Having a functional refrigerator is crucial for keeping our food fresh and maintaining a comfortable kitchen environment.
So, it can be pretty frustrating when you notice that your Whirlpool fridge is not cooling correctly while the freezer seems to be working just fine.
This puzzling situation raises several questions: What could be causing the issue? Can it be fixed without professional help?
Troubleshooting: Whirlpool Refrigerator is Not Cooling, But Freezer Is Fine
If you have Whirlpool home appliances, the problem you never want to experience is your refrigerator not cooling, but the freezer works perfectly. Know there is a simple solution to this problem before you panic and think you’ll lose your food.
Evaporator Fan Motor Is Defective
Symptoms of a malfunctioning evaporator fan motor include your Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling but the freezer working properly.
A motor drives the fan that blows cold air over the coils of a refrigerator. Without this fan, refrigerant won’t cool enough to maintain the refrigerator’s temperature.
When the blades of the evaporator fan don’t turn quickly, or the motor is especially noisy, there is a defect. Despite multimeters’ ability to detect inconsistencies, a professional must replace a broken fan motor.
Try turning the fan blade manually to determine if the evaporator fan motor is defective. A motor replacement is necessary if the fan blades do not rotate freely. You should also replace the motor if it is unusually noisy.
Lastly, in the event that the motor is not operating at all, use a multimeter to verify that the motor windings are still connected. A blown evaporator fan motor should be replaced if its windings do not have continuity.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Door Seal Is Dirty Or Damaged
The door seals on your Whirlpool refrigerator should be inspected if it isn’t cooling, but the freezer is working. In many instances, you may overlook the seal on the door, but if it is dirty, cracked, or ripped, cold air will get in.
Testing the integrity of the refrigerator door gasket is easy at home. It’s easy:
- You can use a dollar bill or piece of paper that is about the same size as the bill.
- Keep the dollar about halfway inside the refrigerator door as you open the door.
- Take the bill from behind the door and try to pull it out. A door gasket that can be pulled out with almost no force isn’t malfunctioning.
- With a cloth and warm, soapy water, clean the door gasket.
- Take note of any damage along the seal while doing so. It will need to be replaced if it develops a crack or tear.
Whirlpool Condenser Coils Are Dirty
Condenser coils maintain a cool temperature inside a refrigerator by cooling refrigerant. Coils may not be able to perform as well if dust and debris become encrusted on them.
This will prevent your refrigerator from getting cold while your freezer will remain warm.
It is recommended that the condenser coils be cleaned every six months to restore cool air to the refrigerator. This simple guide will show you how to clean your refrigerator coils:
- Remove the refrigerator from the power source and locate the condenser coils.
- Using a narrow vacuum hose attachment, remove dust and debris from the coils and surrounding area.
- A brush for appliance cleaning can help remove stubborn particles.
- Clean up any debris left behind with a vacuum.
- Reconnect the refrigerator’s power source.
Refrigerator Is Overstuffed
Your refrigerator may be overloaded if you’re wondering why your refrigerator isn’t cold, but the freezer is. Cold air can’t circulate appropriately between the compartments of a refrigerator when it gets stuffed full of too many items.
Refrigerators are unable to keep their interiors cool without proper air circulation. Keep your refrigerator’s airflow better and avoid overstuffing by following these steps:
- Make sure old or spoiled food is disposed of
- Use warm soapy water and a clean cloth to clean the refrigerator’s interior.
- Organize shelves so that airflow is improved.
- As much as possible, keep the refrigerator at least ¾ full to keep air circulating.
The Evaporator Coils are Frosted Over
Throughout the day, the defrost heater assembly periodically turns on to melt any frost that may have accumulated on the coils.
When the defrost heater assembly fails, frost accumulates on the evaporator coils, causing the coils to freeze.
In a frosted-over refrigerator, the airflow through the coils is restricted, so the refrigerator does not cool.
Determine if the evaporator coils are frosted over. Check each component of the defrosting system to see if the evaporator coils are frosted over.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Defrost Thermostat
The defrost thermostat monitors the temperatures of the evaporator coils. The thermostat contacts close when the coils drop below a set temperature to allow power to flow to the defrost heater.
During the defrost cycle, the defrost heater melts away any frost that has formed on the evaporator coils. An inoperative defrost thermostat may prevent the defrost heater from operating.
Evaporator coils may freeze over, resulting in a cooling problem where the freezer compartment may appear cold, but the refrigerator compartment might be warm.
Ensure electrical continuity between the defrost thermostat and a multimeter to determine its condition.
Replacing the defrost thermostat if it does not show continuity when it reaches the low-temperature range in its operating range is the best course of action.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Temperature Control Thermostat
When the temperature control thermostat is set correctly, voltage is sent to the compressor, evaporator fan motor, and condenser fan motor (if applicable).
This could result in the refrigerator compartment not cooling properly if the temperature control thermostat is not working properly. Ensure the thermostat works properly by rotating it from the lowest to the highest setting and listening to the click.
Unless the thermostat clicks, it will likely be in good working condition. Using a multimeter, check the thermostat for continuity if it does not click.
It needs to be replaced if there is no continuity on the temperature control thermostat in any setting.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Control Board
Possibly, the control board needs to be replaced. It is very rare, however, for the control board to be the root cause of the problem.
Replace the control board only after you test the most commonly defective components. You may want to consider replacing the control board if none of these components are defective.
When To Call A Professional To Fix A Fridge That Doesn’t Cool?
After examining all of the previously mentioned causes, if your refrigerator still doesn’t cool properly, there may be a malfunction in one of the appliance’s internal components, such as an evaporator fan, condenser fan, compressor, or start relay.
Performing repairs and replacing these parts can be complicated, so seek the help of a professional.
Final Words
It’s important to maintain your fridge regularly before trying these fixes. If your appliance is in good condition, it should last between 10-15 years before it needs to be replaced.
If your freezer is cold, you can troubleshoot several possible causes of an uncool refrigerator section.
It is most common to encounter problems with overstuffing in the freezer, blocked condenser coils, faulty evaporator fan motors, and a faulty thermistor.
It is highly recommended that you contact a professional refrigerator repair company if you are unable to resolve the problem by following these steps.
