In this article, we take a look at the problem of a Whirlpool freezer not freezing and a Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling or freezing.
Table of Contents
Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Cooling or Freezing – What to Do
If your Whirlpool refrigerator stops cooling or freezing, here are things to do:
1. Check the Condenser Coils
Dirt on the condenser coils will inhibit their efficiency in dissipating heat from the refrigerator. Consequently, the refrigerator’s capacity to cool will be greatly reduced.
Thoroughly clean the coils if you have not been cleaning them. You will find them under the unit. It is also important to clean them every 6 to 12 months. This will keep them working optimally in reducing heat in the refrigerator.
2. Check the Evaporator Fan Motor
If your refrigerator has only one evaporator fan, you will find it behind the rear panel of the freezer section. The fan sees to it that there is cold air in the freezer and refrigerator sections. So if it is not working, the refrigerating section will not be cold but the freezer could be a little cool.
Check the fan motor by turning the blades of the fan. If they are stiff, the motor is bad and should be replaced. And if the motor is noisier than it should be, replace it. However, if there is seemingly no life in the motor, test the windings of the motor using a multimeter to check for continuity. If there is no continuity in the windings, replace the motor.
3. Check the Condenser Fan Motor
The condenser fan cools the compressor and the condenser coils. If the fan motor is faulty, the compressor won’t work optimally and the refrigerator won’t cool.
Try and turn the blades of the fan with your hand to see if they turn freely. If they don’t, the motor is faulty and must be replaced. But if they turn freely and nothing is obstructing the blades, test the continuity of the motor with a multimeter. If there is no continuity, replace the motor of the fan.
4. Check the Temperature Control Thermostat
A poorly functioning thermostat can keep the refrigerant from working as it should. Now, if the refrigerant doesn’t run, the refrigerator will not cool.
Move the thermostat to the highest temperature setting from the lowest temperature setting. Wait to hear a sound like a click. If you hear it, then the thermostat is likely not defective. But if you don’t hear the click, check the continuity of the thermostat using a multimeter. If you don’t find continuity at any temperature setting you take it to, replace the thermostat.
5. Check the Start Relay
The relay is able to power the compressor when it works together with the start winding. If the relay is faulty, the compressor is likely to run at short intervals or not run at all. The refrigerator will not cool if the compressor doesn’t run.
Detach the start relay from the compressor and test for continuity between its start and run terminals. If there is no continuity, replace the relay. Additionally, if the start relay has a burnt odor, replace it as soon as possible.
6. Check the Thermistor
A faulty thermistor will make the compressor and the evaporator fan unable to run. This is because it supplies temperature readings to the control board so that the board can regulate power to the fan and compressor.
Test the thermistor with a multimeter and you should see its resistance changing with the temperature of the refrigerator. If there is no change in the resistance and there is no continuity, replace the thermistor.
7. Check the Start Capacitor
The start capacitor helps the compressor to start by providing a boost of power to it. If the capacitor is no longer in good working order, the compressor may not start at all.
Determine the functionality of the start capacitor by testing it using a multimeter. If there is no continuity showing in the multimeter, replace the capacitor.
We would like to point out here that the problem could be with a malfunctioning main control board, temperature control board or compressor. Therefore, you can check any of them if none of the parts listed above is faulty. However, it is rare to find that any of them is faulty.
It is important to note here that these steps apply to every type of Whirlpool refrigerator – side-by-side, double-door, 3-door french door, 4-door french door, fridge freezer and so on.
Here is a video showing you how to troubleshoot and fix a Whirlpool refrigerator that is not cooling, using a side-by-side model…
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Whirlpool Freezer Not Freezing – How to Fix
The following are what to check in order to fix a Whirlpool freezer that is not freezing:
1. Evaporator Fan Motor
Check the motor of the evaporator fan by opening the door of the freezer and activating the door switch manually.
Under normal circumstances, the fan will stop running as soon as the door is opened. But activating the door switch will get the fan motor running again. However, when you activate the switch and the fan motor doesn’t run, you know that the motor is bad and should be replaced.
The evaporator fan makes sure there is cold air in the freezer by drawing the air from the cooling coils and spreading it in the freezer. So there can’t be cold air in the freezer if the fan is not in proper working order.
2. Condenser Coils
Make sure that the condenser coils are not dirty because that will inhibit the cooling capacity of the freezer. Clean the coils every 6 months, at least, and be sure to clean them regularly. That is unless the condenser coils are inside the walls of the freezer. If they are, you don’t have to clean them. But if they are under or behind the freezer, give them a thorough cleaning.
If the condenser coils are dirty, they will be slow in dissipating the heat from the refrigerant as it goes through them. With time, the coils will be unable to dissipate the heat, making the freezer warm. So, if your Whirlpool freezer is not freezing, the coils should be checked.
3. Start Relay
To check if the start relay is working fine, test it between the start and run terminal sockets for continuity using a multimeter. If there is no continuity, replace the start relay. Additionally, if there is a burnt odor coming from the relay, get a new one and replace it.
The compressor is unlikely to run if the start relay is faulty. And the freezer will not get cold if the compressor is not running smoothly.
4. Condenser Fan Motor
This is an unlikely cause of the freezing problem but a poorly working condenser fan motor will not be able to draw air through the condenser to cool the compressor. Hence, the unit will heat up. So check the motor to cover all grounds.
Try and spin the blades to see if they spin without any stiffness. If they do, the motor is probably still good. But if they don’t, then the bearings of the motor are worn and the motor needs to be changed. To make doubly sure, test the motor for continuity with a multimeter. Replace the motor if there is no continuity.
5. Evaporator Coils
If the evaporator or cooling coils have frost on them, then they won’t be able to release cold air for the evaporator fan to spread in the freezer. It is also an indication that there is something wrong with the defrost system of the freezer.
Defrost the ice on the coils by manually defrosting the freezer. Leave the unit unplugged for some hours or overnight. This is dependent on the ice or frost buildup on the coils and in the freezer. Collect the water from the melting ice with a pan and soak up the water with thick towels.
However, you will need to contact a qualified refrigerator repair technician to find out why frost is building on the coils and fix it. If any of the components of the defrost system needs to be replaced, replace it as soon as possible. Doing this will keep frost from building on the coils again and keep your freezer in top working condition.
This video shows how to fix a defrost component that is faulty, causing frosting on the evaporator coils…
6. Temperature Control Thermostat
Check the thermostat by rotating it from low to high and see if you hear a click. The click tells you that the thermostat is working fine. But the absence of a click tells you that the thermostat is not in a good working condition.
To be absolutely sure, test it with a multimeter to check continuity. If there is no continuity, replace the temperature control thermostat.
The evaporator fan motor, condenser fan motor and the compressor get voltage from the thermostat. So if it is defective, these refrigerator parts will not get voltage and consequently, the refrigerant system won’t power and the freezer won’t cool. This is one of the parts to check if you find that your Whirlpool freezer is not freezing.
The user control and display board, the compressor or the main control could be defective and cause the freezer not to freeze. However, it is unusual for any of them to become defective. But to be sure, you can check them to ensure they are in proper working condition.
The lack of freezing in the freezer could also be caused by a leak in the sealed system. In this case, the only solution is to replace the freezer. There is no other solution to a leakage in the sealed system.
Note: You can apply these diagnostic and repair steps to any Whirlpool freezer type – upright freezer, chest freezer, deep freezer, bottom-drawer freezer and the rest.
New Whirlpool Freezer Not Freezing
A new Whirlpool freezer needs time to cool to the point of freezing. First, ensure you set the temperature controls right. As a new appliance, you may not set it correctly, causing the freezer to have difficulty cooling. Typically, the freezer should have a setting from the factory or store, which is the recommended setting. But you can adjust it to fit your surroundings and specific needs.
However, if you adjust it to a higher setting, the freezer will not freeze. It needs a temperature setting of 0 degrees Fahrenheit for models with digital controls or a setting between 4 and 5 if the freezer uses a control knob. Otherwise, it will not cool. It is best to leave it in the recommended setting from the store for optimum results.
Also, check the freezer location; it may not have the best ambient temperature around it or there is a heat source next to it. For example, check to see if the freezer is in the path of direct sunlight. If that is the case, you may want to move it to another place or shield it from the sunlight.
Reduce the number of times you open the freezer or how long you hold the door open while using it. It allows the cold air to escape and warm air to replace it, reducing its cooling capacity. Give the new freezer time to run for about 24 hours without interference to see how well it works.
If the problem persists, you may need professional assistance. Contact the Whirlpool Service Center to report the freezing issue with the appliance and request service. It should be free since the appliance is new, so it should be under warranty.
Whirlpool Ice Maker Not Freezing Water – Quick Fix
In the event your Whirlpool ice maker is not freezing enough to make ice, check the following:
1. Power Button
Be sure that the ice maker is on. Sometimes, it is inadvertently turned off and is mistaken for broken. Turn it on if it is off and wait to see if the ice maker starts working again.
2. Water Filter
If the water filter for the ice maker is due for a change is not properly inserted, it will impede the flow of water that gets to the ice maker. This, in turn, will cause little or no ice production.
Therefore, change the water filter if it is time to change it. If not, ensure that it is properly set in its place so that it can function well.
3. Ice Maker
There is a chance that the ice maker itself is malfunctioning. You will need to find a refrigerator maintenance agent to take a look at the ice maker, determine if it is faulty and advise you on what to do.
Unfortunately, it is usually difficult to find individual ice maker parts. You may have to buy the whole ice maker assembly.
4. Ejector Arm
If there is ice lodged in the ice maker’s ejector arm, the ice maker will not function properly. Therefore, remove any cie in the arm, using a plastic instrument so as not to damage the ice maker.
5. Water Supply Line
Check the water supply line that supplies water to the ice maker. If it is not properly fixed, there will be no flow of water to the ice maker. Therefore, the ice maker will have no water to freeze. Attach it correctly and re-initiate the flow of water to ensure it is working properly.
6. Water Pressure
Low water pressure can affect the freezing capacity of the ice maker. If the pressure is below 20psi, the water inlet valve will be unable to function as it should. This means that it will be unable to supply water to the water and ice dispenser.
Have a plumber come and fix the pressure of the water flowing in your house if it is too low.
7. Water Inlet Valve
The inlet valve is responsible for supplying water to the ice maker and the dispenser. If there is not enough water pressure, at least 20psi, or if the valve is defective, it won’t open wide enough for water to flow through into the ice maker.
With a multimeter, check the inlet valve to see if the inlet valve is getting enough power supply. If it is getting enough power and the pressure of the water is sufficient, then replace the inlet valve because it is defective.
8. Temperature of the Freezer
Check the temperature that the unit has been set to and see if it is at the right spot. Setting the temperature lower than 0 degrees Fahrenheit or -18 degrees Celcius will affect the freezing capacity of the ice maker. It will not be able to freeze water enough to make ice.
Adjust the temperature setting accordingly. However, if the setting is at the right place yet the ice maker is not freezing water, you can adjust it again. Then, give the unit time to adapt to the new temperature setting. The room temperature could be affecting the unit, causing it not to freeze as it should.
No matter the type of Whirlpool ice and water refrigerator you have, you can check the parts mentioned if the ice maker is not freezing or making ice.
Whirlpool Freezer Top Shelf Not Freezing – Solutions
If the top shelf of your Whirlpool freezer is not freezing while the bottom part is, check the door seal. If it doesn’t seal tightly anymore, it could affect the top shelf and some other areas in the freezer.
Also, check the air vents to be sure nothing is blocking them. This is a common occurrence, where you find the bottom part freezing while the top part is not freezing. The cold air that finds its way into the freezer settles at the bottom because the top part is choked with items so air cannot circulate.
Rearrange the contents of the freezer to make more room for air and free the air vents so the cold air can come into the freezer.
The problem could also stem from a leak in the sealed system of the freezer. When the top shelf of the freezer is not as cold as the bottom part, it is usually an indicator that something is wrong with the sealed system. It could be a freon leak. And if this is the case, you will have to buy a new freezer because there is no other solution. This is especially true if you have been using the freezer for many years.
However, you cannot tell if it is a leak unless a refrigerator technician certifies it to be so. Therefore, contact one to check the freezer and determine what is causing the lack of freezing in the top shelf of the freezer.
Quick Note
Unplugging the freezer from the wall outlet when running diagnostics or doing repair work on a Whirlpool freezer that is not freezing is a necessary first step to preserving yourself and the freezer. This is applicable to all electronic appliances but especially refrigerating units.
Ensure you contact a professional refrigerator repair agent to fix any refrigerator problem if fixing it yourself proves too difficult. You can also contact the customer service center of Whirlpool to request service.
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