Kenmore Refrigerator: not freezing
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.
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
- Unplug refrigerator and locate condenser coils (behind or underneath).
- Use brush and vacuum to remove dust and debris from coils.
- Wipe coils with a damp cloth and allow to dry before plugging back in.
- Restart and monitor freezer temperature over next 24 hours.
Inspect and adjust door gasket
- Open freezer and inspect gasket for tears, deformation or dirt.
- Clean gasket surfaces with warm soapy water and dry thoroughly.
- Close door and check for gaps; use a dollar bill test to check seal.
- Replace gasket if seal is poor (replacement may require specific part for model).
Clear frost and vents to improve airflow
- Unplug the freezer and remove all food items.
- Allow frost to melt naturally or use a hair dryer on low heat to speed defrosting.
- Wipe away water and ice from evaporator area.
- Ensure vents are clear of food items when restocking to allow airflow.
- Plug back in and monitor temperatures.
Next step
Choose the next step for not freezing
Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.
Most relevant component to inspect
Thermostat
Regulates temperature by turning the heating or cooling system on or off.
- Typical part-only price
- $15 - $40
- DIY difficulty
- Easy
- Estimated time
- 15-30 mins
Where can I find the model number?
Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.
Verify the complete model and part number on the retailer's compatibility page before ordering.
Other parts options
Check related components first; use model search as a fallback.
Condenser Fan Motor
Moves air across the condenser and compressor compartment to remove heat.
Defrost Thermostat
Monitors evaporator temperature and opens the defrost-heater circuit at a safe temperature.
Defrost Heater
Melts frost buildup on the evaporator coils during the defrost cycle.
Model-compatible Refrigerator parts
Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission from other qualifying purchases or service requests made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are based on repair relevance, not commission rate.
Optional routine care
Maintenance supplies
These products support cleaning or routine upkeep. They are separate from the possible repair components above and are not claimed to fix this error code or symptom.
Refrigerator Condenser Coil Brush
For routine cleaning of accessible condenser areas where the manufacturer permits it. It does not repair a sealed-system or compressor fault.
Model-Compatible Refrigerator Water Filter
A routine replacement item on models with a water filter. Match the complete appliance model and existing filter number before ordering.
Compatibility check required: use the complete appliance model and compare the existing filter, bag, or specification before ordering.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.
Professional Repairs
Replace temperature control thermostat
Replace compressor start relay or compressor
Evaporator or condenser fan motor replacement
Defrost system component replacement
When to Call a Professional
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?
How do I fix Kenmore Refrigerator not freezing myself?
How much does it cost to fix not freezing?
When should I call a technician for not freezing?
Community Analytical Insights
Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions
Common Issues Reported by Users
- Bad compressor relay (1 mentions)
- Defrost issues (defroster, thermostat) (3 mentions)
User Suggested Solutions
-
Replace bad compressor relay and check compressor
Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View
Sources
Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:
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.
freezer thaws
No easy fix identified; keeping kitchen at normal temperature may help.
Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair
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