Kenmore Refrigerator: not cooling properly

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Kenmore refrigerator not cooling properly? This issue often manifests as a warm fresh food section or a freezer failing to maintain 0°F. Common causes include dirty condenser coils, a malfunctioning evaporator fan, or defrost system failures. If your fridge runs continuously but lacks cooling, it's essential to identify and address the problem promptly.

Urgency: High

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Sears Home Services specifically notes that for Kenmore 795 models not cooling, a failed compressor start relay is a common fix; if replacing the relay does not restore cooling and the compressor isn’t running, a locked compressor may be the cause requiring professional replacement.

Possible Causes

Dirty condenser coils reducing heat rejection

How to Identify: Refrigerator runs a lot, cabinet feels warm on the sides, cooling gradually worsens over weeks/months, visible dust/pet hair on coils.

Part: Condenser coils (usually underneath or behind the unit)

Evaporator fan motor not running (or airflow blocked by ice/frost)

How to Identify: Freezer may still partially cool but refrigerator section is warm; weak/no airflow from fresh-food vents; fan not heard when freezer door switch is pressed; frost buildup may be present.

Part: Evaporator fan motor (inside freezer compartment)

Condenser fan motor failure (on models with a condenser fan)

How to Identify: Compressor running but little/no airflow from rear/bottom; refrigerator unusually hot at the back; may hear compressor but no fan; sometimes intermittent cooling.

Part: Condenser fan motor (near compressor, behind rear access panel)

Defrost system failure causing evaporator coil to ice over

How to Identify: Heavy frost or solid ice behind freezer back panel; airflow decreases over time; temporary improvement after unplugging/defrosting; freezer back wall may look snow-covered.

Part: Defrost heater, defrost thermostat (bi-metal), defrost control board/timer

Compressor start relay / start device failure (common on certain Kenmore/795 series cases)

How to Identify: Clicking every few minutes; compressor tries to start then stops; relay may rattle when shaken; burn marks or overheating smell near the relay; refrigerator warm even though power is on.

Part: Compressor start relay / start device

Thermistor or temperature sensing/control issue

How to Identify: Temperatures fluctuate widely; unit may overcool or undercool; no obvious frost/fan/coils issue; error codes may appear (model-dependent.

Part: Thermistor(s) or temperature control thermostat / electronic control board

Sealed system problem (refrigerant leak or weak/locked compressor)

How to Identify: No significant cooling in either section; compressor may run continuously; only a small portion of evaporator frosts (partial frost pattern; oily residue near tubing joints; start device replacement does not help; often requires specialized tools.

Part: Compressor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant charge (sealed system)

DIY Solutions

Clean condenser coils (first-line fix)

Easy 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: Vacuum with crevice tool, Coil cleaning brush, Flashlight
  1. Unplug the refrigerator or turn off the breaker.
  2. Locate condenser coils (under the unit behind a front grille or on the back depending on model).
  3. Vacuum loose dust and debris from the coils and surrounding area.
  4. Use a coil brush to gently loosen packed dust/pet hair and vacuum again.
  5. Restore power and allow 4-24 hours to stabilize temperatures.
⚠️ Safety First: Always unplug before cleaning to prevent electric shock.

Check for blocked airflow and reorganize contents

Easy 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: Flashlight
  1. Verify air vents inside the refrigerator and freezer are not blocked by food containers or bags.
  2. Ensure items are not packed tightly against the rear wall where airflow pathways often run.
  3. Confirm door seals close fully and the door is not being held open by misaligned bins or shelves.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not chip ice with sharp tools; use safe defrost methods if ice is present.

Test evaporator fan operation (door-switch test)

Moderate 10-15 minutes
Tools Needed: Flashlight
  1. Open the freezer door and locate the door switch (usually near the frame).
  2. Press and hold the door switch; the evaporator fan should run on most models when the switch is held (unless in defrost cycle).
  3. If the fan is silent, listen closely and check for ice obstructing the fan blade area.
  4. If ice is obstructing the fan, fully defrost (see next solution). If the fan never runs, suspect a failed fan motor or wiring issue.
⚠️ Safety First: Keep fingers clear of fan blades if the fan starts unexpectedly.

Defrost a frost-blocked evaporator (temporary restore; confirms defrost issue)

Moderate 2-6 hours (active), 12-24 hours (full thaw optional)
Tools Needed: Towels, Hair dryer (optional, low setting), Cooler for food storage
  1. Unplug the refrigerator.
  2. Move perishable food to a cooler with ice.
  3. Open freezer door and remove the rear internal panel if accessible (model-dependent).
  4. Allow ice/frost to melt naturally OR use a hair dryer on low heat to speed melting (keep distance and avoid plastic overheating).
  5. Dry the compartment thoroughly, reinstall panels, and restore power.
  6. If cooling returns but fails again within days, the defrost system likely has a failed component (heater/thermostat/control).
⚠️ Safety First: Do not use sharp tools to remove ice (risk of puncturing coils).

Inspect and quick-test the compressor start relay (Kenmore 795 especially)

Advanced 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: Nut driver or screwdriver, Work gloves, Flashlight
  1. Unplug the refrigerator.
  2. Remove the rear lower access panel to reach the compressor compartment.
  3. Locate the start relay attached to the compressor terminals (usually a small plastic module).
  4. Remove the relay cover/clip and pull off the relay carefully.
  5. Inspect for burn marks or melted areas; shake it gently—if it rattles loudly, it is often considered failed.
  6. If failed, replace with the correct model-matched start device and reassemble.
  7. Restore power and monitor cooling for the next 4-24 hours.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug before accessing the compressor compartment to avoid shock.

Professional Repairs

Replace evaporator fan motor

Estimated Cost: $180 - $450

Repair defrost system failure (heater / thermostat / control board)

Estimated Cost: $200 - $550

Replace condenser fan motor

Estimated Cost: $180 - $400

Diagnose/replace compressor start device and evaluate compressor health

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

Sealed system repair (refrigerant leak or compressor replacement)

Estimated Cost: $600 - $1800

When to Call a Professional

The refrigerator is not cooling in both compartments after cleaning coils and confirming fans run.
You see heavy frost behind the freezer back panel that returns within days after a full defrost (defrost system diagnosis needed).
Compressor clicks repeatedly or will not start after a start relay replacement attempt (possible locked compressor).
You suspect a refrigerant leak or sealed system issue (oil residue, partial frost pattern, or no cooling despite normal fan operation).
Electrical burning smell, melted wiring, or tripped breaker occurs.

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean condenser coils to remove dust and pet hair buildup.: Gradual loss of cooling efficiency, overheating, compressor stress
    Frequency: every 6-12 months (every 3-6 months with pets)
  • Keep interior vents unblocked and avoid overpacking the refrigerator/freezer.: Warm refrigerator section due to restricted airflow
    Frequency: ongoing
  • Inspect and clean door gaskets; ensure doors close fully.: Warm temps from air leaks and excess moisture leading to frost
    Frequency: every 3-6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Refrigerator not cooling properly?
Common causes include dirty condenser coils, a faulty evaporator fan, or defrost system failure.
How do I fix my Kenmore Refrigerator not cooling properly myself?
Start by cleaning condenser coils and checking airflow. Test the evaporator fan operation next.
How much does it cost to fix not cooling properly?
Professional repair costs range from $150 to $1800, depending on the specific issue.
When should I call a technician for not cooling properly?
Call a technician if DIY fixes do not resolve the issue or if you encounter complex problems.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

57%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty fan or defrost issue (2 mentions)
  • Refrigerant leak (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Address faulty fan or defrost issue

    Success rate: 22.0%

  2. Repair refrigerant leak

    Success rate: 22.0%

  3. Activate defrost mode to improve temperature

    Success rate: 11.0%
Analysis based on 7 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Fridge temperature 59-60 F but Freezer is 20 F
  2. Kenmore bottom freeze refrigerator running ~10 degrees warme...
  3. Kenmore refrigerator is erratic.
  4. Refrigerator compartment warms easily
  5. Kenmore Refrigerator (795.70322310) bottom freezer only 30F
  6. Kenmore 25354739302 - Fridge side warm, freezer back panel f...
  7. Fridge repair question

Community Discussions

freezer running 10 degrees warmer than normal

Tech identified a coolant leak; user bought a new fridge.

DIY View on Reddit →

doesn't get cold enough to be safe

Possible refrigerant leak or partial restriction in the evaporator coils.

DIY View on Reddit →

bottom freezer only 30F

Shopping for replacement.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Fridge temperature 59-60 F but Freezer is 20 F

Possible faulty fan or defrost issue causing inadequate cooling in the fridge.

DIY View on Reddit →

Fridge side warm, freezer back panel frosting up

The defrost mode was activated, allowing cold air to flow into the fridge, improving temperature.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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