Kelvinator fridge compressor running constantly, but freezer section barely freezing

Suggest lowering the refrigerator set point to a lower number such as 3. There is usually an indication of normal setting on the adjustments. Wait 24 hours and check the refrigerator compartment again. Use a thermometer to record the temperatures. The meat compartment will be normal just below freezing. If no success then read the following.

One reason that this occurs is that the unit is working near continuously to reach the freezer temperature. Another words the unit is not capable or cooling the freezer to the prescribed temperature. The result is the excess cooling eventually reaches the refrigerator section causing the refrigerator to freeze. The unit will if this is the case run nearly continuously. This situation is counter intuitive. Freezer not reaching set point, excessive cooling over cools refrigerator therefore refrigerator freezes.

The cause is either the freezer door/seal is not closing or sealing the freezer compartment or the compressor or defrost cycle is not functioning properly.

Check the freezer door seal using a strip of paper. Check to see if air is flowing from the vents in the freezer. Using a thermometer check the temperature of the freezer. Listen for and record if the compressor is running or not.

The normal freezer temperature is around '0' Fahrenheit. If no or little air is flowing from freezer air vents look for ice on the back wall. If ice is present it is likely the auto defrost cycle is not working. Attempt to defrost by hand which requires several hours with everything removed.

Check that lint and dust has not blocked the coils under the unit and that the lower fan is running. Usually warm air exits from the machine grill in the front. Remove the grill and check for air flow and debris buildup. Vacuum if necessary.

And unfortunately if the compressor runs continuously and no air blockage underneath would indicate that the cooling capacity is reduced requiring a major service or replacement.

Hope this helps?

Changing the freezer settings won't really make a difference because regardless its still going to be freezing. The way the machine works is the freezer cools the fridge, and there should be a control in the fridge that operates the baffles in the airway between the freezer and fridge and reduces the amount of air that enters into the fresh food section.

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/jason_4570d45317834dd3

The temperature is not set to high cooling.First check the temperature setting.But if temperature is set right and still the ice cream is not cooling then .Problem relates to weak compressor. ------------- The problem is weak compressor.The refrigerant ( R12) in the compressor is got low.The compressor is weak.The compressor needs to be replaced.-------------- The working procedure of this unit is as follows: --- The compressor starts then it cools the freezer section. When the freezer reaches its cooling level the defrost cycle starts functioning. In this cycle the fan in the freezer section starts running and the cool air in the freezer section is passed to the fridge section and the fridge section gets cold. The air from freezer to refrigerator passes from the section, in that section the damper is located.------------ But as you mentioned that ice cream is not freezing, so that means freezer is not freezing to its required temperature.------- This indicates problem with compressor.When compressor cools the freezer section then fridge section gets cold.If freezer section is not getting properly cold then fridge section will not cool properly/.So the problem relates to compressor.---------- In the compressor there is a refrigerant called FREON.With the help of this Freon the compressor cools the freezer section.Freon is a gaseous type cooling agent.The compressor will stop cooling when coolant gets leaked from its chamber.--------- Again recharging the Freon is possible, but the cost for that recharging is approx the cost of new compressor.So its always advisable to get compressor replaced.Because new compressor has warranty for few years.------------------ You can get required parts from from online sites like: --- www.repairclinic.com or from searspartsdirect online site. --------- This should help.Thanks.Helpmech.

Hi,
There are a few reasons why the refrigerator part will not cool...here are a couple of tips that will help you to figure out why the refrigerantor is not cooling...

Refrigerator not Cooling or Fridge not Cooling
http://www.fixya.com/support/r3662945-refrigerator_not_cooling_or_fridge_not

How to Defrost Refrigerator Defrost Timer Problem
http://www.fixya.com/support/r3771673-defrost_refrigerator_defrost_timer

heatman101

hello. this is a common problem. The thermostat for a refrigerator/freezer is in the refrigerator part. Normally the refrigerator is kept at around 40 degrees. The compressor turns on as required to maintain this tempearture. The evaporator coils are concentrated in the freezer side, so that the freezer stays at around 0 degrees while the fridge side is held at 40.

If the ambient temp is around 25 degrees, the refrigerator compartment will get below the setpoint of 40 degrees, and gradually continue down towards 25 degrees. The compressor will not have to run at all to maintain this. In fact, the compressor is designed not to run, once the refrigerator compartment gets below the setpoint, for fear of freezing the contents of the fridge.

The lack of circulating refrigerant due to the non-running compressor means that the freezer compartment will gradually warm up to 25 degrees.

If the unit were just a freezer, it would work fine in the unheated garage. If it were just a refrigerator, it would not run in these conditions, and the contents would eventually freeze, but it is otherwise OK.
Regards, Joe PS kindly rate my answer. Thank you.

You have a manual defrost freezer . Ice build up of over 1/2" can act like insulation on wires . If you have no frost build up , and runs constantly , then compressor or refrigerant leak is the problem . Advise to replace freezer . Only 2 parts on manual defrost freezer...compressor and cold control . Compressor will not run if bad cold control . If you have a leak , very expensive to have repaired .

Freezer defrosted everything fan continues to run but will not freeze. Compressor is cycling enough to keep refigerator section cold. 106 Series Kenmore. Turned up thermostat to keep fridge cold and a shorter intermittent compressor cycle run

Hello jonnyclewlow
Welcome,


You said, you recently had a problem with my Candy fridge freezer (it defrosted overnight and wasnt cooling at all) and a repair shop diagnosed a thermostat problem. I have replaced the thermostat, Now the freezer freezes without any problems but the fridge does not go cold at all.
Also the compressor is running constantly

This is my first thought

Fresh Food temperature is
too warm. Freezer
temperature is satisfactory.
1. Fresh Food control is set too
warm.
2. Set fresh food control to a colder setting. Allow 24
hours for temperature to stabilize.

3.Then see if you do not have your freezer articles packed full up to the top, or covering the cold air vents usually found in the rear of the freezer compartment.

The fridge and the freezer share the cold air so the air must not be restricted from travel form the freezer to the fridge and back!
This would also cause the compressor to run none stop trying to cool the fridge!
So check your air vents in the freezer.
I'll bet you did not know they were there !
Most of us never notice!
Hope this works for you.
Please let me know that one of these solutions worked for you!
or if you have any questions.
Thank You, huuum
Please remember to leave a rating!