If you own a Kenmore refrigerator and it’s not cooling, this article is for you.
Kenmore refrigerators are reliable appliances that can last many years with proper care and maintenance. However, like all other household appliances, Kenmores can experience problems from time to time.
If your Kenmore fridge isn’t cooling properly or has stopped working altogether, there are several possible causes and solutions to try before calling a professional repair service.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common reasons why Kenmores stop cooling, as well as easy ways to fix them yourself without having to call an expensive technician.
So read on if you want to know more about what could be causing your Kenmore refrigerator not to cool and how you can easily fix it!
Why is your Kenmore Refrigerator Not Cooling?
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If you own a Kenmore refrigerator and it’s not cooling, don’t panic. There are a few possible causes for this issue, but the good news is that most of them can be easily diagnosed and fixed.
In this paragraph, we’ll look at all 14 potential causes of your Kenmore refrigerator not cooling, so you can determine what’s causing the problem and get your fridge back up and running in no time.
1. Dirty Condenser Coils
One reason your Kenmore refrigerator may have problems cooling is that the condenser coils are dirty. The condenser coils on your fridge are responsible for dissipating heat from inside the unit.
When these coils become dirty or coated with dust or dirt, they won’t be able to do their job properly, and the heat cannot be released, resulting in an inefficient cooling system.
Cleaning your clogged coils should be done about once per year using a soft brush or vacuum cleaner attachment to remove any dirt or dust buildup.
2. Refrigerant Leaks
It is essential to be aware of refrigerant leaks in your refrigerator, as they can cause a range of unwanted issues. These issues can negatively impact the cooling efficiency and temperature regulation, causing the appliance to run for more extended periods and potentially leading to higher electricity bills.
In addition, the frost buildup on the evaporator coils can prevent your refrigerator from running effectively, with potential further damage occurring to the compressor if left unresolved.
You can usually detect a refrigerant leak by checking for signs of moisture or oil near the compressor, evaporator coils, or condenser coils.
3. Temperature Control Issues
The temperature control panel on your fridge allows you to adjust the unit’s internal temperature according to your preferences. If this feature isn’t working properly, it could lead to inefficient cooling performance due to incorrect temperatures being set within the fridge itself.
You may need to reset the temperature control panel if it has become faulty or out of sync with reality.
4. Evaporator Fan Issues
The evaporator fan in your fridge circulates air throughout the interior cavity in order to maintain consistent temperatures inside the refrigerator compartment at all times.
Suppose this fan stops working correctly (or stops working altogether). In that case, you will experience problems with temperature regulation and inefficient cooling performance due to inadequate airflow within the cavity itself.
Replacing or repairing this Kenmore refrigerator evaporator fan motor should restore the normal operation of your fridge’s cooling system once again.
5. Damaged Door Gaskets
A defective door gasket can cause air leakage from inside the refrigerator, making it difficult for cold air to stay where it needs to be. This will lead directly to inefficient cooling performance and higher energy bills due to cold air escaping through cracks in the gasket seal.
Replacing the door gasket will help keep cold air trapped inside, improving both performance and energy efficiency.
6. Clogged Drain Line
Over time, food particles can accumulate inside drain lines, leading directly to clogs that prevent water from draining correctly. This often results in water pooling at the bottom of your refrigerator, which means less cold air circulating throughout its interior cavity.
Unclogging these lines is relatively simple — either using hot water or vinegar-based solutions — but make sure that you wear protective gloves when attempting this task!
7. Faulty Compressor
The compressor is responsible for pumping refrigerant through all components of your fridge’s cooling system, including its evaporator coil. If something goes wrong with this component, you may be dealing with an inefficiently cooled space despite everything else seeming fine.
In such cases, having a licensed technician inspect and repair (or replace) damaged compressor parts is highly recommended.
8. Electrical Issues
Electrical issues can also impede the proper operation of your Kenmore refrigerator’s cooling system.
Check for blown fuses or tripped circuits before anything else — if those appear normal, then further investigation may be necessary depending on how comfortable you feel troubleshooting complex electrical systems on your own!
9. Faulty Defrost Timer
The Kenmore refrigerator defrost timer automatically switches between cooling and defrost modes. Malfunctioning defrost timers can cause a number of problems with a Kenmore refrigerator, from ideal temperatures not being reached to frost buildup in the freezer.
When such issues arise, it is essential to check for a faulty defrost timer, as this could be the root of the problem.
10. Thermostat Malfunction
The Kenmore refrigerator thermostats can also malfunction or become outdated over time. A broken temperature control thermostat can cause significant issues with how your fridge cools, as temperature regulation will be adversely affected.
If all other solutions have failed to fix your Kenmore refrigerator cooling issue, then it could be wise to look into replacing the thermostat for continuity.
11. Low Refrigerator Temperature
It is not uncommon for Kenmore refrigerators to experience low-temperature issues, especially when first turned on. When this occurs, it could be due to a number of different factors, from the unit being located in an area with high temperatures to a faulty condenser coil.
If your Kenmore refrigerator is not cooling properly, it is vital to check the temperature settings and ensure they are set correctly. If necessary, adjusting the internal temperature may resolve this issue.
12. Temperature Control Board Malfunction
The Kenmore refrigerator temperature control board parts are responsible for sending power to the refrigerator’s cooling system. A malfunctioning Kenmore refrigerator temperature control board can cause a number of common issues, from not cooling down properly to an inability to keep food cold at desired temperatures.
If all other checks fail and your refrigerator is still not cooling properly, then it may be wise to have a professional check and possibly replace the refrigerator’s main control board.
13. Overstuffing the Refrigerator
Overstuffing your Kenmore refrigerator can also cause it not to cool properly. Too much food packaging can limit the cold airflow and prevent your refrigerator from reaching its desired temperature.
To avoid this issue, make sure to leave enough space between items in the fridge and be careful not to overcrowd it.
14. Damper Control Assembly Malfunction
The refrigerator damper control assembly regulates the flow of cold air. If there are any issues with this component, you may notice the Kenmore refrigerator is not cooling correctly.
Breakdowns can cause problems such as inadequate temperature regulation, heightened energy consumption, and/or accumulated condensation. While there are many potential causes behind why your Kenmore refrigerator might not be cooling correctly, most of them aren’t too difficult to diagnose or fix!
By following our guide above, you should have no trouble identifying which issue might be causing problems with your fridge’s performance –– thus allowing you to do quick work out of getting things back up and running again!
How to Fix a Kenmore Refrigerator Not Cooling
Is your Kenmore refrigerator not cooling? If so, you’re probably feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. After all, you need your fridge to work in order to keep your food safe.
Fortunately, there are several common solutions to this problem. Let’s discuss 14 possible fixes for a Kenmore refrigerator that is not cooling.
1. Clean Condenser Coils
A malfunctioning condenser coil can be another potential cause of a fridge not cooling properly. To check if this is an issue with your Kenmore refrigerator, unplug it and remove any food items before cleaning the condenser coils with a soft brush or vacuum cleaner attachment.
Once you’ve cleaned off any dust or debris that may have built up over time, plug in your device and give it time to get back to ideal temperatures.
2. Check for Leaks
Your fridge’s cooling system must be carefully checked for any potential leaks in order to ensure it functions properly.
Be sure to inspect all of the hoses and connections associated with the cooling system for any kind of damage or leak that may require repair. If left unattended, these can result in the fridge not cooling as expected.
Taking a few moments to check the functioning of your cooling system pays off in the long run, ensuring a longer and better usage experience.
3. Check the Temperature Settings
The first thing you should do when diagnosing a fridge that isn’t cooling is check the temperature settings. Ensure the temperature controls on both the freezer and refrigeration compartment are set to the correct temperature.
If they are already at the recommended settings, try adjusting them slightly higher or lower—whichever direction will increase the coolness of your fridge—and see if it helps restore proper temperature regulation.
4. Check Evaporator Fan Motor
If cleaning the evaporator coils doesn’t solve your problem, then you might also want to look at the condenser fan motor for continuity. This part helps circulate air throughout the refrigerator and freezer compartments and should be kept clean for the optimal functioning of your unit.
If it needs cleaning, remember to power off (unplug) your unit before attempting any maintenance work and refer to specific instructions in your owner’s manual if necessary.
5. Check Door Seals and Door Closing Mechanism
One overlooked reason refrigerators might not cool as expected is broken door seals, which allow cold air to escape from inside the unit more easily than intended.
To test if this could be affecting yours, open both doors and check each seal for signs of wear or damage, such as tears or gaps between them and their respective frames (around the edges).
If you find any evidence of damage here, replace it with new seals accordingly before powering on again.
Another common culprit behind inefficient cooling can be an improperly closing door mechanism due to either worn-out hinges or broken springs/bolts/screws holding them in place together with their respective frames (around the edges).
To test this out on yours, simply ensure that both doors close evenly without sticking anywhere along their path—if they don’t seem right, consider replacing worn-out parts according to instructions found in your owner’s manual before testing again afterward.
6. Check Drain Lines
A clogged drain line can prevent water from properly draining away from inside a refrigerator, causing an accumulation of ice buildup over time inside its walls which can reduce its efficiency significantly by preventing cold air from entering/circulating around it like normal.
To test if this could be an issue on yours, inspect its drain lines for signs of clogging, such as blockages caused by food particles/debris buildup over time—if found, then clear them out accordingly using warm water mixed with baking soda solution followed by clean running water afterward until fully cleared out before testing again afterward.
7. Fix the Compressor
If all else fails, then it’s time to take a closer look at the compressor. To do so, check if its start relay and overload protector is working as intended, as well as the wiring connections that power it.
If any of these seem faulty, replace them with new ones according to instructions from your owner’s manual before testing the unit again. It’s also important to remember that compressors, like any other part of your Kenmore refrigerator, need to be replaced every few years for optimal performance.
8. Check the Power
Ensure your Kenmore refrigerator is plugged into a working outlet capable of supplying adequate electricity. Double-check that the circuit breaker hasn’t been tripped, or else you won’t be able to use your fridge.
If you think it might have been, go ahead and reset it. That will clear any disconnects and help get your refrigerator running again!
9. Check the Defrost Timer
If you are experiencing difficulty defrosting in your fridge, the source may be a faulty defrost timer. The timer is responsible for regulating how long the refrigerator stays in its defrost cycle, and if it’s not working correctly, a replacement may be necessary.
You’ll know that the timer isn’t functioning as it should if your fridge takes too long to thaw or does not go into defrost mode altogether.
If this is the case, then don’t be concerned – replacing this important part is actually quite simple.
10. Replace the Thermostat
Replacing the thermostat of your Kenmore refrigerator if it is not working properly can be a great solution for problems with cooling. To replace the thermostat, locate it behind the back of the fridge, just above the condenser coils.
After securing the power cord, detach the previous thermostat using a screwdriver and remove it. Ensure you have chosen a new thermostat compatible with your model, taking note of its voltage rating when purchasing from an appliance store.
Attach the new thermostat into place in reverse order and attach it to the wall before plugging in the power cord again.
11. Check the Low Refrigerant Temperature
The Kenmore refrigerator may fail to cool properly if the refrigerant temperature is too low. The most common cause of a low refrigerant temperature is an issue with the condenser coils, which can be located behind or beneath the fridge.
If you find that they are blocked by dirt and dust buildup, use a vacuum cleaner to remove the debris before testing again.
12. Replace the Main Control Board
The Kenmore refrigerator’s main control board runs the cooling system and can cause issues if it is not working properly. To check, first, unplug the appliance from its socket before using a multi-meter to test for any faulty wiring or connections.
If you find any problems here, replace the main control board with one that is compatible with your Kenmore refrigerator model.
13. Check for Blockage
Before troubleshooting your Kenmore refrigerator, double-check that no obstructions are preventing proper airflow. This includes any foods as well as boxes in and around the immediate area of your refrigerator.
Keeping dusty and allergenic particles away from your food supply, as well as displaced items elsewhere, is essential for maintaining a properly cooled fridge.
That’s why it’s essential to make sure nothing blocks the airflow!
14. Check the Damper Control Assembly
If you still have issues with your Kenmore refrigerator not cooling, it may be due to a malfunctioning damper control assembly. The damper control assembly regulates the airflow inside your fridge and ensures that cold air circulates properly.
If your Kenmore refrigerator is not cooling at all or takes too long to cool down food, you may need to replace the damper control assembly.
To do this, unplug the refrigerator and locate the part behind the back wall panel. After replacing it with a new one, be sure to plug your Kenmore refrigerator back in and test it out again.
With these 14 possible solutions for fixing a Kenmore refrigerator that’s not cooling correctly outlined above – hopefully, you’ll now have enough information available at hand so as to be able to identify what needs to be done next in order to get yours working like new again soon enough!
As always, however, if you feel uncomfortable troubleshooting any part of this process, don’t hesitate to call a professional service technician for assistance!
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
