Whirlpool top-freezer refrigerator WRT318FZDW02 freezer not cold (frost on back panel inside right), refrigerator section is ok, seems to run almost constantly.

SOURCE: Amana bottom freezer/ refrigerator

Geezer, sounds like a defrost issue. I usually find the bi-metal to be the culprit on this model. Check out the pic. You will have to remove the back panel in the freezer and defrost the evaporator. Remove the ice maker if there is one. The back cover has 4 quarter inch screws. remove those. The air vent has 2 plastic clips one each side and one on the bottom, push in and pull the grill off. The thermistor cover has a slot for a flat blade screw driver,push in and pull the cover off. The thermistor will now slide behind the back panel. Check the bi-metal for buldging. As long as the evaporator fan is working, it's probably a defrost problem.

SOURCE: ice build up in back section of a Whirlpool no frost top freezer refrigerator 66"hx30"wx27"d

your sure the defrost cycle works? sounds to me its not. you need to remove the freezer back and check the defrost components. or put it in the defrost cycle and see if it is working. to get that much frost as you describe the dor would have to be left open. also check all door seals. let me know what you find and we can go from there

SOURCE: Frigidaire Refigerator

TEMP FIX i found remove hinge cover top of left door and unplug the Icemaker and fridge will run again havent figured out the problem with icemaker yet though

SOURCE: refrigerator not cold enough

Hi Tin Man!
You may have identified the problem with the frosted over freezer coils... are they to the point of being ice encased? In addition to cooling the freezer, this is also the primary source for the refriferator cold air... I would try defrosting the unit again, with it disconnected from power, try and go longer this time, with the doors open.
When you power back up, reset both temp settings to mid-range (5) and let it run at least 8-12 hours to stabilize... try to avoid opening the doors too much while it cools down, and see how it does.
If it still doesn't cool down sufficiently, you may have damaged air control port flaps, not allowing the cold air introduction into the fridge compartment.
This could also be a control/sensor issue, i.e.: the setting knob is malfunctioning, or the temp sensor might be bad, as could the electronic controller.... in other words the info source and control system that directs how the flaps are opened and closed might be at fault.
Refrigerators have become much more sophisticated since the advent of the microchip, but the basics still apply... just try and use the process of elimination to isolate the problem.

Hope this helps and good luck!
-WB

SOURCE: freezer is building up frost and refrigerator is not cold enoough

Almost certainly, you have a leak within the freezer compartment.

The cooling system will use a divertor valve to concentrate coolant to the fridge or freezer compartment - whichever is necessary to maintain selected temperatures.

If a seal within either compartment is compromised and leaks then the coolant will be excessively diverted to that area in an attempt to lower it's temperature - the other section will suffer since more coolant is diverted to the weaker area; the weaker area that is being excessively cooled will also have more moist air circulating, hence moisture will contribute to a build up of ice - exacerbating the problem.

Ensure that both fridge and freezer doors are closing properly, if they appear to be secure then also check that the seals are airtight - there should be no ice accumulating around them.

You might need to re-align the doors, or less likely, replace the door seals.

Please reply if you require further clarification or help.