If your Kenmore refrigerator isn't cooling properly, it can be frustrating, especially when it causes food spoilage. A refrigerator that is running but not cooling effectively can be caused by various issues, ranging from simple maintenance problems to more serious component failures. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you troubleshoot and fix your Kenmore refrigerator so it starts cooling again. This guide will cover the most common failure points, with fixes that you can do yourself or with the help of a professional, depending on the severity of the issue.

1. Dirty or Blocked Condenser Coils

Symptoms:
The fridge gradually warms up.
Compressor is running constantly or making unusual sounds.
Increased power consumption.

Why it Matters:
Condenser coils play a crucial role in dissipating heat from the refrigerant. When these coils are dirty or blocked with dust, pet hair, or debris, they can't release heat efficiently. This causes the compressor to work overtime, ultimately leading to poor cooling performance.

Fix:
What you can do: Unplug your refrigerator and locate the condenser coils, typically found at the back or underneath the unit.
Use a vacuum cleaner or a brush to clean the coils. If the coils are heavily clogged or difficult to access, it might be best to call a technician to clean them thoroughly.
Recommendation: Clean the coils every 6–12 months to prevent this problem from recurring.

2. Faulty Evaporator Fan Motor

Symptoms:
Freezer is cold, but the fridge section is warm.
No air is circulating from the fridge vents.
You might hear a clicking or whining noise coming from the freezer section.

Why it Matters:
The evaporator fan motor is responsible for circulating the cold air from the freezer into the refrigerator compartment. If this fan fails, the fridge section will not cool, even though the freezer may still function properly.

Fix:
What you can do: Unplug the refrigerator and check for ice buildup around the fan area. If the fan motor is blocked or frozen, carefully defrost it.
Test the fan by spinning it manually. If it doesn't spin easily or makes unusual noises, you may need to replace the evaporator fan motor.

3. Condenser Fan Motor Failure

Symptoms:
Fridge and freezer both are warm.
Compressor feels hot.
Little to no airflow from the back of the unit.

Why it Matters:
The condenser fan motor cools the compressor and condenser coils. If the fan motor stops working, the system can overheat, preventing the fridge from cooling effectively.

Fix:
What you can do: Check for any obstructions around the condenser fan and make sure it spins freely.
If the fan is still not working, you may need to replace the motor. A multimeter test can confirm if the motor is defective.

4. Defrost System Failure (Heater, Thermostat, or Control Board)

Symptoms:
Frost buildup on the back wall of the freezer.
Reduced airflow from the freezer to the fridge.
The fridge warms up while the freezer seems excessively frosty.

Why it Matters:
The defrost system (which includes the heater, thermostat, and defrost control board) prevents frost buildup on the evaporator coils. When this system fails, frost accumulates, blocking airflow and causing the fridge to warm up.

Fix:
What you can do: Check for excessive frost buildup on the evaporator coils. If the coils are covered in ice, the defrost system is likely malfunctioning.
A technician may need to replace the defrost heater, thermostat, or control board to fix the issue.

5. Temperature Control Thermostat Failure

Symptoms:
Fridge won't respond to thermostat adjustments.
No clicking sound when turning the coldness dial.
The unit may not run at all.

Why it Matters:
The thermostat regulates the temperature inside the fridge. If it fails, the fridge will either fail to cool or run continuously without reaching the desired temperature.

Fix:
What you can do: Test the thermostat with a multimeter. If it's faulty, you will need to replace it.
If the thermostat appears to be working but the fridge still isn’t cooling, check the control board for any issues.

6. Low Refrigerant or Refrigerant Leak

Symptoms:
Compressor runs nonstop.
Freezer is cool, but not cold enough.
No frost pattern on evaporator coils.

Why it Matters:
Refrigerant is essential for the cooling process. If there is a refrigerant leak, the fridge will not cool properly, even though the compressor is running.

Fix:
What you can do: Unfortunately, diagnosing and fixing refrigerant leaks requires specialized tools and an EPA-licensed technician. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, contact a professional to recharge or repair the system.

7. Door Gasket Failure

Symptoms:
Moisture or water inside the fridge.
Warm spots inside the fridge.
Door doesn’t close properly or seal fully.

Why it Matters:
The door gasket forms an airtight seal around the fridge door. If it's cracked, dirty, or damaged, warm air can enter, causing the fridge to overheat and struggle to maintain the right temperature.

Fix:
What you can do: Clean the gasket with warm, soapy water. If the gasket is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
You can test the seal by closing the door on a dollar bill — if you can easily pull it out, the seal is faulty and should be replaced.

8. Faulty Control Board (Main PCB)

Symptoms:
Random cooling loss.
Fans or compressor failing to run when they should.
The lights work, but the fridge doesn’t cool.

Why it Matters:
The control board acts as the "brain" of the fridge, sending power to components like the compressor and fans. If the control board is malfunctioning, it can cause various cooling issues.

Fix:
What you can do: Unfortunately, control board issues can be complex. If you notice symptoms of a malfunction, a professional technician may need to diagnose and replace the control board.

When to Call a Professional

While many of these fixes are simple and can be done with basic tools, some issues—such as compressor or refrigerant problems—require professional help. If basic troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s time to call a technician. Regular maintenance, like cleaning the condenser coils and checking door seals, can help prevent cooling problems in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Why is my Kenmore refrigerator running but not cooling?

Ans: The most common reasons for this issue are dirty condenser coils, a faulty evaporator fan, or a defrost system failure. First, clean the condenser coils and ensure there’s proper airflow. If these simple fixes don’t resolve the issue, it might be a problem with the evaporator fan or compressor, which may require a professional repair.

Q2: How often should I clean my Kenmore refrigerator’s condenser coils?

Ans: It’s recommended to clean the condenser coils every 6–12 months. This helps maintain efficient cooling performance and prevents the compressor from overheating, which can lead to poor cooling or even compressor failure.

Q3: Can a broken door seal cause my refrigerator to stop cooling?

Ans: Yes, a faulty door gasket or seal can allow warm air to enter the refrigerator, making it work harder to maintain the correct temperature. If your Kenmore fridge has moisture inside or if the door doesn’t close tightly, the door seal might need cleaning or replacement.

Q4: Why is my fridge cold but the freezer is warm?

Ans: If the fridge is cold but the freezer is warm, the issue is usually related to the evaporator fan motor, which circulates the cold air from the freezer to the fridge. If the motor is defective or there’s ice buildup blocking the fan, the fridge may stay cold, but the freezer won’t. You’ll need to check the fan and defrost the area if necessary.

Q5: How do I fix a Kenmore refrigerator that is not cooling, but the freezer is working?

Ans: Start by checking the evaporator fan. If the freezer is cooling but the fridge isn’t, the fan might not be circulating cold air properly. Clean any ice buildup and test the fan. If the fan motor is faulty, replacing it should resolve the issue. If that doesn’t help, check for air vent blockages between the freezer and fridge.

Q6: What should I do if my Kenmore refrigerator keeps making a clicking noise and won’t cool?

Ans: A clicking noise often indicates a problem with the compressor or start relay. The compressor may be failing, or the start relay might be preventing the compressor from starting. First, test the relay for continuity; if it’s faulty, replacing it is an easy fix. However, if the compressor is the issue, professional repair or replacement is required.

Q7: Can I fix the refrigerant leak in my Kenmore fridge myself?

Ans: No, refrigerant leaks require an EPA-licensed technician to diagnose and fix. Handling refrigerant requires specialized tools and training. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, it’s best to contact a professional to recharge the system and fix the leak.

Q8: Why is my Kenmore refrigerator freezing food in the fridge section?

Ans: If your refrigerator is freezing food, it may be due to a malfunctioning thermostat or temperature control. Check if the thermostat is stuck or set too low, which can cause the fridge to overcool. If adjusting the settings doesn’t help, the thermostat may need to be replaced.

Q9: How can I test if the evaporator fan motor is working in my Kenmore fridge?

Ans: To test the evaporator fan, open the freezer door and listen for the fan. If you hear it running, the fan is working. If it’s silent, check for ice buildup around the fan area and carefully defrost. If the fan still doesn’t operate, it may need replacement.

Q10: When should I call a professional for my Kenmore refrigerator?

Ans: If you’ve gone through basic troubleshooting steps like cleaning the coils, checking the vents, and adjusting the thermostat without success, it’s time to call a professional. Issues with the compressor, refrigerant leaks, or control board malfunctions often require specialized tools and expertise.