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HomeRepair HelpWhirlpool Refrigerator RepairWhirlpool Refrigerator freezer is cold but refrigerator is warm Repair
My Whirlpool Refrigerator is not Cooling, but the Freezer is Working
If your freezer is cold but the refrigerator compartment is warm, the most likely problems are a frost-clogged evaporator from a failed defrost heater, a bad evaporator fan motor, or simply the door not closing fully. Start by checking the evaporator coils for heavy frost, since a defrost system failure will block airflow and leave the fridge warm even though the freezer is cold. If the coils look clear, verify the evaporator fan spins freely and runs; a seized or dead fan won’t move cold air into the fresh-food section. Next make sure shelves, bins and overpacked food aren’t keeping the door from sealing. Less often the temperature control thermostat, a torn door gasket, or a stuck damper control can cause the fridge not cooling while the freezer works. You can test fan motors and thermostats with a multimeter or swap in a known-good part to confirm. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement defrost components, evaporator fan motor, damper assembly, gaskets, or thermostats and follow our step-by-step guides to make the repair yourself.
01 - The Evaporator Coils are Frosted Over
The defrost heater assembly turns on a few times throughout the day to melt away any frost that may have accumulated on the evaporator coils. If the defrost heater assembly is defective, frost will continue to accumulate on the evaporator coils, and the coils will become plugged with frost. If the evaporator coils are frosted over, the airflow through the coils will be restricted, causing the refrigerator not to cool. Check the evaporator coils to determine if they are frosted over. If the evaporator coils are frosted over, test each component of the defrost system.
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02 - Whirlpool Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor
The evaporator fan motor draws cold air over the evaporator coils and circulates it throughout the freezer. If the evaporator fan is not working, the freezer or refrigerator will not cool adequately. To determine if the evaporator fan motor is defective, try turning the fan blade by hand. If the fan blade does not turn freely, replace the fan motor. Additionally, if the motor is unusually noisy, replace it. Finally, if the motor does not run at all, use a multimeter to test the motor windings for continuity. If the windings do not have continuity, replace the evaporator fan motor..
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03 - Door not closing all the way
Misaligned door bins and shelving, or an excess of food items, may be keeping the door slightly open and prevent the refrigerator from cooling properly. Make sure the shelves and door bins are in the proper locations and avoid overloading the bins and shelves with food items.
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04 - Whirlpool Refrigerator Temperature Control Thermostat
The temperature control thermostat directs voltage to the compressor, evaporator fan motor, and condenser fan motor (if applicable). If the temperature control thermostat is not working properly, it may prevent the refrigerant system from running properly, resulting in the refrigerator compartment not cooling as expected. To determine if the thermostat is defective, rotate the thermostat from the lowest setting to the highest setting and listen for a click. If the thermostat clicks, it is not likely defective. If the thermostat does not click, use a multimeter to test the thermostat for continuity. If the temperature contr...
Highly Likely
05 - Whirlpool 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 compartment being warm even though the freezer compartment is cold. Inspect the door gasket for any damage and replace with a new one if necessary.
Highly Likely
06 - Whirlpool Refrigerator Damper Control Assembly
The air damper control opens and closes to let the proper amount of cold air into the refrigerator compartment. If the damper does not open properly, it won’t let enough cold air into the refrigerator. Check the damper control to determine if it is broken or stuck closed.
Highly Likely
Frequently Asked Questions
Freezer working but fridge not cooling — what causes this?
Fridge not cooling but freezer works — what should I check first?
Refrigerator not cooling — how do I test the temperature control thermostat?
Refrigerator not getting cold — how can I tell if the evaporator fan motor is bad?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement part?
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