Kenmore Refrigerator: not freezing

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Kenmore refrigerator not freezing? You may notice that food is not frozen or is partially thawed, and warm air might circulate inside the freezer. This issue can occur even when the appliance is powered on and temperature controls are set correctly. Identifying the root cause is essential to restore proper freezing functionality.

Urgency: High

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Thermostat failure and failed start relay are especially common causes for Kenmore freezers not freezing.

Possible Causes

Faulty temperature control thermostat

How to Identify: Freezer fails to reach set temperature or fluctuates; thermostat may fail to click when adjusted.

Part: Temperature Control Thermostat

Compressor start relay or compressor issues

How to Identify: Compressor may not start or runs intermittently; warm freezer; possible unusual noises or no humming from compressor.

Part: Compressor Start Relay / Compressor

Evaporator or condenser fan not running

How to Identify: No airflow or fan noise in freezer; fan blades obstructed or fail continuity tests; cold air isn’t circulated.

Part: Evaporator Fan Motor / Condenser Fan Motor

Defrost system malfunction causing frost buildup

How to Identify: Ice accumulation on evaporator coils; reduced cold airflow; fan obstruction by ice.

Part: Defrost Heater / Defrost Timer / Defrost Thermostat

Door gasket seal failure

How to Identify: Warm air enters freezer; gasket appears torn, deformed, or doesn’t seal tightly.

Part: Freezer Door Gasket

DIY Solutions

Clean condenser coils

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: vacuum with brush attachment, coil cleaning brush
  1. Unplug refrigerator and locate condenser coils (behind or underneath).
  2. Use brush and vacuum to remove dust and debris from coils.
  3. Wipe coils with a damp cloth and allow to dry before plugging back in.
  4. Restart and monitor freezer temperature over next 24 hours.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug the unit before cleaning to avoid electrical shock.

Inspect and adjust door gasket

Easy 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: clean cloth, warm soapy water
  1. Open freezer and inspect gasket for tears, deformation or dirt.
  2. Clean gasket surfaces with warm soapy water and dry thoroughly.
  3. Close door and check for gaps; use a dollar bill test to check seal.
  4. Replace gasket if seal is poor (replacement may require specific part for model).
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure unit remains unplugged if replacing gasket parts that may expose sharp edges.

Clear frost and vents to improve airflow

Moderate 1–3 hours
Tools Needed: hair dryer or allow manual defrosting, towels
  1. Unplug the freezer and remove all food items.
  2. Allow frost to melt naturally or use a hair dryer on low heat to speed defrosting.
  3. Wipe away water and ice from evaporator area.
  4. Ensure vents are clear of food items when restocking to allow airflow.
  5. Plug back in and monitor temperatures.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not use sharp objects to chip ice.

Professional Repairs

Replace temperature control thermostat

Estimated Cost: $50–$150

Replace compressor start relay or compressor

Estimated Cost: $100–$400 (relay) / $300–$800+ (compressor)

Evaporator or condenser fan motor replacement

Estimated Cost: $80–$250

Defrost system component replacement

Estimated Cost: $100–$300

When to Call a Professional

Freezer still not freezing after basic DIY cleaning and gasket fixes
Compressor does not run or makes unusual noises
Thermostat or defrost component tests indicate failure
Evaporator or condenser fan motors fail to operate even when unobstructed

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean condenser coils: Poor freezing due to inefficient heat dissipation
    Frequency: every 6 months
  • Inspect and clean door gaskets: Air leakage leading to temperature rise
    Frequency: every 3–6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Refrigerator not freezing?
Common causes include a faulty temperature control thermostat, compressor issues, or fan malfunctions.
How do I fix Kenmore Refrigerator not freezing myself?
You can clean the condenser coils, inspect the door gasket, or clear frost and vents to improve airflow.
How much does it cost to fix not freezing?
Repair costs range from $50 to $800+, depending on the issue, such as thermostat or compressor replacement.
When should I call a technician for not freezing?
If DIY solutions don't work, or if the problem involves complex components like the compressor, call a technician.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

25%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Professional

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Bad compressor relay (1 mentions)
  • Defrost issues (defroster, thermostat) (3 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace bad compressor relay and check compressor

    Success rate: 14.0%
Analysis based on 4 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Kenmore elite fridge/freezer problem
  2. Kenmore Refrigerator bottom freezer cool but not freezing
  3. Help, Kenmore Refrigerator 10641564801
  4. Kenmore Elite not freezing anymore

Community Discussions

freezer is failing/has failed, ice cubes were soft, items in freezer drawer defrosting, clicking noise

Possible bad compressor relay; replace relay and check compressor.

DIY View on Reddit →

freezer thaws

No easy fix identified; keeping kitchen at normal temperature may help.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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