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HomeRepair HelpWhirlpool A/C RepairWhirlpool Air conditioner won't turn off Repair
Whirlpool Air conditioner won't turn off
If your Whirlpool air conditioner won’t turn off, the problem usually comes down to the unit being unable to satisfy the temperature setting or a control part sending power when it should not. Start with the most likely cause: dirty condenser coils. When the coils are packed with dust and debris, they cannot release heat efficiently, so the AC runs continuously and the compressor may keep trying to cool the room. Next, check the temperature control thermostat, which can short and send constant voltage to the compressor, followed by the thermostat itself if it is not responding correctly to room temperature. A dirty or damaged air filter can also reduce cooling capacity enough that the air conditioner keeps running longer than normal. Less commonly, a faulty thermistor may misread room temperature and cause the air conditioner compressor running constantly, or a relay board may stick and keep voltage going to the compressor. Enter your Whirlpool model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement thermostat, thermistor, relay board, air filter, or other part that fits your specific air conditioner.
01 - Condenser Coils are Dirty
The condenser coils dissipate the heat as the refrigerant passes through the coils. If the condenser coils are dirty, they won’t be able to dissipate the heat as effectively. As debris builds up on the coils, the air conditioner will become less efficient, causing the air conditioner to work harder to cool down. If the coils are significantly dirty, the air conditioner will not be able to maintain the proper temperature, and the compressor will run continuously in an attempt to cool the room. Check the condenser coils to determine if they are dirty. Refer to owner's manual for cleaning instructions.
Top Solution
02 - Whirlpool Air Conditioner Temperature Control Thermostat
The temperature control thermostat provides voltage to the fan motor and compressor. If the thermostat has shorted out, it might send continuous voltage to the compressor and cause the compressor to run all the time. To determine if the thermostat is shorted out, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the thermostat has continuity all the time, this indicates that it is shorted out and should be replaced. (Note: Some thermostats may also control a heater and, as a result, will have three terminals. Refer to your air conditioner’s wiring diagram for more information.)
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Highly Likely
03 - Whirlpool Air Conditioner Thermostat
The thermostat monitors the temperature of the air. When the air temperature rises above a set point, the thermostat activates a switch to provide power to the fan and compressor. If the thermostat is defective, it may cause the compressor to run continuously. To determine if the thermostat is defective, set the air conditioner to cooling and then use a multimeter to test the thermostat for continuity. If the thermostat does not have continuity while the air conditioner is set to cooling, replace the thermostat. (Note: Some thermostats may also control a heater and, as a result, will have three terminals. Refer to your air...
Highly Likely
04 - Dirty or Damaged Air Filter
A dirty air filter will greatly reduce the cooling capacity of the air conditioner, which may cause the unit to run longer than normal. Most air filters used in stand-alone air conditioners can be cleaned with soap and water. Only filters that are extremely clogged with debris or damaged will need to be replaced. Refer to owner's manual for guidance.
Common
05 - Whirlpool Air Conditioner Thermistor
The thermistor is a sensor which detects the room air temperature. It is connected to the control board. If the thermistor is defective it will not have continuity when it should. If this happens the compressor runs all the time.
Common
06 - Whirlpool Air Conditioner Relay Board
The relay board provides voltage to many of the air conditioner components, including the fan motor and compressor. If there is a problem with the relay board, it might provide continuous voltage to the compressor. However, this is almost never the case. Before you replace the relay board, make sure you check more commonly defective parts. If you are certain that all of the other components are working properly, replace the relay board.
Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won't my Whirlpool air conditioner turn off?
Why does my Whirlpool AC run continuously but not cool well?
How do I test a Whirlpool air conditioner thermostat problem?
Can a bad thermistor make a Whirlpool air conditioner compressor run constantly?
How do I find the right Whirlpool air conditioner part at RepairClinic.com?
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