Kenmore Refrigerator Not Cooling

Is your Kenmore refrigerator not cooling anymore? A malfunctioning fridge can lead to spoiled food and frustration. But don’t panic – most cooling issues can be fixed with some simple troubleshooting steps. This guide will walk you through the top reasons a Kenmore refrigerator may stop cooling properly and provide tips to get your appliance back up and running.

Read More: A Complete Guide to Refrigerator Organization

How a Refrigerator Works

To understand why your Kenmore fridge isn’t cooling, it helps to first understand how refrigerators work.

Refrigerators use a cooling cycle to lower the temperature inside the fridge and freezer compartments. This cycle relies on a chemical refrigerant that transitions between liquid and gas states to absorb and release heat.

Here are the basic steps in the refrigeration cycle:

1. The compressor pumps cool refrigerant gas through the condenser coils located near the back of the fridge.
2. As the hot gas passes through the condenser, it condenses into a high-pressure liquid, releasing heat.
3. The liquid refrigerant flows through the expansion valve, where it becomes a cold, low-pressure liquid.
4. The cold liquid refrigerant circulates through the evaporator coils inside the freezer and fridge compartments.
5. As the liquid refrigerant absorbs heat and evaporates into a gas, it cools the surrounding air.
6. The cool air is circulated by evaporator fans into the fridge and freezer compartments.
7. The refrigerant gas loops back to the compressor to repeat the cycle.

If any part of this cooling cycle fails, the fridge will not be able to maintain proper temperatures.

 Read More: What Temperature Should A Refrigerator Be Set To?

Top 6 Reasons a Kenmore Fridge Isn’t Cooling

If your Kenmore refrigerator is warm, the issue is likely related to one of these common problems:

1. Condenser Coils Are Dirty

The condenser coils release heat from the refrigerant liquid as part of the cooling cycle. Over time, dust, pet hair, and lint can build up on these coils, insulating them and preventing proper heat dissipation.

You should clean the condenser coils regularly with a brush or vacuum attachment. Coils are typically accessible through a vented panel at the bottom of the fridge.

2. Condenser Fan Motor Is Faulty

The condenser fan pulls air across the condenser coils to cool the hot refrigerant liquid. If this fan motor fails, the fridge won’t be able to release heat properly.

Test the fan motor for continuity with a multimeter. If defective, replace the condenser fan motor.

3. Evaporator Fan Motor Is Defective

The evaporator fan circulates cool air from the freezer to the fridge compartments. If this fan motor malfunctions, air circulation will be disrupted.

Listen for abnormal evaporator fan noises. Test the motor windings for continuity. Replace a defective evaporator fan motor.

4. Start Relay or Capacitor Is Faulty

The start relay provides power to the compressor, while the capacitor helps start the motor. If either component is defective, the compressor may not turn on.

Test the start relay and capacitor with a multimeter. To test the capacitor you will need to set the meter between 10K and 1m ohms. Touch the leads from the multimeter to the corresponding leads on the capacitor. The red lead to positive and the black lead to the negative. The meter should start at zero and then move slowly toward infinity. This means that the capacitor is in working condition. If the meter stays at zero, the capacitor is not working.
The relay can be tested for resistance, you will need to check your tech sheet for the reading for your model. If the resistance is not within this range, it would need to be replaced.

5. Defrost System Failure

Frost buildup on the evaporator coils can reduce cooling efficiency. Kenmore fridges have an automatic defrost system to periodically defrost the coils. If this system fails due to a faulty heater, thermostat, or control board, coils will frost over.

To troubleshoot, follow these steps:

• Test the defrost thermostat for continuity and the defrost heater for resistance with a multi-meter. Consult the tech sheet for your model for the proper resistance readings.
• If the thermostat and heater test good, the issue is likely the timer. Replace the malfunctioning defrost component (thermostat, heater, or timer).
• If the thermostat and heater test good, replace the control board.

6. Control Board Is Defective

The main control board regulates voltage to the compressor, fans, and other cooling components. If it malfunctions, the fridge may not cool properly.

Check all other parts first before replacing the control board. Swap in a known-good control board to test.

Read More: How to use a Multi Meter

Tips for Maintaining a Kenmore Refrigerator

Regular maintenance can prevent many cooling issues with your Kenmore fridge:

• Clean the condenser coils every 6 months to improve airflow.
• Check door seals annually and replace any worn gaskets that allow cold air leaks.
• Defrost freezer manually if frost exceeds 1/4 inch thickness.
• Replace water filter cartridges every 6 months for optimal performance.
• Verify adequate ventilation around the refrigerator. At least 2 inches of clearance is ideal.
• Level the refrigerator to allow doors to close completely and reduce strain on cooling components.
• Listen for abnormal noises that may indicate fan or compressor problems.

Read More: How To Clean Refrigerator Coils In 5 Easy Steps & Why To Do It

Get Your Kenmore Fridge Cooling Again!

If you encounter any issues with your refrigerator or need replacement parts for various brands of other appliances, you can go to AppliancePartsPros.com to find what you need. Follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more guides and troubleshooting tips.