When a Jenn-Air refrigerator is warm in the fresh food compartment but the freezer remains cold, the issue almost always comes down to airflow not cooling production. Jenn-Air refrigerators rely on a single cooling system where cold air is generated in the freezer and then circulated into the refrigerator section. If that airflow is interrupted, cold air stays trapped in the freezer while the fridge slowly warms up. This can be confusing because the appliance appears to be “half working,” but in reality, cold air simply isn’t reaching the fridge. In most cases, the root cause is a failed evaporator fan, ice buildup from a defrost issue, a stuck air damper, or blocked airflow vents.

Understanding Why the Freezer Is Cold but the Fridge Is Warm

Jenn-Air refrigerators do not cool the freezer and refrigerator independently. Instead, the freezer acts as the cooling hub for the entire appliance. Cold air is produced at the evaporator coils in the freezer and then pushed into both compartments by the evaporator fan. When airflow is reduced or stopped, cold air remains concentrated in the freezer while the refrigerator section is left without adequate cooling.

This is why the freezer can maintain normal temperatures while milk, produce, and leftovers in the fridge begin to spoil.

Most common reasons this happens:

• Evaporator fan motor not running or running weakly
• Ice or frost blocking airflow channels
• Air damper stuck closed or not responding
• Food or ice blocking internal vents
• Defrost system components failing

Once you understand this airflow dependency, diagnosing the problem becomes far more straightforward.

How Cold Air Circulates Inside a Jenn-Air Refrigerator

Cold air circulation begins when refrigerant flows through the evaporator coils behind the rear freezer panel. As these coils cool, the evaporator fan pulls air across them and distributes it throughout the freezer. A portion of that cold air is then directed through internal ducts and vents into the refrigerator compartment. The air damper controls how much cold air enters the fridge, opening and closing based on temperature readings from sensors.

If any part of this airflow path fails, the system loses balance. Even though the compressor and coils continue working, the refrigerator section no longer receives enough cold air to stay cool.

Check the Evaporator Fan Motor (Most Common Cause)

What the Evaporator Fan Does

The evaporator fan motor is responsible for moving cold air from the freezer into the refrigerator section. Without it, cold air cannot circulate properly, making evaporator fan failure the number one cause of a warm fridge with a cold freezer in Jenn-Air units.

Unlike condenser fan issues, which affect overall cooling efficiency, evaporator fan problems specifically affect air distribution explaining why only the fridge side warms up.

Signs of a Failing Evaporator Fan

A failing evaporator fan usually gives clear warning signs before it stops completely.

• Little to no airflow from refrigerator vents
• Grinding, squealing, or rattling noises from the freezer
• No fan sound when the compressor is running
• Fan blades that don’t spin freely by hand

In many Jenn-Air models, the fan stops when the freezer door is open, so testing should be done by pressing the door switch while the unit is running.

How to Test the Evaporator Fan Motor

Start by unplugging the refrigerator. Remove freezer shelves and the rear interior panel to access the fan.

Basic testing steps:

• Spin the fan blade by hand (it should move smoothly)
• Restore power and press the freezer door switch
• Listen and look for fan movement while the compressor runs

If the blade is stiff, noisy, or doesn’t spin at all, the motor bearings are likely worn. For confirmation, a multimeter can be used to test continuity no continuity indicates a failed motor that needs replacement.

Inspect for Frost or Ice Buildup on Evaporator Coils

Why Ice Buildup Causes a Warm Fridge

When the defrost system fails, frost accumulates on the evaporator coils and gradually turns into solid ice. This ice blocks airflow and can even stop the evaporator fan from spinning. As airflow decreases, cold air cannot reach the refrigerator compartment, even though the freezer still feels cold.

Signs of a Defrost System Problem

• Thick ice covering the evaporator coils
• Frost buildup on the freezer’s back wall
• Reduced airflow despite the fan running

If ice buildup is severe, the freezer panel may feel unusually cold or appear bowed due to expanding ice behind it.

Manual Defrost Test

To confirm a defrost-related issue:

• Unplug the refrigerator
• Leave both doors open for 24 hours
• Allow all ice to melt naturally

If normal cooling returns but fails again within a few days, the defrost heater, defrost thermostat, or control board is likely failing and needs further testing.

Check the Air Damper Between the Freezer and Refrigerator

What the Air Damper Controls

The air damper regulates how much cold air flows from the freezer into the refrigerator compartment. It opens when the fridge needs cooling and closes once the desired temperature is reached. If the damper is stuck closed, blocked by ice, or mechanically damaged, cold air will never reach the fridge.

How to Inspect the Air Damper

Locate the damper behind the upper refrigerator vent. Remove the vent cover carefully. Check if the damper door opens and closes freely. A damper that is jammed, cracked, or unresponsive should be cleaned or replaced to restore airflow.

Check for Blocked or Obstructed Airflow Vents

Why Vent Blockages Matter

Even with a working fan and damper, airflow can be disrupted if vents are blocked. Overpacking shelves or placing large containers directly in front of vents prevents cold air from circulating properly.

Quick Checks to Perform:

• Move food away from vent openings
• Avoid overfilling freezer shelves
• Clear any visible ice near vents

Once vents are cleared, temperature balance often improves within several hours.

Inspect Door Seals and Operating Modes

Door Gasket Issues

Damaged or loose door gaskets allow warm air to enter the refrigerator compartment. This raises internal temperatures and forces the appliance to work harder than necessary.

• Cracks or tears in the gasket
• Gaps between the gasket and cabinet
• Weak sealing when the door is closed

Demo or Showroom Mode

Some Jenn-Air models include a demo or showroom mode that disables cooling for display purposes. If activated accidentally, the refrigerator may appear to run while failing to cool properly. Always confirm that demo mode is turned off.

Other Less Common Causes to Consider

If airflow components appear to be working correctly, consider these less frequent issues:

• Faulty thermistor sending incorrect temperature data
• Dirty condenser coils reducing efficiency
• Control board not powering the fan or damper properly

These issues are less common but can contribute to uneven cooling.

When to Call a Professional Technician

If the evaporator fan does not run, ice buildup returns quickly after defrosting, or electrical testing points to sensor or control board failure, professional service is recommended. Components such as defrost heaters, thermistors, and control boards require proper diagnostic tools and experience.

Commonly Asked Questions About Jenn-Air Fridge

Q1: Why is my Jenn-Air refrigerator warm but the freezer is cold?

This issue occurs when cold air is not circulating from the freezer to the refrigerator. The cause is often related to airflow problems such as a faulty evaporator fan, ice buildup on the evaporator coils, or a stuck air damper. These components can block the path of cold air, leaving the freezer cold but the fridge warm.

Q2: What causes the evaporator fan motor to fail?

The evaporator fan motor can fail due to worn-out bearings, blockages, or electrical issues. When the motor is defective, the fan may not spin or may make unusual noises like grinding or squealing. This leads to insufficient airflow from the freezer to the refrigerator, causing the fridge to warm up.

Q3: What happens if the defrost system fails in my Jenn-Air refrigerator?

A failed defrost system causes ice to build up on the evaporator coils, blocking airflow and preventing cold air from reaching the refrigerator. If you notice frost or ice buildup on the back wall of the freezer, it could indicate a defrost heater failure or malfunctioning defrost thermostat.

Q4: What is the role of the condenser fan in a Jenn-Air refrigerator?

The condenser fan helps expel heat from the compressor and the condenser coils, allowing the refrigerator to maintain proper temperatures. If the condenser fan is blocked or malfunctioning, it can cause the refrigerator and freezer to overheat, reducing cooling efficiency and potentially affecting airflow.

Q5: Why does the refrigerator stay warm even though the freezer is cold?

This is typically caused by an airflow issue. If the cold air from the freezer cannot reach the refrigerator due to a malfunctioning evaporator fan, a stuck air damper, or ice buildup on the evaporator coils, the freezer remains cold while the refrigerator warms up.

Q6: Can blocked vents in the fridge section affect the cooling performance?

Yes, if vents in the fridge section are blocked by food or ice, cold air cannot circulate properly, which leads to uneven cooling. Always make sure that the vents are unobstructed, and avoid overloading the fridge with large items that block airflow.

Q7: When should I call a technician for my Jenn-Air refrigerator?

If you’ve tried the troubleshooting steps and your Jenn-Air refrigerator is still not cooling properly, it may be time to call a professional technician. This is especially necessary if you suspect issues with the compressor, control board, or refrigerant levels, or if you’re unable to access internal parts like the evaporator fan or defrost system components.

Q8: Why is the fridge section warming up but the freezer is still cold?

This issue typically happens due to a disruption in airflow between the freezer and fridge. The evaporator fan is responsible for circulating cold air from the freezer to the fridge. If the fan is malfunctioning, or if there is a blockage (like frost build-up), cold air cannot reach the fridge, even though the freezer stays cold.

Q9: How can I know if my evaporator fan is working properly?

To check if the evaporator fan is working, listen for a whirring sound coming from the freezer. If you don't hear it running, the fan may be defective. Manually spin the fan blade if it doesn't spin freely, or you hear grinding or squeaking, the motor bearings might be worn. You can test the motor's continuity with a multimeter for a definitive diagnosis.

Q10: What are the signs that the air damper is stuck?

The air damper controls the flow of cold air from the freezer into the fridge. If it gets stuck or blocked, the fridge won’t cool properly. Signs of a stuck damper include:

• Unchanged temperature in the fridge section, even though the freezer is cold.
• Frozen air damper or visible ice buildup around the damper.

To check, you may need to remove the vent cover inside the fridge and inspect the damper for damage or ice blockages.