Kenmore Refrigerator: not cooling

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Kenmore refrigerator not cooling properly? If the internal temperature is rising and food is spoiling, it could be due to dirty condenser coils, a faulty evaporator fan, or a worn door gasket. Addressing these issues promptly can help restore optimal cooling performance.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

Kenmore/Sears units commonly use a damper control assembly; a stuck damper can restrict airflow from freezer to fridge compartment

Possible Causes

Dirty condenser coils reducing heat dissipation

How to Identify: Coils covered in dust/debris; fridge runs longer than usual; warm interior

Part: Condenser coils

Faulty or iced evaporator fan motor

How to Identify: Freezer section cold but fresh food compartment warm; little/no airflow audible from freezer fan area

Part: Evaporator fan motor

Leaky or worn door gasket allowing warm air ingress

How to Identify: Visible gaps, cracks, or loose seal; easy air flow when paper test used

Part: Door seal (gasket)

Blocked air vents preventing airflow between freezer and fridge

How to Identify: Air vents blocked by food; cold freezer but warm fridge; reduced airflow

Part: Internal air vents/damper

Faulty start relay or compressor issues

How to Identify: Compressor not starting or cycling repeatedly; humming without cooling

Part: Start relay/compressor

Defective thermostat/thermistor causing incorrect temp readings

How to Identify: Incorrect temperature regulation; unit doesnâ€™t engage cooling cycle properly

Part: Thermostat/thermistor

Main control/temperature control board malfunction

How to Identify: Multiple unrelated functions fail (lights, compressor commands; no error codes with normal symptoms

Part: Control board

DIY Solutions

Clean condenser coils

Moderate 30â€“60 minutes

Tools Needed: vacuum with brush attachment or coil brush, screwdriver if panel removal needed

Unplug refrigerator and move it to access rear/bottom panel
Locate condenser coils and remove dust and debris using brush/vacuum
Replace access panel and plug fridge back in
Allow fridge 4â€“8 hours to reach optimal temperature

⚠️ Safety First: Always unplug before working near electrical components or coils

Defrost and test evaporator fan

Moderate 30â€“90 minutes

Tools Needed: screwdriver, multimeter (optional)

Unplug fridge, remove freezer back panel to access evaporator fan
Check for ice/frost buildup around the fan and allow to thaw
Spin fan blades by hand to test free movement
If fan doesnâ€™t spin freely or fails continuity, replace fan motor

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before panel removal

Check and adjust fridge contents to improve airflow

Easy 5â€“10 minutes

Rearrange items to ensure internal air vents are unobstructed
Avoid overpacking fridge and allow space for cold air to circulate
Monitor temperature over next 24 hours

Test and replace door gasket

Moderate 30â€“60 minutes

Tools Needed: soapy water, screwdriver if needed, replacement gasket

Inspect gasket for damage or gaps
Use soapy water to clean and test seal by closing door on paper
Remove old gasket and install new one aligning edges
Check for tight seal

Professional Repairs

Replace condenser or evaporator fan motor

Estimated Cost: $80â€“$250

Start relay or compressor service

Estimated Cost: $150â€“$700+

Control board/thermostat replacement

Estimated Cost: $100â€“$400

When to Call a Professional

Compressor not starting or making abnormal noises

Evaporator/condenser fans confirmed faulty after DIY checks

Refrigerant leak suspected (hissing, oily residue) or cooling issues persist after basic troubleshooting

Preventive Maintenance

Clean condenser coils: Reduced cooling efficiency from dust buildup
Frequency: every 6â€“12 months
Inspect door gaskets: Air leaks that decrease cooling
Frequency: quarterly
Check internal airflow: Blocked vents limiting cold air circulation
Frequency: weekly when loading groceries

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Refrigerator not cooling?

Common causes include dirty condenser coils, a faulty evaporator fan, or a worn door gasket.

How do I fix Kenmore Refrigerator not cooling myself?

DIY solutions include cleaning coils, defrosting the evaporator fan, and checking the door gasket.

How much does it cost to fix not cooling?

Professional repairs range from $80 to $700+, depending on the issue.

When should I call a technician for not cooling?

If DIY fixes donâ€™t resolve the issue or if the compressor is involved, itâ€™s time to call a pro.

References & Sources

Refrigerator not cooling: Common causes and fixes Repair-Blog

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%

DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Professional

Common Issues Reported by Users

Compressor failure (8 mentions)
Evaporator issues (frozen coils, fan malfunction) (6 mentions)
Thermostat malfunction (3 mentions)
Gasket leaks (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

Replacing the thermostat may resolve the issue.

Success rate: 1.0%
Replaced defrost thermistor and thermal fuse; confirmed defrost heaters operational.

Success rate: 1.0%
Performed forced defrost and cleaned condenser coils, which resolved the cooling issue.

Success rate: 1.0%
Replace the fan in the refrigerator due to ice buildup causing it to fail.

Success rate: 1.0%
Applying white vinyl tape to the door seal improved the situation temporarily.

Success rate: 1.0%

Analysis based on 59 community discussions
View Sources

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

Community Discussions

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turning off / won’t run

Fault in the control board; repaired for $400.