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HomeRepair HelpWhirlpool Refrigerator RepairWhirlpool Refrigerator runs constantly Repair
Whirlpool Refrigerator runs constantly
If your refrigerator runs constantly or your fridge is running constantly, start with the simple stuff: high room temperature and humidity make any fridge work harder, so keeping the room within normal operating range often fixes the problem. If the environment is fine, the next likely causes are issues with the refrigerator compressor running continuously or the freezer not getting cold enough — a weak compressor or a freezer set above about 10°F will make the unit run nonstop. Check that the door seals and bins are not keeping the door from fully closing, because warm air leaks force the fridge to run longer. If doors and temps look normal, look at the defrost system: a bad defrost heater or defrost thermostat can let frost build on the evaporator coils and restrict airflow, which also causes continuous running. You can test fan motors and thermistors before replacing major parts. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your refrigerator and get step by step parts and repair guidance.
01 - Room Temperature is Hot
Normal operating temperatures for a refrigerator are between 60 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit (16 and 35 degrees Celsius). The hotter and more humid the air is the less efficient the refrigerator will be, causing it to run more. If possible, keep the refrigerator within the recommended operating temperatures and as cool as possible.
Top Solution
02 - Whirlpool Refrigerator Compressor
The compressor is the component that pumps refrigerant through the sealed system to cool the appliance. If you've determined the fan motors are all working and the thermistor is accurately monitoring the air temperature, it's possible the compressor itself is inefficient, resulting in it running continuously, although this is not a common problem.
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Highly Likely
03 - Freezer Temperature is Above 10 Degrees F (-12C)
Since the refrigerator compartment gets its cold air from the freezer compartment for many model types ("Top Freezer", "Bottom Freezer", and "Side by Side" models, for example), the refrigerator compartment will take longer to cool down if the freezer is not cold enough. As a result, the compressor may run constantly. The freezer temperature should be set between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 to -15 Celsius).
Highly Likely
04 - Door Not Fully Closing
Check to see that the doors are closing properly. If a door bin or food item is keeping the door open slightly the refrigerator may not cool properly, which can cause the refrigerator to run constantly.
Highly Likely
05 - Whirlpool Refrigerator Defrost Heater Assembly
The defrost heater assembly turns on several times throughout the day to melt away any frost that may have accumulated on the evaporator coils. If the defrost heater assembly is defective, the refrigerator will not defrost, and frost will continue to accumulate on the evaporator coils. If the evaporator coils are frosted over, the refrigerator will work harder to remove the heat. As a result, the refrigerator will run constantly in an effort to cool down. To determine if the defrost heater is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the defrost heater does not have continuity, replace it.
Common
06 - Whirlpool Refrigerator Defrost Thermostat
If the refrigerator runs constantly, the defrost thermostat might be defective. Several times a day the defrost heater turns on for a few minutes to melt away any frost that may have accumulated on the freezer or refrigerator evaporator coils. In order for this to work, the defrost thermostat has to sense that the coils are cold enough. If the coils are cold enough the defrost heater will turn on. If the thermostat is defective it may not be able to sense the temperature of the coils and then won't turn on the defrost heater. If the defrost heater doesn't turn on, the frost will build up on the coils and eventually no air ...
Common
Frequently Asked Questions
My refrigerator runs constantly — what should I check first?
How do I tell if the defrost heater or defrost thermostat is causing the fridge to run all the time?
The freezer is cold but the fridge is warm — could that make the compressor run constantly?
Is the compressor usually the problem when a refrigerator runs constantly?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement part?
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