If you are having a problem with your Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling, then this article is for you. Here we will provide some of the common reasons why a whirlpool refrigerator may not be working and the steps to fix it.
Whirlpool refrigerators are very popular, but sometimes they have problems. It can be hard to know what to do when your whirlpool refrigerator is not working properly, and many people assume that their appliance will just fix itself.
This article will help you diagnose why your whirlpool fridge isn’t cooling or freezing so you can make a plan for getting it fixed by an expert.
How To Fix Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Cooling – Troubleshooting and Diagnosis
Let’s look at the possible causes and solutions for it.
Check the Refrigerator Temperature
If your refrigerator is not keeping a consistent temperature, double-check that it is set to the correct temperature on the thermostat. According to Whirlpool research, most people prefer their refrigerator to be set between 36°F and 38°F.
It is usually recommended that you keep your frozen food at 0°F to best retain its quality, but your owner’s manual will have a specific recommendation for your model refrigerator.
Refrigerators can lose temperature over time, so it’s important to check on the accuracy of your fridge after you’ve had it for a while. Place a refrigerator thermometer inside the fridge and leave it there for a week. If the thermometer registers too high or too low, adjust your refrigerator temperature to fix the problem. Replace the Faulty Thermostat with a new one.
Clean the Condenser Coils
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.
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.
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.
If your Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling, there may be debris in the condenser coils. It’s an easy fix: remove any visible blockage using a vacuum or long brush.
How to Clean Dirty Condenser Coils
- 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.
- 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.
- Take a brush and use it to remove the remaining dirt and debris.
- Replace the refrigerator’s panel or grille.
- Switch ON the Whirlpool refrigerator.
Food Items Are Blocking the Air Vents
The easiest way to improve the quality of your refrigerator is to keep it clean. Do not leave any food items on the door or on top of the refrigerator, as they can cause it to overheat and damage the unit.
Large boxes or bags may have been inadvertently placed in front of the vents, preventing cool air from entering the unit. Pull those items aside or relocate them to a different shelf.
The refrigerator Is Not Level
Refrigerators should be perfectly level and free of major side-to-side, front-to-back, or diagonal misalignments. If yours is out of alignment, you may need to shim the mounting bracket on the back of the unit.
To do so, remove the cover plate and loosen the screws that hold the mounting bracket to the wall. Slide a strip of paper behind the bracket and then reattach it to the wall.
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.
Frequently Opening the Refrigerator door
Monitor the use of your fridge. If you open it too often, the temperature inside the whirlpool refrigerator will naturally go up, and you will face the Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling problem.
You can avoid this situation by making sure to get all the food you need from the fridge at once so that you preserve its cooling temperature.
Check the Door Seals
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.
The door seal keeps hot air out and cold air in, so check it for any damage or gaps. If you find one, replace it with a new one right away.
Broken Condenser Fan Motor
If your refrigerator isn’t cooling properly, it’s usually the result of a problem with the condenser fan. The condenser fan is responsible for moving cold air over the condenser coils, cooling them to give you a constant flow of cold air. Without that fan working properly, your refrigerator could potentially overheat and not work well at all.
If your condenser fan doesn’t spin, there are only a few things that could be causing this issue, and most of them are easy to fix. First, make sure that there’s no debris or dust on the blades.
You can remove stuck-on food or dust with a cloth if needed. Also, check the motor itself — if it’s malfunctioning, you may need to replace it.
Evaporator Fan Motor is Not Working
The evaporator coils are a set of copper tubes that are located in a panel behind the freezer. The coils absorb heat from the air and release it into your fridge. This makes them cold.
The evaporator fan draws cool air from the coils, causing it to blow through the entire unit — first through the freezer and then through the fridge. If something goes wrong with the evaporator fan, there won’t be enough cool air flowing throughout the machine.
If the freezer is cold, but the food compartment is warm, then it’s most likely the evaporator fan is defective, and you need to replace it to solve the Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling issue.
Why Is My Whirlpool Fridge Not Cooling But Freezer Works
It’s important to clean off any condensation buildup on the coils to ensure that your Whirlpool fridge is running as efficiently as possible.
Aside from that, three key components could prevent it from cooling properly: the fan motor on the evaporator or the condenser, the temperature control thermostat, or the compressor start relay.
Whirlpool Side By Side Refrigerator Not Cooling Or Freezing
Whirlpool fridges use a condensing unit and evaporator coils to regulate the temperature of the refrigerator. A dirty condenser coil will cause the fridge to work harder, thus leading to increased energy costs and an overworked appliance. Failing fan motors on these two parts could prevent hot air from exiting and cool air from entering, causing the fridge to heat up.
Hi there! I’m Sam Hendricks, and I’m a repair technician and expert. I created this website to help people like you save money and time by fixing your own appliances.
Over the years, I’ve seen people spend a lot of money on unnecessary repairs or replacements. That’s why I decided to share my expertise and create easy-to-follow guides for fixing appliances on your own.