How to Fix a Kenmore Refrigerator Not Cooling

Refrigerators are designed to keep your food cool so it stays fresh and edible for longer. If your Kenmore refrigerator is failing in its sole purpose, don’t fret—you might be able to fix it yourself with some simple steps.

This article goes over the most common causes of a Kenmore refrigerator not cooling and offers guidance on how to fix them. Hopefully, this will save you the cost of hiring a professional for tasks that don’t necessarily require it.

Quick fixes for a Kenmore refrigerator not cooling

Before we start, it pays to run through this quick checklist of simple-to-fix problems that can cause a Kenmore refrigerator not to cool. It’s worth double-checking the following:

• Ensure the refrigerator is plugged into a working wall outlet.
• Make sure the door is not being opened too frequently or left open for long periods.
• Check that the door is not being obstructed by food items or a misplaced shelf, preventing it from closing fully.
• Avoid putting piping hot food items inside the refrigerator – allow them to cool first.
• Check that the refrigerator is not overfilled. It should be kept between 50% and 75% full.
• Ensure items are not blocking the vents inside the refrigerator by leaving a slight gap in front of them.

Fixing a Kenmore refrigerator that isn’t cooling

Now that you’ve gone through the quick checklist of easy fixes, it’s time to move on to the more advanced repairs. Some of these are relatively simple to fix, while others will require disassembling your appliance and testing and replacing components.

Problem with the door seals

The door seals, also called gaskets, prevent the cold air inside your Kenmore refrigerator from escaping while keeping the warm air outside from entering. This allows the refrigerator to maintain its cool temperature efficiently.

However, if the door seal is damaged or has dirt, mold, or grime buildup, gaps can form, causing the airtight seal to be lost. This results in a warmer refrigerator, as it no longer functions properly.

How to fix:

1. Open the door and inspect the rubber-like seal that runs around its edge.
2. If it appears dirty or moldy, clean it with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth.
3. If damaged, replace the door seal.
4. This typically involves carefully pulling out the old seal, cleaning the track where the seal was seated, and then pressing the new seal into the track.

This task is inexpensive and a relatively simple DIY project.

Incorrect temperature settings

This is another simple solution, you just need to know how to check and adjust the temperature settings on your Kenmore model. How to check and change the temperature settings varies across different refrigerator models, but it generally involves using the digital controls or locating the temperature dial. Refer to your user manual for exact instructions if needed.

If the fridge is not set at 37°F (3°C) or cooler, and the freezer is not set at 0°F (-18°C), this could be why your Kenmore is not cooling.

How to fix:

1. Check the current temperature settings using the digital display or temperature dials.
2. Change the fridge temperature to 37°F (3°C) and the freezer temperature to 0°F (-18°C) if they are not already.

The refrigerator is installed incorrectly

Your Kenmore refrigerator needs to have a 1- to 2-inch gap behind it, on each side, and above it. This gap allows for sufficient airflow, which the appliance needs to run optimally. The refrigerator should also be level.

Additionally, the refrigerator should not be positioned in direct sunlight or in a room that is overly humid or hot. Otherwise, the refrigerator will have to work much harder to stay cool and may fail to do so.

How to fix:

1. Use a tape measure to check that there is at least a 1- to 2-inch gap on all sides of the refrigerator.
2. Confirm that it’s not positioned near a window in direct sunlight.
3. Use a thermometer to check that the ambient temperature of the room is between 60°F and 95°F (15°C to 35°C).
4. Check that the room doesn’t have signs of high humidity, such as mold growth, excessive condensation, or a damp feel.
5. Consider relocating the appliance or making changes to the room if it fails any of these tests.

The condenser coils need cleaning

The condenser coils allow heat to be released from the refrigerator, helping it stay cool. However, over time, the coils can accumulate dirt, debris, and hair, which effectively insulates them and prevents heat from being released. The result can be a refrigerator that doesn’t cool properly.

How to fix:

1. Unplug your refrigerator and pull it away from the wall.
2. Locate the condenser coils at the bottom back of the appliance.
3. On some models, you may need to remove a cover or panel to access the condenser coils.
4. Use a soft brush and a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to gently clean the condenser coils.

An issue with the evaporator fan or coils

The evaporator coils help cool the air inside the refrigerator by absorbing heat from it, and then the evaporator fan circulates this cold air to the fridge and freezer sections. If the fan stops working, or the coils have ice buildup, the result can be that your appliance doesn’t cool as well as it should.

How to fix:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove the back panel in the freezer interior. You may need to remove additional covers or panels to access the evaporator fan and coils.
3. Check whether the fan is damaged, such as whether it has missing blades, and whether it spins freely when you turn it manually. You can also test it for continuity with a multimeter.
4. If the fan is damaged or faulty, replace it with a new one.
5. Check if there is thick frost or ice buildup on the evaporator coils. A thin layer of frost is not a concern.
6. If there is ice buildup, leave the refrigerator unplugged and let the ice melt away over several hours. Alternatively, you can use a hairdryer to melt it quickly.
7. Once the coils are ice-free and you’re sure the fan is working, reassemble the appliance and check if it now cools properly.

Complex fixes for a Kenmore refrigerator not cooling

If the steps above have not fixed your Kenmore refrigerator, there’s a chance that a more significant issue is the cause. Issues of this magnitude generally require professional assistance to fix.

These repairs can also be costly, so you’ll need to consider whether it’s worth paying for the repairs.

Complex problems that may cause your appliance not to cool include:

• Failing compressor
• Faulty main control board
• Refrigerant leak