Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Cooling? Reasons & Fixes

Is your Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling properly? It can be frustrating when your fridge stops keeping beverages chilled or allows freezer burn on frozen foods. A number of issues could cause cooling failure in Whirlpool refrigerators.

We'll also provide troubleshooting tips to help diagnose the issue so you can get your fridge back to keeping food properly cold.

Clogged Condenser Coils

One of the most common reasons a Whirlpool refrigerator stops cooling is clogged condenser coils. These coils allow the refrigerant inside the appliance to cool down after it gets hot from the compressor. Air flows across the coils, pulling heat from the refrigerant.

However, dirt, dust, pet hair, and other debris can stick to the condenser coils over time. This buildup restricts airflow across the coils, preventing them from cooling the refrigerant properly. With hot refrigerant circulating instead of cool, the fridge fails to lower temperatures sufficiently.

Cleaning Clogged Condenser Coils

Cleaning the condenser coils is often an easy DIY fix to get a Whirlpool fridge cooling once again. Here's a quick guide to cleaning condenser coils:

• Unplug refrigerator or turn off circuit breaker before cleaning coils
• Remove access panel or kick plate at base to access coils
• Use vacuum hose and brush to remove all debris and dust
• Wipe coils clean with a microfiber cloth
• Replace access panel once coils are debris-free
• Restore power and wait 24 hours to confirm fridge is cooling

Cleaning coils yearly prevents future buildup and helps avoid cooling issues. If the refrigerator still isn't getting cold enough after cleaning, another part may have failed.

Faulty Condenser Fan Motor

While the condenser coils cool the refrigerant, the condenser fan pulls air across the coils for heat transfer. This fan relies on a small condenser fan motor to spin the blades. If the motor fails, the fan won't move air.

To test the condenser fan motor, you'll need to remove the access panel behind the refrigerator again. Make sure the fridge is still powered on. Do you see or feel the fan spinning? Is there any power getting to the motor when you apply a multimeter?

If the condenser fan isn't running, you'll likely need to replace the fan motor. Installing a new motor restores airflow and allows the condenser to properly cool refrigerant once again.

Replacing a Faulty Condenser Fan Motor

Follow these steps for replacing a condenser fan motor in a Whirlpool refrigerator:

• Unplug fridge and switch off breaker
• Remove access panel and disconnect wiring harness
• Release motor bracket hardware and remove motor
• Insert new Whirlpool condenser fan motor
• Reattach wiring harness and mounting bracket
• Confirm new motor is running once power is restored

With the new motor spinning the fan at a consistent rate, the condenser coils can keep the refrigerant cool for proper food storage temperatures once again.

Refrigerant Leaks

The refrigerant circulating through a Whirlpool refrigerator's sealed system is vital for heat transfer and cooling. However, if a leak develops in the copper lines or other sealed system components, refrigerant can slowly escape.

As refrigerant levels drop due to leaks, the compressor has to work harder to try cooling with less refrigerant. Eventually, levels drop low enough that the fridge cannot maintain set temperatures. Foods begin spoiling as the refrigerator warms past 40degF.

Finding and Repairing Refrigerant Leaks

Diagnosing refrigerant leaks usually requires an HVAC technician. They have specialized tools to:

• Perform a thorough leak check with electronic detectors
• Isolate the source of any leaks
• Determine necessary repairs like pipe replacement
• Recharge the refrigerant system with new R134a refrigerant

While refrigerant leaks often require professional service, repairing leaks before the system is completely empty can get a Whirlpool refrigerator cooling again. Preventative maintenance checks can also help avoid leaks developing into larger, costly issues down the road.

Faulty Thermostat

The refrigerator's thermostat monitors interior temperatures, signaling the compressor when to turn on and off to maintain set temperatures. If the thermostat malfunctions due to defects or damage, it disrupts this vital on/off cycle.

A faulty thermostat may fail to trigger the compressor when the fridge temperature rises. This allows warming to occur. Or it could fail to signal the compressor to turn off once set temperatures are met, leading to overcooling.

Use a multimeter to check the thermostat for signs of defects. If it's not properly communicating temperature readings or sending electrical signals, replacement is required.

Replacing a Bad Thermostat

Here are the basic steps DIYers follow when replacing a Whirlpool refrigerator thermostat:

• Switch off power supply to refrigerator
• Remove back service panel to access thermostat
• Label and disconnect thermostat wiring
• Release mounting screws to remove old thermostat
• Install replacement Whirlpool thermostat
• Reconnect labeled thermostat wires
• Restore power and confirm fridge is cooling

With an upgraded thermostat regulating the compressor based on interior temps, the cooling system can keep the fridge and freezer at ideal storage temperatures once again.

Other Potential Issues

Less common issues can also prevent a Whirlpool refrigerator from cooling properly, including:

• Defrost system failure - The defrost timer or heater stops working properly, leading to frost buildup and cooling restrictions.
• Control board defects - Electronic control boards regulate various systems, including temperature. Faults disrupt key operations.
• Damper control problems - Issues with the diffuser damper motor prevent even air circulation.

An appliance technician can help troubleshoot these less common issues. Proper repairs restore full functionality.

While almost all fridge parts can eventually fail, certain maintenance tips help minimize problems:

• Clean condenser coils regularly to enable proper airflow
• Use refrigerator gently to avoid damaging components
• Keep door seals clean and flexible to prevent cool air escaping
• Defrost freezer to maintain efficient operations

Implementing preventative maintenance, combined with following proper usage and loading guidelines per the owner's manual, keeps a Whirlpool refrigerator providing reliable cooling year after year.