Kenmore refrigerators always provide good cooling. But it can have some issues sometimes. For the Kenmore refrigerators, the issue is often related to not cooling.
If a fridge is not cooling, it’s not useful. Because of that, the cooling issue of the Kenmore refrigerator can be quite frustrating.
Why is the Kenmore refrigerator not cooling?
Firstly, there can be an issue with the condenser motor & fans. The fridge can’t cool itself without the fans. Secondly, frost buildup can stop the refrigerator from getting cold. You can manually defrost in this case. Lastly, systematic problems may keep the fridge warm; a restart may be helpful.
Alongside this information, you will need specific guidelines to fix the refrigerator. It is provided in the article below.
Got some spare minutes? Read along!
3 Reasons for The Kenmore Refrigerator Not Cooling
The cooling issues of the Kenmore refrigerators occur because of some small reasons. Once you can locate the problems, you can fix them accordingly.
You also can make mini-fridges colder if your mini-fridge has these problems.
Below, I have listed the reasons regarding the cooling issue and their corresponding solutions.
Without further ado, let’s get into it!
Reason 1: Dysfunctional Fans of Condenser Motor
This is one of the most common problems in all of the refrigerators out there. The Kenmore refrigerator is no different.
Sometimes the motors of the condenser work. Yet, the fans attached to the motors do not work. The fans are very important as they draw air in via the coils. The air is then blown over the compressor to improve its efficiency.
Excess dirt or gunk buildup can also make the fans not work. They fail to rotate because the dirt and gunk are obstacles in that case.
No circulation of cool air inside the fridge also keeps the fridge warm.
Solution
To solve this problem, you will need to clean the fans first. Cleaning the fans is an easy task to do.
First, turn the Kenmore refrigerator off. Then, take a small cloth and warm water. Dip the cloth in the water and then clean the fans gently. Applying too much force may break it.
If there is too much dirt/gunk in it, use the lemon and vinegar cleaner. It will remove the gunk in very less time. Finally, dry the fan off with tissues or a dry cloth.
If the fan is still not working, you’ll need to change the fan and motor. Replace it with a new one.
I have listed some great condenser motor replacements for your Kenmore fridge here:
| Product 1 | |
| Product 2 |
Hope this helps you pick a suitable motor!
Reason 2: Buildup of Frost
The reason behind ice building up over time is the moist air entering the fridge. When you open the lid/door of your refrigerator, the moist air gets inside. Then it freezes up.
This buildup disrupts the functions of the evaporator which heats up the fridge. Heating up the fridge does not let it freeze inside. It is also harmful to the fridge itself.
You may observe similar freezing issues on LG refrigerator because of frost buildup.
Solution
Kenmore has a built-in defrosting system that melts excess ice. You can press the door switch 5 times rapidly to activate it. If the defrost system is not working or you don’t have it, consider manually defrosting.
Manually defrosting is pretty straightforward. Just leave the refrigerator plugged out of power. The ice will melt on its own. You’ll have to soak up all the water with a cloth. It does take a bit of time but the process is easy.
Reason 3: Internal/Startup Problem
The Kenmore refrigerator has the main control board inside. Sometimes it fails to operate smoothly. The features of the refrigerator become a bit malfunctioning.
For instance, the defrost system might not work for this reason; as stated earlier.
In this case, a proper restart of the Kenmore refrigerator may fix the problem. You can follow a few steps to restart the fridge.
This process is similar to resetting an Electrolux refrigerator.
Solution
You’ll have to reset the Kenmore refrigerator in this case. Follow the steps below to reset it.
First, press and hold the 2 buttons ‘Home’ and ‘Ultra Ice’. They are located at the fridge door. Hold them for at least 5 seconds. Then, unplug your fridge from the power source.
After unplugging, please wait for a minimum of 15 minutes. Finally, plug your fridge back in.
Make sure your fridge is getting power by looking at the light inside the fridge. If it is on, the fridge is powered on.
Following these steps will execute a successful restart. Hopefully, the small systematic errors will also be gone.
Remember to maintain proper precautionary measures. Always check if you have properly unplugged the refrigerator or not. Use rubber gloves throughout the whole process.
Even after following all the above mentioned solutions, the problem still remains then calling a professional. The problem might be out of your reach to fix.
FAQs
Question: Will unplugging a fridge reset it?
Answer: Yes, it’s possible to reset a fridge by unplugging and replugging it. Remove the power cord from the outlet to disconnect your fridge from its power source. You might hear some whooshing or knocking noises once you’ve done so. Leave your fridge unplugged for 15 minutes, or the reset won’t function.
Question: Why is my fridge warm but my freezer cold?
Answer: Frost buildup can be a reason for a warm fridge and a cold freezer. Frost can build up on the evaporator coils if the defrost heater burns out. As these coils become frozen over, no air will be able to pass through. That’s the reason why no cooling will be possible inside the fridge.
Question: Where is the evaporator fan located?
Answer: The evaporator fan is generally located at the backside of a refrigerator. If you want to access the fan, you have to get into the rear panel. It can be tricky. Start by removing all the shelves and drawers of the fridge. You will see the rear panel. Then, unscrew if needed and work your way in.
Endnote
Now you know the reasons and fixes behind your Kenmore refrigerator not cooling. I sincerely hope you’ll be able to fix your refrigerator effortlessly!
Remember to shut off the door after you are done with your freezer. Because this can damage the freezer as air goes in and gets clogged at times.
Wishing you all the best!