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HomeRepair HelpJC Penney Refrigerator RepairJC Penney Refrigerator not cooling Repair
JC Penney Refrigerator not cooling
If your JC Penney refrigerator is not cooling or your fridge is running but not getting cold, start with the usual suspects you can check yourself. The most common cause is dirty condenser coils under the unit; heavy dust buildup reduces heat transfer and makes the compressor overwork, so clean the coils first. Next verify the temperature settings in both freezer and fridge—if the freezer or refrigerator temperature is set too high the fridge will not get cold. If settings and coils check out, test the condenser fan motor that pulls air over the coils and the evaporator fan motor that circulates cold air into the fridge; blades that do not spin freely or motors without continuity need replacement. Also inspect the door gasket for gaps or tears that let warm air in, and confirm the outlet and circuit are supplying steady power. If you need a replacement condenser fan, evaporator fan, gasket, or other parts, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact part that fits your refrigerator.
01 - Condenser Coils are Dirty
As debris builds up on the condenser coils, usually located under the refrigerator, the appliance will become less efficient and will have to cycle on more often to maintain a cool temperature. If the condenser coils are significantly clogged with debris, the compressor may overheat and shut off prematurely, preventing the appliance from cooling at all. The condenser coils should be cleaned every 6 to 12 months by using a soft bristle brush (or a dedicated condenser coil cleaning brush) to wipe off the coils in a circular motion. A vacuum cleaner with a nozzle attachment can also be used for hard-to-reach areas.
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02 - Freezer or refrigerator temperature is set too high
Verify the freezer temperature is set between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 to -15 Celsius). Verify the refrigerator temperature is set between 34 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit (1 to 5 Celsius). After resetting the temperature wait 24 hours for the temperature to adjust appropriately.
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03 - JC Penney Refrigerator Condenser Fan Motor
The condenser fan motor draws air though the condenser coils and over the compressor. If the condenser fan motor is not working properly, the refrigerator won’t cool properly. To determine if the fan motor is defective, first check the fan blade for obstructions. Next, try turning the fan motor blade by hand. If the blade does not spin freely, replace the condenser fan motor. If no obstructions are present and the fan blade spins freely, use a multimeter to test the fan motor for continuity. If the condenser fan motor does not have continuity, replace it.
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04 - JC Penney Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor
The evaporator fan motor draws air over the evaporator (cooling) coils and circulates it throughout the refrigerator and freezer compartments. Some refrigerators have more than one evaporator fan motor. On refrigerators with only one evaporator, the evaporator is located in the freezer compartment. If the evaporator fan is not working, it will not circulate the cold air to the refrigerator compartment. If this occurs, the freezer may still get cold, while the refrigerator will not get cold. To determine if the evaporator fan motor is defective, try turning the fan blade by hand. If the fan blade does not turn freely, repla...
Highly Likely
05 - JC Penney Refrigerator Door Gasket
A refrigerator door gasket should form an airtight seal around the appliance's frame to keep the cold air in and the warm air out. If the door gasket is twisted or torn, gaps can form that will allow warm air in, resulting in the refrigerator not cooling properly. Inspect the door gasket for any damage and replace with a new one if necessary.
Highly Likely
06 - Incoming Power Problem
Ensure plug is tightly pushed into a regular electrical outlet and the outlet is supplying power. Using a ground fault outlet for a refrigerator is not recommended. Confirm that no circuit breakers have tripped or fuses have blown.
Highly Likely
Frequently Asked Questions
My refrigerator is not cooling. What should I check first?
The freezer is cold but the fridge is warm. What could cause that?
How do I test a condenser or evaporator fan motor?
Can dirty condenser coils cause the refrigerator to stop cooling, and how do I clean them?
How do I find the correct replacement part for my refrigerator on RepairClinic.com?
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