Why Is My Whirlpool Fridge Freezer Cold But Refrigerator Not Cooling?

It can be incredibly frustrating when your Whirlpool refrigerator's freezer is working normally, but the fridge section just won't get cold. Food spoils quickly without proper refrigeration, so it's important to diagnose and resolve the issue as soon as possible.

We'll also provide tips on how to troubleshoot the problem yourself to get your fridge back to cooling properly.

Common Causes of a Whirlpool Fridge Not Cooling

There are several possible explanations for why your Whirlpool refrigerator's fridge section is not cooling even though the freezer is cold:

Overstuffing

If the fridge is stuffed too full, it can obstruct airflow and prevent cold air from circulating properly. Try removing some items to allow more space for air to move around.

Dirty or Clogged Condenser Coils

Dust buildup on the condenser coils blocks airflow and reduces cooling efficiency. Carefully clean the coils with a vacuum or brush to remove debris.

Malfunctioning Evaporator or Condenser Fan

The evaporator and condenser fans circulate air in the fridge and freezer compartments. If either fan motor burns out, cooling performance drops. Test the fans and replace any defective ones.

Failed Compressor Start Relay

The start relay provides power to the compressor motor. If it fails, the compressor may not turn on. Replace the start relay if faulty.

Main Control Board Malfunction

The main control board regulates temperature. If it malfunctions, the fridge may stop cooling even though the freezer still works. Replace the control board if necessary.

Ice Buildup From Faulty Defrost System

Excess frost and ice can form if the defrost mechanism breaks. This insulates the fridge from the cold air. Repair the defrost timer, heater, or thermostat to fix this.

Freezer Working But Refrigerator Section Warm

When troubleshooting a Whirlpool refrigerator with a cold freezer but warm fridge, it's important to verify that the freezer is actually reaching the proper temperature. Use an appliance thermometer to check that the freezer is around 0degF (-18degC).

Next, confirm that the fridge temperature is truly too warm. The refrigerator compartment should be close to 37degF (3degC). If it's warmer than 40degF (4degC), that indicates there is a cooling problem.

Pay attention to where the warm spots are located. If the top and back of the fridge feel warmer, the evaporator coils may be frosted over. But if the bottom and door areas are warm, airflow may be blocked or the defrost heater could be broken.

Check the Door Seal

Inspect the door gasket for any cracks, tears, or gaps that allow air leaks. Also make sure the door seal is clean. Wipe down the gasket with mild soap and water to remove grime buildup.

Adjust Temperature Settings

Often the fridge or freezer temperature controls get bumped accidentally. Verify the temperature settings are correct. The fridge should be set to 37-40degF (3-4degC). The freezer should be around 0degF (-18degC).

How To Troubleshoot a Whirlpool Fridge Not Cooling

If your Whirlpool refrigerator's freezer is cold but the fridge is not, here are steps to troubleshoot the problem:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and leave it off for 30 minutes to reset it.
2. Thoroughly clean the condenser coils and clear any obstructions.
3. Check the evaporator and condenser fan motors. Replace if not working properly.
4. Inspect the door gasket for damage. Clean or replace as needed.
5. Make sure the fridge and freezer temperatures are set correctly.
6. Test the start relay, thermostat, and control board. Replace any defective parts.
7. Check the defrost timer, heater, and thermostat. Repair as necessary.

Clean the Condenser Coils

Over time, dust and pet hair can build up on the condenser coils underneath or behind the fridge. This prevents proper airflow. Carefully clean the coils with a vacuum hose or condenser coil brush.

For stubborn dirt, mix a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and water. Lightly spritz the coils and let sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing clean.

Check the Evaporator Fan

The evaporator fan is mounted on the inside back wall of the freezer. It circulates cold air from the freezer to the fridge. If the fan motor fails, it will affect cooling.

To check the fan, unplug the fridge. Remove rear panel screws to access the evaporator housing. The fan should spin freely when moved with your finger. Replace the fan motor if it's seized up or slow.

Inspect the Defrost System

Every 8-12 hours, a defrost heater and termination thermostat automatically melt away any frost buildup on the evaporator coils. If the defrost components malfunction, ice can accumulate and block airflow.

Test the continuity of the defrost thermostat with a multi-meter when cold. Replace it if defective. Also inspect the defrost heater for damage and replace if needed.

Fixing a Whirlpool Refrigerator Freezer Cold But Fridge Not

Once you've diagnosed the problem, repairing a Whirlpool refrigerator with a cold freezer and warm fridge involves replacing any malfunctioning parts.

Replace the Start Relay

The start relay provides the jolt of electricity needed to start the compressor. It's located in a plastic housing near the compressor. Remove the relay and use a multi-meter to test it for continuity.

If the relay tests faulty, install a new Whirlpool start relay that matches your model. Carefully insert it into the socket and plug in the connector.

Replace Main Control Board

The main control board controls the fridge and freezer temperatures. Over time, electrical components and relays on the board can fail.

Unplug the appliance and remove the control board cover. Detach all connectors. Install a new control board and reconnect all wiring in the proper terminals.

Replace Evaporator or Condenser Fan Motor

If the evaporator or condenser fan motor is burned out, replacement is necessary. Match the fan blade diameter and shaft size to your model. After installing the new fan motor, spin it to ensure smooth operation.

After completing repairs, allow time for the refrigerator to cool down fully. Verify the fridge temperature drops below 40degF (4degC) and the freezer reaches 0degF (-18degC).

To help prevent future cooling issues:

• Clean condenser coils every 3-6 months.
• Defrost freezer compartment regularly to maintain efficiency.
• Avoid overstuffing refrigerator or blocking vents.
• Replace old or worn door gaskets.

Your fridge can provide many years of reliable cooling performance. Follow the troubleshooting tips outlined to resolve any cooling issues that arise quickly and keep your food fresh.