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HomeRepair HelpKenmore Refrigerator RepairKenmore Refrigerator runs constantly Repair
Kenmore Refrigerator runs constantly
If your Kenmore refrigerator runs constantly, start with the simplest checks: make sure the room around the fridge stays within the recommended 60 to 95°F range, because hot, humid air forces the unit to run more. Next verify the compressor and related components after you confirm evaporator and condenser fans and the thermistor are working; an inefficient compressor can run continuously even when other parts test good. Also check the freezer temperature—if the freezer is warmer than about 10°F the fridge compartment will struggle to cool and the compressor may never stop. Inspect door closure and gaskets for stuck bins or warped seals that let in warm air. Finally, frost buildup from a failed defrost heater or a defective defrost thermostat can block airflow across the evaporator coils and make the refrigerator run nonstop; test those parts for continuity with a multimeter and replace them if they fail. If you need replacement parts like a compressor, defrost heater assembly, or thermostat, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact part that fits your refrigerator.
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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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 - Kenmore 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
Why is my refrigerator running constantly?
Freezer is cold but fridge is warm. Why is my fridge not cooling but freezer works?
How do I know if the defrost heater or defrost thermostat is bad?
Could a bad compressor cause my fridge to run constantly?
How do I find the correct replacement part for my refrigerator on RepairClinic?
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