Whirlpool Refrigerator: not cooling, no interior lights, clicking sound
What is this symptom?
Is your Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling, with no interior lights and a clicking sound? This could indicate a faulty start relay, condenser fan issues, or power problems affecting the lights. Discover the potential causes and solutions to restore your fridge's functionality.
Important Tips for Whirlpool Models
- Interior light failure may be caused by door switch not engaging or disconnected wiring harness. (Product Help | Whirlpool
Possible Causes
Faulty start relay causing compressor failure to start
How to Identify: Repetitive clicking every few minutes with compressor failing to run and warm interior; clicking sound from rear near compressor area. No cooling observed. Clicking often in a "click"¦ pause"¦ click" cycle.
Part: Start relay / overload protector on compressor
Failed or obstructed condenser fan motor
How to Identify: No sound or slow fan spin when fridge should be running; clogged by dust or debris; fridge not cooling despite compressor attempting to run. (Fridge Mentor
Part: Condenser fan motor / blades
No power to interior lighting due to door switch or wiring issue
How to Identify: Interior lights fail to turn on when doors open; check if door switch plunger is engaging, or if wiring harness is unplugged. (Product Help | Whirlpool
Part: Door switch / interior light wiring
Dirty or dusty condenser coils reducing cooling efficiency
How to Identify: Condenser coils covered in dust, poor heat dissipation, fridge runs longer or gets warm without effective cooling.
Part: Condenser coils
Faulty evaporator fan or airflow blockage
How to Identify: Freezer may be cold while fridge is warm; little or no airflow from freezer to fridge.
Part: Evaporator fan motor
Next step
Choose the next step for not cooling, no interior lights, clicking sound
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
Compressor
Compresses refrigerant within the sealed cooling system and requires specialized service equipment.
- Typical part-only price
- $180 - $600
- 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.
Condenser Fan Motor
Moves air across the condenser and compressor compartment to remove heat.
Condenser Coil Assembly
Releases heat from the refrigerant circuit and must match the appliance's sealed-system design.
Evaporator Fan Motor
Circulates cold air from the evaporator through the refrigerator or freezer compartments.
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 evaporator fan motor
When to Call a Professional
Preventive Maintenance
-
Clean condenser coils: Dust buildup causing cooling inefficiency
Frequency: every 6 months -
Inspect door gaskets and align doors: Air leaks and interior light switch misalignment
Frequency: every 6 months
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Whirlpool Refrigerator not cooling, no interior lights, clicking sound?
How do I fix Whirlpool Refrigerator not cooling, no interior lights, clicking sound myself?
How much does it cost to fix not cooling, no interior lights, clicking sound?
When should I call a technician for not cooling, no interior lights, clicking sound?
References & Sources
Community Analytical Insights
Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions
Common Issues Reported by Users
- Defective Start Relay
- Faulty Compressor
- Tripped Circuit Breaker or Blown Fuse
User Suggested Solutions
-
Check the circuit breaker or fuse. Reset the breaker or replace the fuse if necessary. Ensure the refrigerator is plugged in securely.
-
Inspect the start relay by unplugging the refrigerator, removing the relay, and testing it with a multimeter. Replace if faulty.
-
If the compressor is suspected to be faulty, check for signs of overheating or unusual noises. If confirmed, replace the 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:
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