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HomeRepair HelpKenmore Refrigerator RepairKenmore Refrigerator not cooling Repair
Kenmore Refrigerator not cooling
If your Kenmore refrigerator is not cooling, start with the most common causes: dirty condenser coils, an incorrect temperature setting, or a failing condenser fan motor. Dust and debris on coils under the fridge make the compressor work harder and can stop the unit from getting cold, while a refrigerator set above the recommended 34 to 40°F won’t cool the compartment even though the compressor runs. A bad condenser fan will reduce airflow over the coils, and a defective evaporator fan can leave the freezer cold while the fridge is warm—so if your fridge not cooling but freezer works, that fan is a likely culprit. Less likely issues include a torn or warped door gasket that lets warm air in and incoming power problems like a loose plug or tripped breaker. You can clean coils with a soft brush or vacuum, spin fan blades by hand to check for obstruction, and use a multimeter to test motors. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to see the exact replacement parts, diagrams, and step-by-step guides for your refrigerator repair.
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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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
Why is my refrigerator not cooling?
Freezer cold but fridge warm — what should I check?
How do I test a condenser or evaporator fan motor?
How often should I clean the condenser coils and how do I do it?
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