{"id":3986,"date":"2023-09-06T10:05:06","date_gmt":"2023-09-06T17:05:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/b\/?p=3986"},"modified":"2023-09-06T10:05:14","modified_gmt":"2023-09-06T17:05:14","slug":"kenmore-refrigerator-not-cooling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/c\/kenmore-refrigerator-not-cooling\/","title":{"rendered":"Kenmore Refrigerator Not Cooling"},"content":{"rendered":"
Angled photo of a Kenmore Refrigerator Not Cooling<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n
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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. <\/p>\n

Read More: A Complete Guide to Refrigerator Organization<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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How a Refrigerator Works<\/h2>\n

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To understand why your Kenmore fridge isn’t cooling, it helps to first understand how refrigerators work. <\/p>\n

Refrigerators use a cooling cycle<\/strong> 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. <\/p>\n

Here are the basic steps in the refrigeration cycle: <\/p>\n

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

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    If any part of this cooling cycle fails, the fridge will not be able to maintain proper temperatures. <\/p>\n

    \u00a0Read More: What Temperature Should A Refrigerator Be Set To?<\/a><\/p>\n

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    Top 6 Reasons a Kenmore Fridge Isn’t Cooling<\/h2>\n

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    If your Kenmore refrigerator is warm, the issue is likely related to one of these common problems: <\/p>\n

    1. Condenser Coils Are Dirty<\/h3>\n

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    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. <\/p>\n

    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. <\/p>\n

    2. Condenser Fan Motor Is Faulty<\/h3>\n

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    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. <\/p>\n

    Test the fan motor for continuity with a multimeter. If defective, replace the condenser fan motor.<\/p>\n

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    3. Evaporator Fan Motor Is Defective<\/h3>\n

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    The evaporator fan circulates cool air from the freezer to the fridge compartments. If this fan motor malfunctions, air circulation will be disrupted. <\/p>\n

    Listen for abnormal evaporator fan noises. Test the motor windings for continuity. Replace a defective evaporator fan motor. <\/p>\n

    4. Start Relay or Capacitor Is Faulty<\/h3>\n

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    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. <\/p>\n

    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.
    \nThe 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.<\/p>\n

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    5. Defrost System Failure<\/h3>\n

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    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. <\/p>\n

    To troubleshoot, follow these steps: <\/p>\n