Whirlpool Refrigerator: not cooling properly

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling properly? If the appliance runs but fails to maintain a cold temperature, your food may spoil. Common causes include a malfunctioning condenser or evaporator fan motor, dirty condenser coils, or blocked air vents. Addressing these issues promptly can restore your fridge's efficiency and prevent food waste.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Whirlpool Models

  • Some Whirlpool refrigerators from certain years have had class‑action settlement for excessive frost buildup on evaporator coils that can impair cooling.
  • Do not install refrigerator near heat sources like ovens or behind cabinet doors, official Whirlpool guidance.

Possible Causes

Condenser fan motor failure or blockage

How to Identify: Fridge runs but the condenser fan isn’t spinning or is obstructed; warm back panel and poor heat dissipation.

Part: Condenser fan motor

Evaporator fan motor failure

How to Identify: Freezer cold but refrigerator section not cooling; no airflow audible or felt from the fan outlet.

Part: Evaporator fan motor

Blocked or obstructed air vents

How to Identify: Items blocking airflow pathways in freezer/refrigerator; restricted air circulation observed.

Part: Airflow vents

Dirty condenser coils

How to Identify: Coils covered in dust/debris, fridge working harder, inadequate cooling.

Part: Condenser coils

Damper control assembly malfunction

How to Identify: Warm refrigerator compartment while freezer remains colder; damper not opening/closing properly.

Part: Damper control assembly

Faulty door gasket causing air leaks

How to Identify: Visible wear/cracks in gasket; cold air escaping; condensation at edges.

Part: Door gasket/seal

Incorrect installation location (heat source proximity)

How to Identify: Fridge placed near oven/heating appliance or inadequate ventilation space.

Part: Installation environment

DIY Solutions

Clean condenser coils

Moderate 20-40 minutes
Tools Needed: vacuum with brush attachment, coil cleaning brush
  1. Unplug refrigerator.
  2. Locate condenser coils (back/bottom).
  3. Use vacuum/brush to remove dust and debris.
  4. Plug fridge back in and monitor cooling.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug before cleaning to avoid electrical hazard.

Ensure proper airflow inside compartments

Easy 10 minutes
  1. Remove items blocking vents between freezer and fridge.
  2. Arrange food to allow unobstructed airflow.
  3. Close doors and monitor cooling over a few hours.

Check and adjust door gasket

Easy 10-20 minutes
  1. Inspect door gasket for gaps/cracks.
  2. Clean gasket and surrounding frame.
  3. Close door on a thin piece of paper; if it slides out easily, consider replacing gasket.

Professional Repairs

Replace condenser or evaporator fan motor

Estimated Cost: $60 - $250 per motor

Replace damper control assembly

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

Replace door gasket

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

When to Call a Professional

Fans not running despite cleaning and blockages cleared
Unusual noises or compressor cycling irregularly
No temperature improvement after DIY steps

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean condenser coils: inefficient cooling due to dust buildup
    Frequency: every 6 months or more often in dusty environments
  • Check door gaskets for wear: cold air leaks and cooling inefficiency
    Frequency: every 3 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Whirlpool Refrigerator not cooling properly?
Common causes include condenser fan failure, evaporator fan issues, and dirty condenser coils.
How do I fix Whirlpool Refrigerator not cooling properly myself?
You can clean the condenser coils, ensure proper airflow, and check the door gasket for gaps.
How much does it cost to fix not cooling properly?
Professional repairs can range from $50 for a door gasket to $250 for a fan motor.
When should I call a technician for not cooling properly?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if you suspect fan motor failure, it's time to call a professional.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

33%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Professional

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Control board issue (3 mentions)
  • Thermostat problem (2 mentions)
  • Freon loss (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replaced the control board

    Success rate: 15.0%

  2. Monitored temperature with ThermaData® Datalogger

    Success rate: 8.0%

  3. Identified Freon loss and thermostat issue

    Success rate: 8.0%
Analysis based on 9 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Refrigerator Mystery
  2. Whirlpool refrigerator freezing food
  3. Should I repair my Whirlpool refrigerator?
  4. Refrigerator freezing things up
  5. Thanksgiving refrigerator nightmare: Whirlpool
  6. Whirlpool WRX735SDHZ03 (French door model) Freezing Food!
  7. Whirlpool Gold GD5RHAXNT00 Freezer Cold / Refrigerator Warm
  8. Freeze goes up to 17-18F before the compressor kicks in
  9. Whirlpool Gold Refrigerator Evaporator Coil Partial Ice Over...

Community Discussions

freezing food

The control board was the issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

freezing things up

Swapped the freezer sensor and controller, which resolved the freezing issue.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

refrigerator keeps freezing items

Repair technician identified Freon loss as the issue, suggesting a thermostat problem.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Freeze goes up to 17-18F before the compressor kicks in

The compressor kicks in later due to the cold environment affecting the refrigerator's ability to sense temperature.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

not getting below 44F

Purchased ThermaData® WiFi Vaccine Storage Digital Datalogger to monitor temperature.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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