Whirlpool Refrigerator And Freezer Not Cooling

ByJim Boslice Home & Kitchen

If your appliance has stopped chilling, start by checking the condenser coils for dust buildup and ensuring the evaporator fan is running. Most cooling issues stem from restricted airflow or a failed start relay, which are manageable repairs for a confident DIYer.

You have come home after a long day, opened the fridge for a cold drink, and felt that dreaded puff of warm air. It is a sinking feeling, especially when you think about the groceries spoiling and the potential cost of a service call.

I am here to tell you that you do not need to call a technician just yet. Most common issues causing a whirlpool refrigerator and freezer not cooling are things you can diagnose and fix with basic tools from your garage workbench.

In this guide, we will walk through the mechanical and electrical components that keep your food cold. Grab your screwdriver and multimeter, and let’s get your kitchen back in working order.

Common Causes for a Whirlpool Refrigerator and Freezer Not Cooling

When your appliance quits, the first step is to stay calm and follow a logical path of elimination. Before tearing into the back panel, always unplug the unit to ensure your safety.

Many people assume the compressor is dead, but more often than not, it is a simple airflow or control issue. We want to check the easiest, most accessible parts before moving on to the more complex internal components.

Think of your refrigerator as a heat-exchange system. It needs to move heat from inside the cabinet to the outside air; if that path is blocked, the internal temperature will climb rapidly.

Cleaning the Condenser Coils for Better Heat Exchange

The condenser coils are the lungs of your refrigerator. Located either at the bottom or the back of the unit, these coils dissipate the heat extracted from the interior.

Over time, dust, pet hair, and kitchen grease coat these coils. When they are dirty, the refrigerator cannot release heat, leading to a situation where you notice your whirlpool refrigerator and freezer not cooling as efficiently as they should.

How to Clean Your Coils Safely

  • Unplug the refrigerator and pull it away from the wall.
  • Locate the panel covering the coils, usually held in place by quarter-inch hex screws.
  • Use a long-handled coil brush and a vacuum with a hose attachment to remove debris.
  • Ensure the fan near the coils is free of obstructions and spins freely by hand.

Testing the Evaporator Fan and Airflow

If your coils are clean but the unit is still warm, head to the freezer section. The evaporator fan is responsible for pulling cold air from the cooling coils and circulating it throughout both the freezer and the fresh food compartment.

If you do not hear the fan running, or if you hear a loud grinding noise, the motor may be seized or burned out. Sometimes, ice buildup from a faulty defrost heater can physically block the fan blades from turning.

Checking for Ice Blockages

Remove the back panel of the freezer compartment to expose the evaporator coils. If you see a thick layer of frost or ice covering the coils, you have a defrost system failure.

A simple hairdryer can be used to gently melt the ice, but be careful not to melt the plastic housing. If the ice returns within a few days, you likely need to replace the defrost timer or the heater element.

Inspecting the Start Relay and Compressor

The compressor is the heart of the cooling system. If it does not start, the fridge will not cool. A common point of failure is the start relay, a small device attached to the side of the compressor.

If you hear a faint clicking sound every few minutes, it is a strong indicator that the relay is trying to start the compressor but failing. This is a very common fix for a whirlpool refrigerator and freezer not cooling correctly.

How to Test the Relay

  1. Remove the cover from the side of the compressor.
  2. Unplug the relay and shake it; if it rattles, the internal contacts are likely fried.
  3. Use a multimeter to check for continuity between the terminals.
  4. If you find no continuity, order a replacement part specific to your model number.

Managing Thermostat and Control Board Issues

Modern appliances rely on electronic control boards or temperature control thermostats to regulate the cycle. If the electronics fail, the compressor may never receive the signal to turn on.

Before assuming the board is bad, check your temperature settings. It is surprisingly common for someone to accidentally bump the dial or digital setting, turning the cooling function off entirely.

Resetting the System

Try a hard reset by unplugging the unit for ten minutes. This can sometimes clear minor glitches in the control board’s memory.

If the display is blank or non-responsive, check your home’s circuit breaker first. A tripped breaker is a simple fix that often gets overlooked in the heat of the moment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Whirlpool Refrigerator and Freezer Not Cooling

How do I know if my compressor is actually broken?

If the compressor is extremely hot to the touch, hums loudly, or constantly clicks without the fridge getting cold, it may be failing. However, always test the start relay first, as it is a much cheaper and more common culprit.

Can a bad door seal cause my fridge to stop cooling?

Absolutely. If the rubber door gasket is cracked or loose, warm, humid air enters the unit. This forces the compressor to run constantly, which can lead to ice buildup on the coils and eventually a total cooling failure.

Is it worth repairing an older Whirlpool refrigerator?

If the fix involves a simple fan motor, relay, or coil cleaning, it is almost always worth it. If the sealed system (the freon/coolant lines) has a leak, the cost of professional repair often outweighs the value of the unit.

What if my freezer is cold but the fridge is warm?

This usually points to a problem with the damper control assembly. This is a small door that opens and closes to allow cold air from the freezer into the fridge section. If it gets stuck closed, the fridge will remain at room temperature.

Final Thoughts for the Garage DIYer

Troubleshooting a whirlpool refrigerator and freezer not cooling is a rite of passage for any homeowner. By systematically checking the airflow, the defrost system, and the electrical components, you can save hundreds of dollars in service fees.

Remember, always prioritize safety. Keep your workspace clean, use the right tools for the job, and never force a part if it does not want to come loose.

You have the skills to handle this. Take your time, document your steps with photos if you are worried about reassembly, and trust the process. You will be back to enjoying cold drinks in no time!

Jim Boslice
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