Kenmore Fridge Not Cooling But Freezer Working! (9 Fixes!)

Are you experiencing a situation where your Kenmore refrigerator freezer is only a year old but the fridge compartment is not cooling while the freezer is working fine? This article will provide you with the necessary information to understand why this might be happening and offer troubleshooting tips to help you resolve the issue.

There are several potential reasons why your Kenmore fridge is not cooling properly while the freezer is still functioning. These include iced evaporator coils, a faulty damper control or fan motor, an overloaded fridge, a leaky door, or a damaged start relay. Additionally, dirty condenser coils or a defective temperature control or defrost system could also be contributing factors.

Identifying the specific cause of the problem is crucial in order to effectively address it. This troubleshooting guide aims to assist you in diagnosing the issue and providing suitable solutions. By doing the troubleshooting yourself, you can save both time and money.

Now, let’s delve into the details and explore each potential cause, along with their likelihood and suggested fixes.

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Quick Troubleshooting Guide

Probable Reason	Fix
1. Iced Evaporator Coils	– Hair-dry the evaporator coils
	– Replace faulty defrost components (timer, heater, or thermostat) if needed
2. Faulty Damper Control	– Unstick the damper control if it’s stuck
	– Replace the damper control if it’s broken
3. Faulty Fan Motor	– Test the evaporator fan motor by rotating its blade
	– Replace the fan motor if it doesn’t turn
4. Fridge Overload	– Reduce the food load in the fridge to improve air circulation
5. Leaky Fridge Door	– Ensure the fridge door is completely shut
	– Replace the door gasket if it’s faulty
6. Damaged Start Relay	– Replace the compressor’s start relay if it fails the continuity test
7. Dirty Condenser Coils	– Clean the condenser coils
8. Faulty Temperature Control	– Replace the faulty temperature control board or thermistor based on the continuity test results
9. Faulty Defrost System	– Replace the defrost thermostat if it fails the continuity test
	– Replace the defrost timer if it fails to activate the heater

Common Problems and Fixes

Iced Evaporator Coils

When the evaporator coils become frosted, the fridge may not cool properly while the freezer continues to work. The most common cause of iced coils is a faulty defrost system, including the heater, thermostat, or timer.

Fix: Try defrosting the evaporator coils with a hairdryer. If the issue persists, check and replace any defective components in the defrost system.

Faulty Damper Control

A malfunctioning damper control can disrupt the regulation of airflow into the fridge, resulting in warming instead of cooling.

Fix: Test the damper control by reducing the thermistor’s temperature and observing air escaping from the damper vent. If there is no airflow, the damper control may be faulty and should be unstuck or replaced.

Faulty Fan Motor

If the evaporator fan motor fails to circulate cold air throughout the fridge, the freezer may still work, but the fridge compartment will remain warm.

Fix: Check the fan motor by manually moving the blade. If it doesn’t turn freely and there are no obstructions, replace the faulty motor.

Fridge Overload

Overfilling the fridge hampers proper cooling by obstructing air circulation and blocking air vents.

Fix: Review the contents of your fridge and reduce the load if necessary. Remove expired items and organize containers to avoid blocking air vents.

Leaky Fridge Door

An improperly closed or damaged fridge door can cause cold air to escape, preventing the fridge from cooling effectively.

Fix: Ensure the fridge door is closed tightly, removing any obstacles that may hinder proper closure. Replace a faulty door seal/gasket if necessary.

Damaged Start Relay

A faulty start relay can disrupt the compressor’s operation, resulting in the fridge not cooling.

Fix: Test the compressor’s start relay with a multimeter and replace it if it fails the continuity test.

Dirty Condenser Coils

Dust and dirt accumulation on the condenser coils can impede their cooling capacity, affecting the fridge’s overall performance.

Fix: Clean the condenser coils at least once every six months using a refrigerator coil cleaning brush.

Faulty Temperature Control System

If the thermistor or temperature control board is defective, the fridge may fail to cool properly.

Fix: Test these components with a multimeter and replace any that fail the continuity test.

Faulty Defrost System

A faulty defrost system, including the defrost timer and thermostat, can lead to frost accumulation on the evaporator coils, hindering proper cooling.

Fix: Test the defrost thermostat and replace it if it fails the continuity test. If the defrost timer fails to activate the defrost heater, replace the timer.

Additional Possibility: If none of the above causes are identified, consider checking the main control board, as it may be defective and affecting other parts’ functionality. Consult a professional for assistance with replacing the main control board.

Conclusion

When your Kenmore fridge fails to cool while the freezer operates correctly, it is crucial to identify the underlying cause and apply the appropriate fix.

By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you can diagnose and address the issue effectively.

Remember to consult a refrigerator expert if needed, especially when dealing with complex replacements or costly repairs.

Kenmore Fridge Not Cooling But Freezer Working! (9 Fixes!)

Quick Troubleshooting Guide