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Kenmore Refrigerator freezing food

If your refrigerator is freezing food or the fridge is too cold, the usual culprits are components that keep the compressor and fans running too long. Start with the temperature control thermostat, then check the thermistor, since both directly tell the system when to cycle. If those test good, the temperature control board or, far less often, the main control board can be sending continuous voltage and overcooling the compartment. Sometimes the fix is as simple as the temperature set too cold—move the dial to a warmer setting and give it 24 hours. A failing evaporator fan motor can also cause the fridge to run colder than intended by over-circulating cold air. You can verify the thermostat by listening for a click or using a multimeter, test the thermistor for changing resistance, spin the evaporator fan blades to check for seized bearings, and only replace control boards after ruling out the common parts. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part and step-by-step repair instructions for your refrigerator.

01 - Kenmore 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 cause the refrigerant system to run longer than necessary. As a result, the refrigerator will be too cold. 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 control thermostat ...does not have continuity at any setting, replace it.
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Top Solution

02 - Kenmore Refrigerator Thermistor

The thermistor monitors the air temperature and sends the temperature reading to the control board. The control board then regulates power to the compressor and evaporator fan based on the thermistor readings. If the thermistor is defective, the compressor and evaporator fan may run too frequently. As a result, the refrigerator will be too cool. To determine if the thermistor is defective, test it with a multimeter. The thermistor resistance should change in conjunction with the refrigerator temperature. If the thermistor resistance does not change, or the thermistor does not have continuity, replace the thermistor.
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Highly Likely

03 - Kenmore Refrigerator Temperature Control Board

The temperature control board provides voltage to the compressor and fan motors. If the control board is faulty, it may send continuous voltage to the compressor or fan motors. As a result, the refrigerator will be too cool. Control boards are often misdiagnosed—before replacing the control board, first test all of the more commonly defective components. If none of the other components are defective, consider replacing the temperature control board.
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Highly Likely

04 - Kenmore Refrigerator Main Control Board

The main control board might be defective. However, the control board is very rarely the cause of the problem. Before replacing the control board, first test all of the more commonly defective components. If none of these components are defective, consider replacing the main control board.
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Highly Likely

05 - Temperature set too cold

Adjust the refrigerator temperature control to a warmer setting. Many models have a recommended temperature setting displayed, usually between 34 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit (1 and 4 degrees Celsius). Wait 24 hours for the temperature to adjust appropriately.
Highly Likely

06 - Kenmore Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor

The refrigerator's evaporator fan motor draws air over the cold evaporator coils which chills the air. The air is then circulated through the refrigerator and freezer compartments to keep the temperature low enough to preserve food. If the evaporator fan motor is malfunctioning, the cold air from the freezer or refrigerator evaporator coils can migrate through the air ducts to the bottom of the refrigerator and freeze the food. You should try rotating the evaporator fan blades to see if they spin freely. If not, it's likely the motor bearings have seized and the motor will need to be replaced. You can also use a multimeter... to test the motor for electrical continuity. If the motor has no electrical continuity, the component won't run and a new motor will need to be installed.
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Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my refrigerator freezing food while the freezer seems normal?
How do I test the temperature control thermostat and thermistor?
Can a control board make the refrigerator run too cold?
How does a bad evaporator fan motor cause the fridge to freeze food?
How do I find and buy the correct replacement part on RepairClinic.com?

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