If you have a Kitchenaid refrigerator that is not cooling properly, you may be wondering what is causing the problem and how you can fix it. There are several possible reasons why your fridge may not be cooling, ranging from simple to complex. In this article, we will explain some of the most common causes of a refrigerator not cooling and provide some troubleshooting tips and solutions.
Check the Power and Thermostat
The first thing to check when your refrigerator stops cooling is the power and thermostat. Make sure your refrigerator is plugged in and the switch to your kitchen appliances on the breaker box is on. Then, take a look at your refrigerator’s thermostat and make sure it’s set between 33ºF – 40ºF for optimal performance.
If your refrigerator has experienced a temporary power outage, it may have entered a safe mode to protect its internal components from electrical overloading. To reset the power, unplug your refrigerator for 5 minutes and then plug it back in. Once power is back, open your freezer and push the light switch 3 times to trigger a cooling cycle.
Clean the Condenser Coils
Another common reason for a refrigerator not cooling is dirty condenser coils. The condenser coils are located at the back or bottom of your refrigerator and are responsible for releasing heat that is generated by the refrigeration process. If the coils are covered with dust, dirt, or pet hair, they may not be able to dissipate heat properly and cause the refrigerator to work harder and use more energy.
To clean the condenser coils, you will need to unplug your refrigerator and pull it away from the wall. Then, use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove any debris from the coils. You can also use a soft cloth or a coil brush to gently wipe the coils. Be careful not to damage the coils or the tubing. After cleaning the coils, plug your refrigerator back in and push it back to its place. Make sure there is enough clearance around the refrigerator to allow for proper airflow.
Inspect the Door Gaskets
The door gaskets are the rubber seals that line the perimeter of your refrigerator door on the inside. They are designed to help hold cold air inside the refrigerator and prevent warm air from entering. However, over time, the gaskets may wear out, tear, or become dirty, which can compromise the seal and cause cold air to leak out.
To inspect the door gaskets, you can use a dollar bill or a piece of paper. Close the door on the bill or paper and try to pull it out. If it slides out easily, the gasket is not sealing properly. You can also visually inspect the gaskets for any cracks, tears, or gaps. If you find any damage or dirt on the gaskets, you will need to clean or replace them.
To clean the gaskets, you can use a sponge and warm, soapy water to wipe them down. Make sure to dry them thoroughly with a soft cloth. To replace the gaskets, you will need to order the correct part for your refrigerator model and follow the instructions in your owner’s manual or consult a technician.
Check the Air Vents and Fan Motors
Your refrigerator has air vents and fan motors that circulate cold air throughout the refrigerator and freezer compartments. If the air vents are blocked by food items or ice, or if the fan motors are not working, the air circulation may be reduced and the refrigerator may not cool evenly.
To check the air vents, you need to make sure they are not obstructed by any food items or ice. You may need to reorganize your refrigerator and freezer to allow for proper airflow. You can also use a hair dryer to melt any ice buildup around the vents. Be careful not to damage the plastic parts or the wiring.
To check the fan motors, you need to listen for any unusual noises or vibrations coming from the back or bottom of your refrigerator. If you hear a humming or buzzing sound, the fan motor may be running but not spinning. If you hear nothing at all, the fan motor may be burned out or not getting power. To test the fan motor, you will need to unplug your refrigerator and access the fan motor by removing the back panel or the freezer drawer. Then, you can use a multimeter to check for continuity or voltage. If the fan motor has no continuity or voltage, you will need to replace it.
Test the Thermistor and the Temperature Control Board
The thermistor is a sensor that monitors the temperature inside the refrigerator and sends a signal to the temperature control board, which regulates the power to the compressor and the fan motors. If the thermistor or the temperature control board is faulty, the refrigerator may not cool properly or at all.
To test the thermistor, you will need to unplug your refrigerator and locate the thermistor by following the wiring diagram in your owner’s manual. Then, you can use a multimeter to measure the resistance of the thermistor. The resistance should change as the temperature changes. You can compare the resistance reading with the specifications in your owner’s manual. If the resistance does not match the specifications or does not change, the thermistor is defective and needs to be replaced.
To test the temperature control board, you will need to unplug your refrigerator and locate the board by following the wiring diagram in your owner’s manual. Then, you can inspect the board for any signs of damage, such as burns, cracks, or loose connections. You can also use a multimeter to check for voltage at the output terminals of the board. If the board has any visible damage or does not supply voltage to the compressor and the fan motors, the board is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Check the Start Capacitor, the Overload Relay, and the Start Relay
The start capacitor, the overload relay, and the start relay are components that help the compressor start and run. The start capacitor provides a boost of power to the compressor, the overload relay protects the compressor from overheating, and the start relay switches the compressor from start to run mode. If any of these components are defective, the compressor may not start or run properly and the refrigerator may not cool.
To check the start capacitor, the overload relay, and the start relay, you will need to unplug your refrigerator and access the compressor by removing the back panel. Then, you can use a multimeter to test each component for continuity. If any of the components have no continuity, they are defective and need to be replaced.
Check the Compressor and the Compressor Inverter Board
The compressor is the heart of your refrigerator. It compresses the refrigerant and circulates it through the evaporator and the condenser coils, creating the cooling effect. The compressor inverter board is a device that controls the speed and power of the compressor. If the compressor or the compressor inverter board is defective, the refrigerator may not cool at all.
To check the compressor, you will need to unplug your refrigerator and access the compressor by removing the back panel. Then, you can use a multimeter to test the compressor for continuity and resistance. The compressor should have continuity between the common, start, and run terminals, and the resistance should vary according to the specifications in your owner’s manual. If the compressor has no continuity or the resistance is out of range, the compressor is defective and needs to be replaced.
To check the compressor inverter board, you will need to unplug your refrigerator and access the board by following the wiring diagram in your owner’s manual. Then, you can inspect the board for any signs of damage, such as burns, cracks, or loose connections. You can also use a multimeter to check for voltage at the input and output terminals of the board. If the board has any visible damage or does not supply voltage to the compressor, the board is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Check for Refrigerant Leak
The refrigerant is the substance that flows through the refrigeration system and absorbs and releases heat. If the refrigerant leaks out of the system, the refrigerator may not cool at all or may cool inefficiently. A refrigerant leak is a serious issue that requires professional attention, as refrigerant is a hazardous material that can harm your health and the environment[^2^][2].
To check for refrigerant leak, you will need to look for any signs of oil or frost on the refrigeration tubing or the compressor. You can also use a leak detector or a soap solution to locate the leak. If you find any evidence of a refrigerant leak, you will need to contact a licensed technician to repair the leak and recharge the system.
Check the Main Control Board
The main control board is the brain of your refrigerator. It communicates with the temperature control board, the compressor inverter board, and other components to coordinate the operation of the refrigerator. If the main control board is defective, it may not send the correct signals to the other components and cause the refrigerator to malfunction.
To check the main control board, you will need to unplug your refrigerator and locate the board by following the wiring diagram in your owner’s manual. Then, you can inspect the board for any signs of damage, such as burns, cracks, or loose connections. You can also use a multimeter to check for voltage at the input and output terminals of the board. If the board has any visible damage or does not supply voltage to the other components, the board is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you diagnose and fix the problem of your Kitchenaid refrigerator not cooling. If you have followed all the steps and still have trouble with your fridge, you may need to contact a professional technician for further assistance. Thank you for reading and please share your feedback or questions in the comments section below.