Whirlpool refrigerator doesnt cool

SOURCE: My whirlpool refrigerator (Model ET18DK)

check for:

•  any ice or frost buildup in the freezer (defrost problem)
  
• airflow restrictions, like dirty coils or if the refrigerator is on carpet.
• it could also be a weak compressor.

Bruce McLeod

• 67 Answers
• Posted on May 09, 2009

SOURCE: Whirlpool ED5PHAXSB side by side refrigerator not cooling...

There are a lot of possibilitys. You'll have to use the process of elimination.

But it could be the thermostat (make sure your setting is midway) The milk spoiling indicates it is too warm so bacteria is breeding

Get a refrigerator / freezer stand alone thermostat (about $5) That will give you accurate readings. The fridge shoud be between 35 and 40 F and the freezer 0 plus or minus 3 when set correctly

It could be your condensor fan is clogged or just that your coils need cleaning (underneath or behind) Use a vacuum with the brush end or chisel point. Dust can cut you efficiency by 20 or 30% by itself.

Assuming this is frost free model the defrost timer may be acting up in the freezer.

Forgive me for not knowing where the coils are and if it is frost free but I can't find a manual for this particular model. However the principles apply in any case.

jasbo

• 2239 Answers
• Posted on Aug 28, 2009

SOURCE: Whirlpool Side By SIde Refrigerator Freezer stopped cooling

5 reasons for fridge and/or freezer getting warm: 1- the evaporator coils are icing up and won?t let air circulate. 2- the evaporator fan is not working to circulate air. 3- there is no refrigerant in the system. 4- no power to fridge or compressor. 5- the condenser coils have no air circulation check under the fridge behind the vent. if it is too dusty or the fan isn?t working, it is not getting enough airflow to cool down. replace fan and/or vacuum out the dust. if there is no power to the fridge, the light will be off. if the compressor is not running, there is a defrost timer that cuts the power temporarily to the compressor to melt ice on the coils. it?s located under the fridge behind the bottom vent. If the timer is off and the compressor is not going, the compressor or the main board is bad and needs replacing. there is also a temperature sensor on the evaporator coils that tells the defrost coil to turn on and when to turn off. if the defrost timer is on but the coil is not heating up, replace the sensor. if it still won?t heat up, it?s the timer or the coil. the easiest way to tell if there is no refrigerant- the freezer wall is warm and the compressor is loud. if there is no refrigerant, it may be more cost effective to replace the fridge. if you feel no air coming from the freezer vent, the fan needs replacing. If you feel air moving in the freezer but not the fridge, the channel from freezer to fridge is blocked. if the freezer has air and the rear freezer wall has frost on it, the evaporator coils are iced up and need defrosting. causes: 1. low refrigerant 2. no fan 3. too much humid air in fridge/freezer due to door open or bad door seals 4. the condensate drain tube is clogged if the seal around the door is ripped or not completely sealing, or there is condensation at the bottom or the walls of the fridge, replace the seal(s). no air, no fan. Replace if the refrigerant is low, it just needs a top off. but you need to be certified by the epa to move refrigerant, so get a professional. defrost solutions: unplug the fridge. remove the wall of the freezer that is frosted/icing up. use a hair dryer to melt the ice. do not get too close. you will see a drain under the evaporator coil. make sure it is not blocked. the water should run freely to a condensate pan under the fridge that evaporates the condensation with the hot line from the compressor. once the coil is free of ice, frost, and water, replace the panel and repair any of the problems that caused the icing up. plug the fridge in and turn it on. If it frosts up within a week, there is still an issue that not been taken care of.

SOURCE: my 8 year-old whirlpool side by side refrigerator

This is a classic sign of the compressor starting devices going bad. Hopefully this is all it is.
Here is a link that will show you all of your units parts drawings. We need to look at the unit drawing.Part numbers 13 and 16 . usually it is just part number 13 that is the culprit.
Here is the link http://www.appliancepartspros.com/partsearch/model.aspx?model_id=265871&diagram_id=28274361#d28274361

Please watch the video that will show you where and how to check and change this part.
Click on the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8EmTaKNhas

And another
Click on the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvZ3Z_7psGc

The videos are not the best but it is all I have for now.

Any further questions please post.

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Thanks in advance and Thank You for using FixYa!

Keith

SOURCE: whirlpool refrigerator type 21TFA refrigerator

Hi,

Check out these tips...they can help you figure out what is going wrong with your refrigerator and why it is not cooling

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heatman101