The freezer and refrigerator won't stay at the preferred temperatures - they alter 'warming up' and we are perplexed that they won't stay at 0 and 34 (i believe that's the recommended figure)

PERFECT no such thing . preferred would be a better term . freezer has to be below 0 15 degrees usually and fridge around 35 to 40 . not freezing but not too warm or food will spoil

I agree with your analysis, and recommend that you replace that fan between the two sections.

the ptc overload/relay on the compressor is bad and not starting the compressor,remove back cover unplug the ptc off the compressor and replace it with a new exact replacement part

If you want to set the temperature your Fridge/Freezer should maintain, you need to set the Freezer to between -19c and -23c, however if you will be keeping Ice-cream in this freezer then it's best to set the base temp @ -21c minimum, -23 preferable, or the ice cream may begin to break down (very slowly I might add). The Fridge needs to be set to a maximum Highest temp) of 5c, any higher and the food will not stay as fresh and bugs will be able to breed, preferable temp is approximately 3-4c.

You mean "How to Fix a Kenmore Refrigerator That Is Not Cold But the Freezer Is Good?"

Well this what i say,
Kenmore combination refrigerator and freezers combine the short- and long-term food storage options in a single unit. There are some occasions when the refrigerator compartment might appear to be malfunctioning while the freezer box stays cool. Ruling out these occasions ensures you have done everything you can to correct the problem before calling for a technician if necessary.

1.Verify that the temperature controls for the refrigerator compartment are properly configured. Tap the "^" or "v" buttons beside the refrigerator's LCD temperature display until "38," the ideal temperature, appears. The compartment could have been set too warm. Allow 24 hours for the the appliance to reach 38 degrees Fahrenheit.

2 Check that the refrigerator compartment door closes completely, objects inside the appliance could be holding the door ajar. When cool air is allowed to escape, the internal temperature rises. Cracked, holed or corroded door seals may also raise the refrigerator temperature.

3 Change how you use the refrigerator compartment; storing hot or warm food strains the appliance and causes a rise in internal temperatures. Do not prop open the door or leave it ajar for more than a few seconds at a time for the reasons outlined in Step 2.

4 Contact Kenmore if the refrigerator compartment remains too warm for your food. There may be a problem with the motor or any one of the other parts that regulate the temperature

If this was helpfu.l please let me know.
Thanks for using FixYa

Replaced defrost timer

Hi,

Many times a freezer and/or refrigeratordo not work right because of a dirty condenser coil...there are also many otherthings that can go wrong. If you are hearing a clicking or buzzing thencheck out the last two tips.

If your refrigerator is running but warm, then...

Check out these tips that I wrote about that... it is a great place to starttrouble shooting your unit...and something that you can do rather then callinga repair person to do a simple thing for you...

Refrigerator Condenser Coil Cleaning Refrigerator Repair

Refrigerator Troubleshooting Refrigerator Compressor

Refrigerator Compressor Start Capacitor and Start Relay
Refrigerator or Freezer not Cooling or Getting Cold

heatman101

":;'

The problem is with the garage temperature. The temperature sensor for the refrigerator is in the fridge compartment, but the evap coils are in the freezer. Refrigerators were designed to work in an air conditioned space. When they are put into unheated spaces, it does not work well. The fridge thermostat typically is set to 40 deg F. If the outside temperature is close to that, then it does not turn on the compressor as much so the freezer will have a hard time staying below freezing.

There are garage refrigerator kits for people who put fridges in un heated garages in the winter. They just simple electric heaters that warm the fridge's thermostat to cause the compressor to run more often. This helps the fridge to maintain temperatures better in the freezer compartment. The same thing can be accomplished by putting a small wattage bulb in the refrigerator compartment. Just remember to remove it during the warm weather otherwise you will pay a large electricity bill in the summer months.

the freezer back wall need to be open and check the heat element
and the thermostat , also make sure the fan is working in the freezer.
if the frost on the coils are not even then it is sealsystem that is bad news,
but if it is just frozen defrost
it with hair dryer and check the elements i told you to check

yeah if the fan does not work when you press the light switch thats the cause for the temperature proble, because the low temperature is not circulating stays just in one palce and yes you can replace just the fan get the manual from GE to see how to do it