Whirlpool Freezer: not freezing
What is this symptom?
Experiencing issues with your Whirlpool freezer not freezing? If the internal temperature fails to reach below -18°C, while the unit runs, you may have warm spots and inconsistent freezing. Common causes include improper temperature settings, dirty condenser coils, and faults in the evaporator fan or thermistor. This guide will help you diagnose and resolve the issue effectively.
Important Tips for Whirlpool Models
- Thermistor and control board faults are commonly documented causes for Whirlpool freezers not maintaining freezing temperatures
Possible Causes
Incorrect temperature setting or overcrowded interior
How to Identify: Freezer set to a warmer setting or vents blocked by food; temperature setting not at recommended freezing level
Part: User controls/airflow
Dirty or inefficient condenser coils
How to Identify: Condenser coils dusty/clogged, cooling less efficient, compressor works harder or longer
Part: Condenser coils
Faulty evaporator fan motor
How to Identify: No airflow inside freezer, warm spots near vents but cold at back, no fan sound when door switch engaged
Part: Evaporator fan motor
Defective thermistor/temperature sensor
How to Identify: Freezer runs but doesn’t maintain set temp; multimeter resistance out of spec; control board may get incorrect temperature readings
Part: Thermistor (temperature sensor)
Control board malfunction
How to Identify: No proper activation of compressor/fans despite correct temperature readings; erratic behavior
Part: Control board
Defrost system failures (heater or timer) leading to icing
How to Identify: Excess frost buildup on evaporator coils, freezer cycles improperly, reduced cooling efficiency
Part: Defrost heater assembly or timer
DIY Solutions
Check and adjust temperature setting & airflow
- Verify control panel/dial set to freezing or colder
- Rearrange items to ensure air vents inside freezer are not blocked
- Wait 24 hours to observe temperature changes
Clean condenser coils
- Unplug freezer and pull it away from wall
- Locate condenser coils (back or under unit)
- Vacuum and brush dust off coils thoroughly
- Plug freezer back in and allow time to cool
Inspect evaporator fan airflow and test
- Unplug freezer and open freezer back panel
- Locate evaporator fan and check manually if it spins freely
- Reconnect power and activate door switch to see if fan runs
- If fan doesn’t run, consider replacement
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
Condenser Coil Assembly
Releases heat from the refrigerant circuit and must match the appliance's sealed-system design.
- Typical part-only price
- $80 - $400
- DIY difficulty
- Hard
- Estimated time
- 120-240 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.
Evaporator Fan Motor
Circulates cold air from the evaporator through the refrigerator or freezer compartments.
Temperature Sensor
Monitors the internal temperature to ensure correct operation and prevent overheating.
Main Control Board
The central brain of the appliance that controls all components, cycles, and timings.
Model-compatible Freezer 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.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.
Professional Repairs
Replace thermistor (temperature sensor)
Control board replacement
Evaporator fan motor replacement
Defrost system repair (heater or timer)
When to Call a Professional
Preventive Maintenance
-
Clean condenser coils: Reduced cooling due to heat dissipation issues
Frequency: annually -
Inspect and clean door gasket: Cold air loss due to poor seal
Frequency: every 3-6 months -
Avoid overfilling freezer: Blocked airflow and uneven cooling
Frequency: ongoing
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Whirlpool Freezer not freezing?
How do I fix Whirlpool Freezer not freezing myself?
How much does it cost to fix not freezing?
When should I call a technician for not freezing?
References & Sources
- Whirlpool Freezer Troubleshooting Official
Community Analytical Insights
Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions
Common Issues Reported by Users
- Faulty thermostat preventing the compressor from running
- Dirty condenser coils reducing cooling efficiency
- Blocked air vents restricting airflow inside the freezer
User Suggested Solutions
-
Check and replace the thermostat if faulty. Locate the thermostat, disconnect power, and test it with a multimeter. Replace if it shows no continuity.
-
Clean the condenser coils. Unplug the freezer, locate the coils, and use a vacuum or brush to remove dust and debris.
-
Check for blockages in air vents. Inspect the vents inside the freezer for ice buildup or food obstruction and clear them.
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
not freezing
Unplugging the freezer for 48 hours and cleaning it may help recalibrate it.
Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair
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