Whirlpool Refrigerator: not cooling

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling properly? If the temperature inside your fridge is above 40Â°F, food may spoil quickly. This issue can arise even if the unit seems to be running, often due to dirty condenser coils or issues with the start relay or compressor.

Urgency: High

Important Tips for Whirlpool Models

Some Whirlpool models can be in Demo/Showroom mode where cooling is disabled; check manual to exit this mode.
Some models have specific temperature control and vent locations; refer to model manual for coil and fan placement.

Possible Causes

Dirty condenser coils

How to Identify: Visible dust and debris on coils at back or bottom of fridge; compressor runs longer than normal without cooling

Part: Condenser coils

Start relay or compressor issues

How to Identify: Compressor does not start/cycles incorrectly, clicking noises, fridge remains warm

Part: Compressor or start relay

DIY Solutions

Clean condenser coils

Moderate 30-60 minutes

Tools Needed: vacuum with brush attachment, coil brush

Unplug the refrigerator
Pull fridge away from wall and locate condenser coils
Use a vacuum/brush to remove dust and debris
Push fridge back and restore power

⚠️ Safety First: Unplug before cleaning to avoid shock

Clear internal air vents

Easy 10-20 minutes

Tools Needed: none

Remove items blocking vents in fridge and freezer
Reorganize shelves to improve airflow

Check and clean door gasket

Easy 10-30 minutes

Tools Needed: warm soapy water, soft cloth

Inspect gasket for debris or damage
Clean gasket with warm soapy water
Perform dollar-bill test to assess seal
Replace gasket if worn

Defrost freezer to remove ice buildup

Easy 2-6 hours

Tools Needed: towels, bowl for water

Unplug refrigerator
Remove food and let ice melt
Clean up water
Restore power and monitor cooling

⚠️ Safety First: Place towels to catch water

Verify thermostat settings

Easy 5 minutes

Tools Needed: thermometer (optional)

Check temperature control settings
Set fridge to recommended cold setting
Wait 24 hours to observe change

Professional Repairs

Evaporator fan motor replacement

Estimated Cost: $100 - $250

Replace start relay or compressor work

Estimated Cost: $150 - $800+

Defrost system component repair

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

When to Call a Professional

No change after DIY steps, persistent warm temperatures

Unusual noises from compressor area or clicking relays

Visible frost buildup on coils repeatedly after defrost

Fans not running when fridge is powered

Preventive Maintenance

Clean condenser coils: Reduced cooling efficiency due to dirt
Frequency: every 6 months
Check and clean door gaskets: Cold air leakage due to poor seals
Frequency: monthly
Ensure vents are unblocked: Airflow restrictions leading to poor cooling
Frequency: weekly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Whirlpool Refrigerator not cooling?

Common causes include dirty condenser coils and potential issues with the start relay or compressor.

How do I fix Whirlpool Refrigerator not cooling myself?

You can clean the condenser coils, clear air vents, check the door gasket, defrost the freezer, and verify thermostat settings.

How much does it cost to fix not cooling?

Professional repairs can range from $100 to $800+, depending on the issue, such as fan motor or compressor replacement.

When should I call a technician for not cooling?

Call a technician if DIY solutions fail or if you suspect a serious issue with the compressor or relay.

References & Sources

Whirlpool troubleshooting: Why Is My Refrigerator Not Cooling? Official

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

45%

DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

Faulty control board (5 mentions)
Compressor failure (4 mentions)
Thermostat issues (4 mentions)
Defrost system failure (3 mentions)
Refrigerant leak (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

Replaced control board, fridge is now cooling properly.

Success rate: 3.0%
Replaced starting device, refrigerator is now working fine.

Success rate: 2.0%
Defrost for 24 hours and let sit without opening for 8 hours.

Success rate: 1.0%
Tapped the unit to get the fan working again.

Success rate: 1.0%
Reset the fridge, it began cooling again.

Success rate: 1.0%

Analysis based on 55 community discussions
View Sources

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

Community Discussions

recently stopped cooling

Replaced the starting device, and the refrigerator is now working fine.

DIY View on Reddit →

not getting cold enough

Replaced the control board with a new one, and the fridge is now cooling properly.

DIY View on Reddit →

freezer cold but fridge warm, evaporator coils frozen

Replaced the bi-metal heater after confirming it was dead, fridge is now cooling properly.

DIY View on Reddit →

Refrigerator intermittently stops running

Likely needs a new thermostat.

DIY View on Reddit →

freezer isn’t holding cold temp

Contact Whirlpool for warranty service on the sealed system.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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Whirlpool Refrigerator: not cooling

What is this symptom?

Important Tips for Whirlpool Models

Possible Causes

Dirty condenser coils

Start relay or compressor issues

DIY Solutions

Clean condenser coils

Clear internal air vents

Check and clean door gasket

Defrost freezer to remove ice buildup

Verify thermostat settings

Professional Repairs

Evaporator fan motor replacement

Replace start relay or compressor work

Defrost system component repair

When to Call a Professional

Preventive Maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Can I Fix This Myself?

Common Issues Reported by Users

User Suggested Solutions

Replaced control board, fridge is now cooling properly.

Replaced starting device, refrigerator is now working fine.

Defrost for 24 hours and let sit without opening for 8 hours.

Tapped the unit to get the fan working again.

Reset the fridge, it began cooling again.

Community Discussions

User Comments (0)