10 Reasons For Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Cooling and {How To Fix}

By
Kimberly Crawford
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Last Updated on August 11, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford

Is the temperature of your leftovers lukewarm? Is it possible that your milk becomes sour in a matter of hours? You should check the temperature in your refrigerator. It’s likely that it’s not cooling as efficiently as it should. But why is it suddenly malfunctioning?

Is your refrigerator getting too hot to handle? It’s upsetting to find your Whirlpool refrigerator isn’t working properly. After all, the last thing you want is for your food to rot and for your money to go down the drain. When your refrigerator breaks down, it usually affects the entire appliance. 

It can be perplexing when your Whirlpool refrigerator freezer is chilly but the refrigerator is warm. The good news is that if your Whirlpool refrigerator isn’t cooling properly, a few simple DIY actions can frequently get things back on track.

Related: 7 Refrigerator Brands To Avoid and 5 Most Reliable Brands

What Causes a Whirlpool refrigerator to stop cooling? And how to fix 

The last thing you need is a non-cooling Whirlpool refrigerator. If you don’t address this issue, food stored in your refrigerator will spoil, resulting in a loss of money.

What could possibly cause a Whirlpool refrigerator to stop functioning? Continue reading to find out why your Whirlpool refrigerator isn’t chilling and how to fix it.

There are various solutions for a Whirlpool refrigerator that isn’t cooling well or at all. Some of the fixes will require the services of a professional, but you can complete a couple of them yourself.

1. Condenser Coils that are filthy

The most typical source for a Whirlpool refrigerator to stop cooling is the condenser coils being dirty. Since the refrigerant travels through the condenser coils, heat is dissipated. The coils will not be able to successfully release heat if it is blocked with dust and the likes.

You may have even noticed that your refrigerator is making a noise, which is due to the fact that it is working harder to keep a consistent temperature.

How to fix

It’s Time to Clean Your Condenser Coils

  • Pull the refrigerator from where it is placed to give way to the rear and below the appliance. The coils are snake-like in appearance and aren’t always accessible due to its place beneath the refrigerator. There may also be a toe guard at the bottom front of the fridge that can be removed for easier cleaning.
  • Vacuum all of the coils and external hardware on the refrigerator with a narrow hose attachment.
  • Scrub the coils with proper cleaning  equipment to get rid of any remaining residue. These brushes are available on Amazon as well as at your local hardware or grocery store.
  • Vacuum one more time to get rid of any leftover dirt.

2. Overflowing Refrigerator

If your refrigerator isn’t chilly but the freezer is, it’s possible that it’s overloaded.

Cold air cannot move effectively throughout the unit and eventually the products placed inside it if a refrigerator is overstuffed with food.

Without enough air circulation, the refrigerator will not be able to keep its inside cool.

Here’s how to enhance your refrigerator’s air circulation and avoid overstuffing:

  • Old food containers and foods that are already spoiled should be thrown away.
  • Clean the inside of the refrigerator by utilizing a neat cloth and soapy water that is warm.
  • To improve the circulation of air, reshelving and reorganizing can be helpful.
  • For the optimum air circulation, keep the refrigerator 34% full.

3. The refrigerator’s temperature is incorrectly set.

Check the temperature settings first if your refrigerator isn’t cooling properly. To best preserve food, set the temperature of your Whirlpool refrigerator to 37°F and the freezer to 0°F. Your refrigerator’s owner’s manual may have particular suggestions for your model.

How to fix

Place a refrigerator thermometer inside the fridge if the temperature is adjusted correctly but it still feels warm. Lower the temperature till the thermometer registers 37°F if it registers higher than what the refrigerator reports.

4. The Level of the Refrigerator isn’t Right 

Refrigerators must be totally level, with no major misalignments that can negatively affect the performance of the refrigerator. If it is not oriented correctly, inserting the product at the back side of the mounting bracket may be needed.

How to fix

Release the screws and detach the cover plate that secures the ascending bracket connected to the wall. Reattaching the bracket to the wall requires slipping a piece of paper beneath the bracket.

Refrigerators must have perfectly flat sides and should be higher by a quarter inch rear wall than the anterior wall for proper cooling performance.

This allows the door to swing smoothly while keeping the condenser coil of the refrigerator from accumulating moisture. To determine if the device is not aligned, you can  use a spirit level or a laser spirit level.

5. Condenser Fan Motor Is Broken

The condenser fan’s issue is usually the cause of a refrigerator that isn’t cooling properly. It circulates cold air through the condenser coil to cool it and provide a continuous supply of air that’s cold.

Your refrigerator has the potential to overheat if that fan isn’t working properly, and it won’t work at all.

How to fix

There are several reasons why a  condenser fan may stop spinning. First, check if the blade is free of debris and dirt. 

If necessary, remove adhering with a towel. Also, checking the motor of the refrigerator is important. Because if it is damaged, it may need a new one to get it working again.

6. Thermistor Malfunctioning

The refrigerator temperature is monitored by the thermistor, which delivers the temperature information to the control board. Based on the thermistor readings, the control board adjusts power to the compressor.

The compressor and evaporator fan may not run as needed if the thermistor is malfunctioning. As a result, the refrigerator will not be cold enough.

How to fix

Test the thermistor with a multimeter to see whether it’s defective. The resistance of the thermistor should change in tandem with the temperature of the refrigerator. If the resistance does not vary or the thermistor does not have continuity, replace it.

7. Thermostat for Temperature Control Not Working Properly

The compressor, and a couple other important parts of a refrigerator all receive power from the temperature control thermostat (if applicable). It’s possible that if it isn’t working properly, the coolant system won’t run. 

How to fix

To check if the thermostat is broken, turn it from the lowest to the most optimum setting and be wary of a click. It is unlikely that the thermostat is malfunctioning if it does.

If you don’t hear a click, use a multimeter to check the thermostat for continuity. Replace the temperature control thermostat if nothing happens at any setting.

8. Start Relay

The compressor failing to run occasionally, or worse, completely failing to run is the effect of a defective or malfunctioning start relay. This will prevent the refrigerator from getting to its optimum temperature.

How to fix

Utilizing a multimeter, an equipment for measuring electric current, to check for continuity to check if the start relay is bad throughout the run and start terminal sockets.

Remove the start relay if there is no continuity between the run and start terminal sockets and replace it with a new one. 

9. Faulty Door Seals

A fridge that won’t stay cold is frequently caused by faulty door seals. A loose or damaged door seal might cause your fridge to lose cold air, preventing it from maintaining the proper temperature.

How to fix

Examine the door seal to see if any pieces are loose or have already failed. If the seal has any flaws, the cold temperature will be able to pass through them. Have the seal changed by a certified refrigerator technician if there are existing gaps, cracks, or other issues.

10. Compressor is Broken

If the compressor which circulates the refrigerant throughout the system, increasing the pressure in the warm parts of the circuit and raising the temperature of the refrigerant does not work, the refrigerator will not cool. This is, however, a rare occurrence. 

Check all of the more typically defective parts before replacing the compressor. Check the compressor after you’ve made sure all of the other components are in good operating order. Using a multimeter, check for continuity between the electrical pins on the compressor’s side. 

How to fix

The compressor is most likely malfunctioning if there is an open circuit. A licensed technician must replace the compressor if it is malfunctioning.

Related: 5 Reasons for Samsung Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Working (How To Fix)

Whirlpool fridge not cooling but light is on

The lights in your refrigerator are turned on, and you can hear the fan pumping air within, but the air is not cooling. If this is the case, the repair will most likely be a simple do-it-yourself project. 

If your refrigerator’s lights are on, the inner fan (or blower) is running, and the air inside the fridge is at room temperature, the Compressor Start Relay could be the problem.

The start relay is a small device attached to the compressor’s side. It helps the compressor work by providing electricity to the winding for a fraction of a second when it starts up. The Start Capacitor is another component that could have failed. The start capacitor acts nearly like a battery, giving the compressor a small boost during power up.

If there is a clicking sound coming from the back of the refrigerator, the compressor start relay is most likely not the problem. If this is the case, the start capacitor is the next most likely component to fail. 

These two pieces are inexpensive and may be obtained at appliance and home improvement stores, as well as smaller local hardware stores. Compressor components for refrigerators can also be bought online at very low prices.

Related: 8 Reasons for GE Refrigerator Not Cooling and {How To Fix}

Whirlpool freezer is working but refrigerator not cooling

An evaporator fan motor that is malfunctioning is a common part failure when your Whirlpool refrigerator is not cooling yet the freezer is working properly. Powered by this motor is the fan which gusts cold air over the refrigerator coils. The refrigerant cannot achieve optimal temperature without this fan.

It is extremely likely not working properly if the fan blades for the evaporator are really loud and you find it hard to move or turn. While a lack of continuity can be confirmed using an equipment called multimeter, because a faulty fan motor requires professional replacement.

Another reason might be the failure of the unfreeze system. Ice can form on the evaporator coils if any portion of the refrigerator’s defrost mechanism fails, making the refrigerator work harder to maintain cool. When a Whirlpool refrigerator freezer is working just fine but the refrigerator is not, certain defrost components are frequently at blame:

Defrost control board: determines how often the defrost function should be used. The defrost function will not work if it fails.

The temperature of the evaporator coils is monitored by the Defrost Thermostat. If it fails, the temperature measurements may be erroneous, and the defrost cycle may not kick on when it is needed.

Defrost timer: works in conjunction with the control board to switch the defrost function on and off as needed throughout the day. If it’s broken, the refrigerator won’t defrost as quickly as it should.

Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling or freezing

When you have cooling problems, the first thing you should check is the condenser wire. Dirt accumulates on the wires as a result of continuous functioning without sufficient cleaning. Because a heavy layer of dirt prevents heat from escaping the refrigerator, the coil dissipates heat inside the refrigerator.

The cooling system is operational during this problem, however the cooling is offset by the heat conveyed by the condenser coil. If your refrigerator is becoming noisier, it could be a sign that the coils have become clogged.

Another reason might be a power outage. One of the most critical components of every electrical equipment is the power cord. In this instance, your Whirlpool refrigerator is not an exception.

Solution:

  • Examine the plug:

To begin, double-check that the plug is properly seated in the socket. The voltage is degraded by a faulty power connection.

  • Examine your cord:

There’s a potential the cord will get tangled up at some point. Examine the power cable thoroughly and tape the scarred area. We recommend that you replace the cord (for a guaranteed solution).

  • Circuit breaker:

Check to see whether your fuse has blown. Power distortion could be caused by an issue with your circuit breaker.

Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling after power outage

If the refrigerator is not functioning after the power has been restored, first check the main refrigerator circuit breaker, then examine if the refrigerator was switched off during the power loss. 

Press the relevant button on the control panel to turn the refrigerator on, or flick the switch inside the fridge to turn it on. When turning on the refrigerator, each model will behave differently.

If the refrigerator still won’t turn on, make sure it’s hooked into a GFCI power outlet. During the power outage, the outlet may have tripped. If the fridge still won’t start, look for damage to the cord and plug. Simply wait 15 minutes for the fridge to start cooling if all of these items are turned on and in functioning order.

Checklist for a Power Outage in the Fridge:

  • Make sure the main refrigerator circuit breaker is turned off.
  • Double-check that the refrigerator is turned on.
  • Check to see if the refrigerator’s GFCI power outlet has been tripped.
  • Check for electrical shorts in the cord and plug.
  • A component or section of the refrigerator is broken.
  • Your refrigerator may simply require some time to cool down.

Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling on top

Consider whether the power has recently gone out or if a huge amount of food has been added before taking any action. If this is the case, the temperature may take several hours to return to normal. Similarly, if the refrigerator is brand new, it may take up to 24 hours to chill entirely.

Some refrigerators feature a cooling setting that must be activated in order for the fridge to cool down. Check to see if it was accidently turned off. 

Check if the refrigerator is still in Showroom or Demo mode if you just installed it; see the Use and Care Guide to discover how to toggle these settings on and off. If none of these statements are correct, lower the temperature setting and let 24 hours pass for it to adjust.

You must provide enough ventilation between the freezer and refrigerator sections to maintain the optimum temperature. Cool air from the freezer enters and exits the refrigerator compartment through vents in both the refrigerator and freezer. 

Make sure there are no obstructions in the way of these vents, such as food. Examine the location of your vents.

Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling on bottom

A refrigerator’s bottom can stop chilling adequately for a variety of reasons. Always begin with the most basic checks. Check to check sure both fans are functioning properly. The evaporator fan is located in the freezer, whereas the condenser fan is located near the compressor. The condenser fan motor will be running if the compressor is functioning. 

Check to see if the condenser coils are clean and that airflow is not restricted over them. Place your palm on top of the compressor and feel for vibrations to see if it’s running. Compressors typically operate at a warm to very warm temperature. 

A hot or very hot compressor might signal a problem. Look for ice on the evaporator cover (rear wall of the freezer section) to indicate a probable defrost problem.

Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling and making clicking sound

The clicking sound indicates that the compressor is attempting but failing to start. It could be due to overheating or overburdening. It’s usually a malfunctioning capacitor or relay that causes a refrigerator to make clicking noises and not cool.

A fast trip to the hardware or appliance repair store will be your next step once you’ve discovered your defective part. If you’re not a do-it-yourselfer or don’t have the necessary tools, you can hire an appliance repair specialist to handle the job. At the very least, knowing what the problem is will save him time in locating it.

FAQs on Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling

How do I reset my Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling?

If your Whirlpool refrigerator is continuously making beeping noises and not working properly, you should reset the control panel. Further problems may arise in the following years to come if the Whirlpool refrigerator button that’s used to reset it is not addressed. The main purpose of a Whirlpool refrigerator’s emergency lights is to inform you of the fact that the device needs assistance.

A list of troubleshooting recommendations from Whirlpool refrigerator control board might assist you in resolving typical appliance issues. Look to find the door switches by opening the door of the refrigerator. 

Within 10 seconds, click the switch for the door and the temperature for the refrigerator thrice. Following the release of the switches, a letter “S” should appear in the freezer portion and a “E” in the refrigerator section.

Where is the reset button on a Whirlpool refrigerator?

Look to find the door switches by opening the refrigerator’s door. Within 10 seconds, press the door switches and the refrigerator temperature button three times. Following the release of the switches, “S” should appear at the freezer portion and the letter “E” in the refrigerator section.

Pressing the temperature button of the fridge will get the service moved. According to Appliance Assistant, a sequence of numerals should appear, the number “1” will be displayed and shown by the freezer display. After all that effort, it is back in working order if you see that the display shows nothing. 

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Conclusion

Modern refrigerators are not just for keeping perishables as fresh as possible. They also serve as a free-flowing water source as well as a continuous ice-making machine.

To keep the industrious appliance functioning smoothly, the water filters, displays, and other mechanical parts require attention from time to time. The refrigerator may just need to be reset if it is beeping or showing signs of malfunction.

There’s no need to throw out or consume all of the cold food before it spoils. Instead, try one of these fast solutions to get your refrigerator back in working order.

These answers will assist you in determining why your refrigerator isn’t cooling; begin with the simple activities that you can complete yourself. If these simple fixes don’t work, it’s time to bring in the professionals.

Always refer to your refrigerator’s owner’s manual for advice on how to properly care for it.