Kenmore Refrigerator: not cooling in refrigerator section

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Kenmore refrigerator is not cooling in the refrigerator section but the freezer remains cold, your food may warm up, posing a risk to freshness. This issue often stems from dirty condenser coils, which can hinder the cooling process. Fortunately, there are several DIY solutions and professional repair options available to restore your refrigerator's cooling efficiency.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Damper control malfunctions and iced evaporator coils frequently reported in Kenmore models where freezer works but fridge doesn’t

Possible Causes

Dirty condenser coils

How to Identify: Dust, pet hair or debris visible on coils at back/bottom; fridge runs continuously without cooling

Part: Condenser coils

DIY Solutions

Clean condenser coils

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: vacuum with brush attachment, coil cleaning brush
  1. Unplug the refrigerator
  2. Locate condenser coils at back/bottom
  3. Use brush and vacuum to remove dust and debris
  4. Restore power and monitor cooling
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug appliance before cleaning coils

Check and unstick damper control

Advanced 30-90 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, multimeter (optional)
  1. Unplug fridge
  2. Access damper assembly in fridge section
  3. Inspect for obstruction or frozen seal
  4. Manually free damper and verify movement
  5. Reassemble and test cooling
⚠️ Safety First: Power off when accessing internal parts

Manually defrost evaporator (temporary)

Easy 2–4 hours
Tools Needed: hair dryer or unplug method
  1. Unplug refrigerator
  2. Leave doors open or use hair dryer on low to melt ice on evaporator coils
  3. Once defrosted, plug fridge back in and monitor cooling
⚠️ Safety First: Avoid water contact with electrical parts

Professional Repairs

Replace evaporator or condenser fan motor

Estimated Cost: $100 - $250

Repair defrost system (heater, thermostat, timer)

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

Replace thermostat or control board

Estimated Cost: $200 - $500

Compressor or start relay replacement

Estimated Cost: $300 - $1200+

When to Call a Professional

If evaporator or condenser fan motors fail tests
Persistent ice buildup after defrosting
Thermostat or control board faults suspected
Compressor or start relay problems

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean condenser coils: Inefficient cooling due to coil dirt
    Frequency: every 6 months
  • Check door seals: Air leaks reducing cooling efficiency
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Refrigerator not cooling in refrigerator section?
Common causes include dirty condenser coils or a faulty damper control.
How do I fix Kenmore Refrigerator not cooling in refrigerator section myself?
Try cleaning the condenser coils or checking the damper control for obstructions.
How much does it cost to fix not cooling in refrigerator section?
Professional repair costs can range from $100 to over $1200 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not cooling in refrigerator section?
If DIY solutions fail or if the problem is complex, it's best to call a technician.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

65%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Defrost system failure (defrost heater, thermostat, or timer malfunction)
  • Dirty condenser coils causing poor heat exchange
  • Faulty evaporator fan motor not circulating cold air

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check and replace the defrost heater, thermostat, or timer. Unplug the refrigerator, locate the defrost components, test for continuity using a multimeter, and replace any faulty parts.

  2. Clean the condenser coils. Move the refrigerator away from the wall, use a vacuum or brush to clean the coils thoroughly, and ensure proper airflow around the unit.

  3. Inspect and replace the evaporator fan motor. Remove the back panel inside the freezer, check the fan for blockages or damage, and replace if necessary.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. 2013 Kenmore 596.6998 Fridge Warm / Freezer Cold

Community Discussions

Fridge warm / Freezer cold

Ice buildup in the freezer indicates a defrost issue, possibly related to the defrost heater, thermostat, or timer.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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