If your Whirlpool refrigerator is freezing everything, it is important to know why and how to fix the problem quickly and easily. This article shows you what to do.
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Whirlpool Refrigerator Is Freezing Everything – Quick Fix
Do the following if your Whirlpool refrigerator is freezing everything:
1. Reset the Refrigerator Temperature
To reset a Whirlpool refrigerator temperature, locate the reset controls on the fridge. Look for the fridge temperature control buttons and press either (+) or (-) until the desired temperature degree is displayed. Then, leave it to work for some hours.
The refrigerator might just need a reset or adjustment of its settings. It tends to freeze up if the temperature is too high. The moderate temperature is between 390F to 400F. Consult the user’s manual of the refrigerator to check how to properly set it.
You can leave it to work for about 8 hours to check if you got the right setting. If it still freezes, you would need to reset it again. But in case you are not sure about how to reset it, get a qualified refrigerator expert to reset it for you.
In some Whirlpool refrigerator models, the temperature control of the freezer sets that of the refrigerator. So, check the temperature range to find out the exact temperature of the compartments.
2. Make Sure the Thermistor is Working
To be sure your thermistor is working, unplug the refrigerator and gently pull down the control box in the ceiling of the refrigerator to access the thermistor. Check for loose or damaged wires. If there is none, use a multimeter to check the resistance level of the thermistor.
Connect the thermistor wire to the multimeter. Get the technology/resistance sheet for your refrigerator model, then place the thermistor in a cup of ice.
If the resistance reading has more than 10% variation from what is on the sheet, that means the thermistor is still working. However, it does not show the resistance level, it is faulty.
So, if your refrigerator is freezing everything make sure the thermistor is working. The thermistor monitors the degree of coldness in the refrigerator and sends signals to the control board.
The control board regulates the temperature based on the readings from the thermistor. If it is faulty the evaporator and condenser will continue working without any regulation. As a result, the temperature freezes.
Also, you can detect a working thermistor if it changes when the fridge temperature is adjusted. If it does not that means it is defective and needs a replacement.
3. Check the Condenser Coils
To check the condenser coils, locate them beneath or at the back of the fridge, remove the grills, then clean or blow-dry the coils with a vacuum cleaner.
The condenser coils could be blocked, obstructing the release of heat to the refrigerator. When they are dusty or dirty they put more pressure on the coils and allow them to work harder to maintain the fixed temperature. As a result, they begin to freeze everything you put in the fridge.
However, if you notice that the condenser coils are still malfunctioning after cleaning them, it is advisable to replace them urgently so that they do not cause more problems.
4. Leave the Air Vents Free
Make sure that nothing is blocking the air vents so that cold air can flow freely around the unit. Otherwise, some parts of the unit will freeze food and others won’t.
You can also clean the vents if there are food particles around them. To clean the air vents, remove the bolts and pull out the grills gently. Then, use a damp towel to wipe the racks and other areas, then fix the grills back carefully.
The air vents allow the free flow of air from the different compartments. Once they are blocked with food particles or dirt the flow is altered and can cause freezing. Similarly, it could cause moisture increase and odor in the fridge.
Therefore, ensure that it is kept clean always and nothing is placed in front of it while stacking your refrigerator.
Depending on the type of Whirlpool refrigerator you have, the vents can be located at the back wall, bottom, or left side of the fridge.
5. Inspect the Damper Assembly
To inspect the damper assembly, unplug the refrigerator, take out the shelves gently, leave the refrigerator to dry, then place your hand on the damper assembly to check for escaping cold air from the freezer.
When it is stuck or open the amount of cold air entering the fridge from the freezer increases. As a result, everything you put in it may start to freeze.
Once you notice this, check to see if it is completely damaged or just needs a readjustment. However, fixing a new damper can be done in a few steps.
Purchase one that suits your Whirlpool refrigerator model, remove the shelf compartments in the fridge, locate the damper control, then remove the cover and water filter gently. After this, locate the tabs, loosen the screws, take out the old one, then install the new one before recoupling the bolts.
After fixing it, shut the door of the fridge and try test-running it to know whether it is properly fixed.
If the problem persists, contact the Whirlpool service center to request service or a professional refrigerator repair agent to help fix it.
6. Inspect the Control Board
To inspect your Whirlpool refrigerator control board, plug the refrigerator, find the control panel at the back of the fridge, lose the bolts with a screwdriver carefully. Make sure you do not touch the wires with your bare hands.
Next, locate the voltage wire, then place a meter on it to check if it is still working.
The control board is the engine room of the refrigerator. It is responsible for the transmission and regulation of voltage to the fridge components.
If it is malfunctioning it may allow a continuous flow of high voltage to the refrigerants for a long time causing the release of excess ice.
However, to inspect this, be sure that the other components have been checked and they are working properly.
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7. Check the Door Seal
To check your refrigerator door seal, open the door and close on a dollar bill. If the dollar bill falls out, it means the door seal is loose but if it does fall out, the door seal is still intact.
Carefully check the door seals to know if they are leaking or loose. Also, cold air could escape from the refrigerator if the seal is worn, torn, or warped. Immediate action is required in this situation to save gas, as well as energy.
Important Note
Whirlpool refrigerators may be freezing everything because of the items put in it. Therefore, be sure to check the type of items you keep in the refrigerator.
If your Whirlpool refrigerator is freezing everything after resetting and cleaning the condenser coils, change the arrangement of items. Ensure that nothing is kept in front of the air vents.
In case you still have an active warranty, you can contact Whirlpool to seek their services, repairs, and advice on what to do.
However, you have the alternative of engaging the services of a certified refrigerator agent. We have some here to help you fix any refrigerator problem you have.
Always remember to unplug your refrigerator from the power supply before cleaning or fixing any replacement part.
