils are dirty?

If the coils are significantly dirty, the refrigerator will not be able to maintain the proper temperature. Check the condenser coils to determine if they are dirty—if the condenser coils are dirty, clean them.

How does a thermistor work?

The thermistor monitors the refrigerator temperature and sends the temperature reading to the control board. The control board regulates power to the compressor and evaporator fan based on the thermistor readings. If the thermistor is defective, the compressor and evaporator fan may not run when necessary. As a result, the refrigerator will not be cold enough. To determine if the thermistor is defective, test it with a multimeter. The thermistor resistance should change in conjunction with the r...

How to tell if a refrigerator starts relay is defective?

As a result, the refrigerator will not be cold enough. To determine if the start relay is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity between the run and start terminal sockets. If the start relay does not have continuity between the run and start terminal sockets, replace it. In addition, if the start rela...

How to tell if a condenser fan motor is working?

The condenser fan motor draws air though the condenser coils and over the compressor. If the condenser fan motor is not working properly, the refrigerator won’t cool properly. To determine if the fan motor is defective, first check the fan blade for obstructions. Next, try turning the fan motor blade by hand. If the blade does not spin freely, replace the condenser fan motor. If no obstructions are present and the fan blade spins freely, use a multimeter to test the fan motor for continuity. If...

Why is my refrigerator condenser coil dirty?

They dissipate heat as refrigerant passes through them. If the condenser coils are dirty, they won’t dissipate the heat effectively. As debris builds up on the coils, the refrigerator becomes less efficient, causing the refrigerator to work harder ...

How to tell if thermostat is defective?

To determine if the thermostat is defective, rotate the thermostat from the lowest setting to the highest setting and listen for a click. If the thermostat clicks, it is not likely defective.

Why is my Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling?

A common cause for a Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling properly is a defective door seal. A door seal that’s loose or damaged can cause your fridge to leak cold air, which will prevent it from staying at the optimum temperature.

What temperature should a Whirlpool refrigerator be?

According to Whirlpool research, most people prefer their refrigerator to be set between 36°F and 38°F.

Why does my fridge feel stuffy?

You open the fridge door, and the air feels stuffy—not quite cool enough—the reason: dirty condenser coils. The coils are a set of copper tubes in the back of your fridge that helps cool refrigerant by creating a high-pressure gas.

Why does dirt build up on my fridge coils?

Dirt can build up on coils over time due to everyday use and lack of maintenance, forcing the fridge to work harder to maintain an optimal temperature inside your home.

Why does my refrigerator make a loud noise?

If you’ve noticed your refrigerator making louder noises than usual, it might be due to dirty condenser coils. If you can hear the sound of air rushing through them, they’re likely clogged with dust, dirt, and grime.

How high should a refrigerator be?

To ensure proper cooling performance, refrigerators should be perfectly level side-to-side, with the back panel 1/4 inch higher than the front. This allows for a smooth door swing and prevents moisture build-up in the fridge’s condenser coils. If you use a bubble or laser level, you will know if your unit is not level.

Where are the condenser coils on a refrigerator?

Locate the Condenser coils – On most refrigerators, they’re behind the rear access panel, at the bottom of the refrigerator door. If you’re unsure about your model, refer to your product manual for detailed instructions on where the condenser coils are located.

What does it mean when a Whirlpool refrigerator is not cooling?

Image Credit: hikesterson/iStock/GettyImages. A Whirlpool fridge not cooling means a shorter preservation life for all your refrigerated food than you're expecting. Before your food begins to spoil, follow a short troubleshooting list to see if you can take care of the problem first without having to call a refrigerator technician.

How long does it take for a Whirlpool refrigerator to cool?

If your Whirlpool refrigerator is newly installed, cooling is not instantaneous; it takes a little while for it to cool completely. Allow 24 hours from the time you connect power to your new fridge and turn on the cooling feature before you put food inside.

Why is my refrigerator compressor not cooling?

For a fridge compressor running but not cooling, the problem can lie with the compressor or with the components that help it work , such as the start relay and start capacitor. The compressor is the pump that circulates refrigerant through the condenser coil. The start relay is what signals the compressor to run, and the start capacitor boosts power to the compressor when it starts. Diagnosing, repairing or replacing these components are tasks best left to licensed refrigerator technicians.

Why is my refrigerator not cooling?

As refrigerant moves through a fridge's condenser coil, the coil removes excess heat, which maintains the efficiency of the coil as it keeps your refrigerator cool. But because this coil typically is located at the bottom of a refrigerator, it can become clogged with dirt, dust and pet hair. If the coil becomes clogged with this debris, it loses its ability to remove excess heat and the refrigerator has to work harder just to keep food cool.

What temperature does a Whirlpool refrigerator go to?

Whirlpool presets the refrigerator cooling control at the factory to 37 degrees F (0 degrees F for the freezer). And for the most part, these are also the temperatures at which you want to maintain your fridge's settings.

How to clean a refrigerator coil?

With the grille removed to expose the condenser coil and your fridge unplugged, use the hose end of a vacuum cleaner to suction all the debris from the coil. Replace the grille, restore power to your fridge and wait 24 hours before checking to see if the food inside is cool.

How long does it take for a refrigerator to cool down?

If so, it can take several hours for the temperature to return to normal. Similarly, if the refrigerator has just been installed, it can take 24 hours to completely cool.

Why does my refrigerator motor run so much?

If your refrigerator is new, it may have a high-efficiency compressor that optimizes energy and better regulates temperatures to match cooling demand. You may notice that it operates differently than your previously owned refrigerator.

Why flush water in refrigerator?

Flushing the system is needed every time the filter is changed or once the refrigerator is installed to the water supply line for the first time. The air in the water system may cause dripping at the dispenser that is considered a leak or for the water to dispense slowly. Get step-by-step instructions on how to flush the water system.

What happens if water filter is clogged?

A clogged or incorrectly installed water filter will reduce the water flow to the dispenser and slow down dispensing. Check for a problem with the filter by doing the following: Dispense water and note the amount of water flow. Remove the filter.

Why is a refrigerator important?

A functioning refrigerator is an essential for feeding your family and getting everyone through the day. When something goes wrong, it can feel like an emergency. But the solution may be simple and even something you can do yourself. Use this guide to help you pinpoint the problem and try a few refrigerator troubleshooting steps to repair it.

What temperature should a refrigerator be?

Most refrigerators are designed to be used in a location where the temperature ranges from a minimum of 55°F (13°C) to a maximum of 110°F (43°C). They should not be installed near a heat source like an oven or radiator. A location that is too hot or too cold could cause the refrigerator motor to work too hard.

Where is the filter located on a refrigerator?

Remove the filter. The filter is located either in the base grille below the refrigerator compartment door or inside the refrigerator compartment.

Where are the condenser coils located?

The condenser coils are usually located under the refrigerator. They dissipate heat as refrigerant passes through them. If the condenser coils are dirty, they won’t dissipate the heat effectively. As debris builds up on the coils, the refrigerator becomes less efficient, causing the refrigerator to work harder to cool down. If the coils are significantly dirty, the refrigerator will not be able to maintain the proper temperature. Check the condenser coils to determine if they are dirty—if the co...ndenser coils are dirty, clean them.

How does a thermistor work?

The thermistor monitors the refrigerator temperature and sends the temperature reading to the control board. The control board regulates power to the compressor and evaporator fan based on the thermistor readings. If the thermistor is defective, the compressor and evaporator fan may not run when necessary. As a result, the refrigerator will not be cold enough. To determine if the thermistor is defective, test it with a multimeter. The thermistor resistance should change in conjunction with the r...

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