KitchenAid Refrigerator Freezing Up [How To Fix]

This article details what to do if you find your KitchenAid refrigerator freezing up. It also shows how to fix other parts of the refrigerator that freeze up.

KitchenAid Refrigerator Ice Dispenser Freezing Up – Quick Fix

Check the flap of the ice dispenser chute to see if it is flush to the frame. If it is not, then air is getting in, condensing inside and freezing up the dispenser. Change the flap; it is not an expensive part.

Watch this video to learn more…

KitchenAid Refrigerator Evaporator Freezing Up – What to Check

Here are parts to check if the evaporator coils of your KitchenAid refrigerator is freezing up:

1. Defrost Heater

Test the continuity of the defrost heater with a multimeter. If there is no continuity, then the heater is faulty and should be replaced as quickly as possible.

Without the heater functioning well, the evaporator coils will freeze as frost continues to accumulate on them without defrosting.

2. Defrost Timer

Turn the defrost timer with your hand or with a screwdriver. Keep turning it until you hear a click. The fans and compressor will shut off then and the heater should come on if it is working well. If the heater comes on and works as it should, the timer is defective and must be replaced.

This is because it should advance automatically into the defrost cycle. Since you had to manually advance it, something is wrong with it. And if something is wrong with it, the defrost heater will not come on when it should to defrost the coils. So, the coils will freeze.

3. Defrost Thermostat

Using a multimeter, test the continuity of the defrost thermostat. If you don’t fins any continuity, replace the thermostat.

The thermostat monitors the coldness of the evaporator coils and allows the defrost heater to turn on when they are cold enough. This is to avoid frost accumulating on them. However, if the thermostat is not able to do this, the heater won’t come on and the coils will freeze eventually.

W10225581 Defrost Thermostat Replacement for Whirlpool KitchenAid Kenmore Refrigerator Thermostat WPW10225581

KitchenAid Refrigerator Ice Maker Freezing Up – Solutions

If your KitchenAid refrigerator ice maker is freezing up, check the following parts:

1. Ice Fill Tube

Water will not pass into the ice maker as it should the ice fill tube is frozen. This will lead to the ice maker freezing due to insufficient water supply. Thaw the fill tube if it is frozen.

2. Water Filter

A clogged water filter will not function effectively. This means water will likely not enter the ice maker as it should because of blockage. As the refrigerator keeps cooling, the ice maker will freeze, even without enough water.

Change the water filter if you have this freezing problem and see if it stops. And if the filter is due for a change, change it as soon as possible.

3. Freezer Temperature

The temperature you set for the refrigerator will also determine how quickly the ice maker cools or freezes. If the temperature is too low, the ice maker will freeze too quickly. Check the temperature setting and adjust it to medium if it is too low.

4. Water Inlet Valve

A defective water inlet valve could cause water to fill the ice cube area to overflowing even when it is unnecessary. This excess water will eventually freeze the ice maker. Test the solenoid of the valve with a multimeter to see if it is working. Change the valve if the solenoid is bad.

In addition to the above, check the screen filter of the inlet valve for debris collected from water over time. Remove the filter and clean it with soap and warm water. Then, fix it back.

5. Ice Maker

The freezing problem could be that the ice maker is bad and is leaking water around it. If this is so, the water will freeze around the ice maker. Check for leakages by pouring water into the ice maker and watching to see if it pours out. Change the ice maker if there is any leakage.

Watch this video to see how you can loosen the ice maker, remove ice from around it and defrost the tubing behind it…

Check out these other in-depth articles on refrigerator freezing up for other refrigerator brands…

KitchenAid Refrigerator Freezing Up – Quick Fix

The following are parts of the refrigerator to troubleshoot if your KitchenAid refrigerator is freezing up:

1. Thermistor

Test the thermistor using a multimeter. The resistance of the thermistor is meant to change along with the temperature of the unit. If the resistance does not change, check the continuity. If there is no continuity, replace the thermistor.

Based on the air temperature reading the thermistor sends to the control board, the board regulates power to the evaporator fan and the compressor. If the thermistor is unable to send the readings, the fan and compressor could run more than is needed, making the refrigerator to freeze up.

2. Damper Control

Check the damper control to see if it is open or closed. If it is closed, then it is not the cause of the freezing. But if it is open all the way without closing at intervals, it is likely the cause because it will let in too much cold air into the refrigerator without control, leading to freezing eventually.

The video below shows how to fix the damper control in your KitchenAid refrigerator…

3. Temperature Control Thermostat

Turn the thermostat from the lowest setting to the highest setting and wait to hear a click. If it clicks, the thermostat is working well. But if it doesn’t click, test the continuity. And if there is no continuity, change the thermostat.

The thermostat is responsible for sending voltage to the compressor and evaporator fan motor. Sometimes, it also sends to the condenser fan motor but only when it applies. Now, a faulty thermostat will not be able to send voltage, causing the refrigerant system to run more than is needed. This will make the refrigerator too cold.

In addition to the above, check the temperature control board and the main control board. Rarely are they the cause of any refrigerator problem. But if you check the other parts and they are working fine, check either of the boards for faults.

KitchenAid Freezer Freezing Up – What to Do

If your KitchenAid freezer is freezing, here is what to do:

1. Check the Door Seal

Be sure that the door seal is functioning right. If it is not, humid air will penetrate the freezer and condense before freezing. Close the door of the freezer on a dollar bill and try and pull it out. If you can pull it out, the seal is weak and is letting air in.

Additionally, check how often the door of the freezer is opened. Opening the door too often will also let in outside air and cause condensation and eventual freezing.

2. Check the Drain

If the freezer drain is frosted over, it will cause water that should be drained to back up into the freezer, settle there and freeze. Check the drain at the base of the freezer, at the back panel, to see if it is frozen shut or clogged.

3. Check the Content

Hot food will melt the frost already existing in the freezer. Then, with time, the water will freeze again. Over time, the ice will build in the freezer if you continue putting hot food regularly in it. Let food cool before you store them in the freezer.

In addition to the above, ensure you don’t overstuff the freezer so that you don’t block the vents. If the vents are blocked, air won’t flow as it should and there will be condensation. Constant condensation will lead to ice buildup.

Quick Note

It is important to call a qualified technician or a service agent from KitchenAid if you are finding it difficult to accurately diagnose the cause of a freezing problem. It will save you time and money.

Furthermore, turn the refrigerator off by unplugging it from its dedicated power source before beginning any diagnostic work or repairs. This is to avoid an electric shock.

KitchenAid Standalone Ice Maker Freezing Up – What to Do

If you find that your KitchenAid standalone ice maker freezes up, the first thing to check is the temperature setting. Every freestanding ice maker has a specific setting that works for it, and the same applies to the KitchenAid ice maker. So, check the setting or use the user manual if unsure. Typically, it should be at 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Adjust the setting to a higher degree and give it time to make ice. If the problem continues and the ice maker freezes, it may be a problem with the water supply. Check the water line and ensure it correctly supplies water to the ice maker. Also, check the water inlet valve. It is most likely component to cause a freezing problem.

If the inlet valve is faulty, you must replace it. It may flood the ice maker with water, and the constant freezing only creates ice in the machine. If unsure, get a new valve and see if the freezing problem stops. You can also test the old valve using a multimeter to check for continuity.

The ice maker water sensor may also freeze as the machine constantly runs. And if the sensor freezes, the ice maker will start freezing. This fault may affect the recirculatio pump and ground the ice maker. If you suspect the senosr, replace and try the ice maker again. If that does not work, replace the recirculation pump or water level switch.

Otherwise, have a technician run a test on the machine to determinethe source of the problem. Contact the KitchenAid Service Center to request service or use an independent technician.

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