If you own a Kenmore Elite Refrigerator, you might be happy with the way it’s worked for you thus far.
They are built to last and do a good job keeping your foods cool (or frozen). But what if it fails to do its original task?
We’ll be taking a look at six reasons why it might not be cooling as normal.
A refrigerator that doesn’t do its task will lead to disaster if the issue isn’t taken care of.
It can lead to plenty of food spoilage, which can lead to bad odors that can continue to linger long after you’ve cleaned the fridge out.
It’s important to follow the list of reasons below so you can be able to do a pinpoint diagnosis.
Once you are able to detect the issue, you can repair it accordingly.
possible issues That Can Cause Kenmore Elite Refrigerator To Stop Cooling:
- Evaporator Fan Frosted Over
- Damper Control Malfunction
- Defrost Thermostat Burnt
- Compressor Start Relay Failed
- Compressor Failed
- Sealed System Freon Leak
1. Evaporator Fan In Freezer Frosted Over
The first issue may be linked to the evaporator fan.
This is one of the major components that is responsible for keeping the freezer cold.
Without it, your ice cream and frozen foods will not be properly frozen.
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If it’s frosted over too much, it can cause the motor inside the fan itself to fail.
Your refrigerator may have two evaporator fans located in both the freezer and the refrigerator side.
If the appliance has one evaporator fan, then it should be located on the freezer side.
A failing evaporator fan will not transfer cold air to the refrigerator, thus failing to cool the compartment itself.
This may cause temperatures to rise over time assuming that the refrigerator stays shut (opening it will lead to a drastic rise in temperature if left open for long).
Oddly enough, the freezer may stay cold even if the fan itself malfunctions or stops completely.
Once replaced, you’ll want to give it a test run so you know that it’s functioning properly.
If the motor is working properly and the fan is moving, you are good to go.
2. Damper Control Broken
The damper control (also known as the air diffuser, air damper, or baffle) is designed to control the amount of air that comes from the freezer and allows the refrigerator compartment to cool.
With this flap-like part broken, it will cut off airflow to a point where it’s severely restricted (or completely cut off).
To replace this, you’ll need to disconnect the refrigerator from the power unit (Reminder: This should be done whenever you need to replace a broken or malfunctioning part).
Next, locate the baffle or the damper. It should be located where the cold air enters the refrigeration compartment.
The housing should be made of styrofoam or plastic lining. It may have a foam seal as well to prevent leaks from entering the fridge.
What you’ll notice in some models is that it has a light bulb that senses the temperature.
It will change controls in the event of an increase or decrease.
Before replacing the damper, make sure the bulb itself is correctly installed and not damaged.
You’ll want to operate the control knob so the attached linkage moves freely.
Next, you’ll want to check the position of the damper.
If it’s closed completely or partially open and can’t move freely, then you’ll also need to replace the air replacement inlet baffle.
3. Defrost Thermostat Or Defrost Control Assembly Failed
If you believe your defrost thermostat is on the fritz, it might be a good idea to test it out.
Use a
Using the red and black leads on your
If the multimeter doesn’t make a sound, that’s when you know when the circuit is open.
If there is a sound, the circuit is closed. In case of the latter, your heater stays on and therefore continues to produce more heat (which can be a bad thing).
If you have the defrost thermostat in your hand, you’ll notice a set of numbers.
One section of numbers will represent the temperature that will either open or close the defrost thermostat (i.e. L 6.7-14.5 C).
The “C” at the end of this sequence represents Celsius (alternatively, you could see an “F” at the end that represents Fahrenheit).
When the thermostat closes, the evaporator will kick on and eventually heat up the back of your freezer so the ice that forms on the thermostat itself melts.
If the thermostat fails to melt the ice, there will be blockage that will restrict or completely cut off the air that goes to the refrigerator compartment.
4. Compressor Start Relay Failed
The compressor start relay is responsible for that humming noise your refrigerator makes.
What it does is compress the refrigerant and converts it into a liquid and heats up.
The condenser will draw out this heat from the liquid and pump the refrigerant itself into an expansion chamber.
And that’s where the real magic happens (i.e. — the production of cool air for refrigeration).
If you don’t hear that humming on a regular basis, that means your refrigerator is getting warmer. The failure could be due to several factors.
First, you could be dealing with a defective unit. Since it transfers an electrical current, replacing it will require you to disconnect the fridge from the power unit.
Thankfully, installing a replacement part will take no more than 15 minutes to get the job done.
5. Compressor Failed
The purpose of the compressor is pumping the refrigerant through so that cold air is dispersed in the refrigerator compartment.
It will send the refrigerant through the coils so it converts to liquid first before it loses the heat built up during its conversion and finishes the process at a much cooler temperature.
A failed compressor will lead to severe restriction or no cold air output.
Since air flow is what’s needed to keep everything nice and cool, a lack of it will obviously lead to increased temperatures and foods spoiling faster than expected.
It should be noted that Kenmore had recalled a previous version of the Kenmore Elite (specifically the Kenmore Elite / LG Model 795.7205).
As a result, they faced a class action lawsuit due to a widespread defect on the compressor unit of the Elite refrigerator.
According to some past customers, the compressors would fail within the first ten years of use.
Keep in mind that the compressor is protected by a five year warranty.
So if it fails while the warranty is still valid, you can make sure that it can be replaced or repaired.
The compressor is a major part of your refrigerator that you don’t want to fail.
Replacing it will require a professional to install a new compressor for you. And it may end up costing you anywhere between $500 to $1000.
6. Freon Leak
Freon is just a fancy name for coolant. And a leakage will spell disaster for your fridge and the food inside of it.
What could be causing these types of leaks?
Without Freon, the liquid cannot be converted back into cool air when it’s deployed to the expansion chamber.
Obviously, when Freon is successfully converted that’s when the refrigeration compartment will stay cool constantly.
Assuming you have performed maintenance in the past, a refrigeration line could be damaged.
However, if the lines are untouched, what else could be causing these leaks? You might be dealing with an overflowing drain pan.
As always, you’ll need to disconnect the power before removing the drain pan to dispose of the contents.
Removing the drain pan itself is going to be a challenge. To do this, you’re going to need to tip the refrigerator slightly forward (Note: Remove all contents before doing this).
Next, you’ll need to remove the screws that hold the basepan together.
Be careful when removing this as you might risk severing or damaging the refrigeration lines (which means while one cause for leaks is taken care of, another may arise).
If this appears to be a complex job, you might want to leave it to the professionals.
Final Thoughts
If your Kenmore Elite Refrigerator is not cooling as it should, it could be one of these six problems listed above.
It’s important for you to do a thorough diagnosis as soon as possible so you can be able to pinpoint the problem.
Some of the issues can be done by replacing the parts yourself.
Thankfully, some parts are not as expensive and can take as little as 15 minutes to repair or replace.
However, some of the complex replacements or repairs are always best left up to the professionals.
In this case, contact your local refrigeration expert near you and schedule an appointment.
Your Kenmore Elite Refrigerator should last you a long time. And every part that makes it all work must be in good working order.
Sometimes, it won’t hurt to check on the fridge once in awhile to see if the temperatures are just right.
The sooner you catch a problem with your refrigerator (i.e — not cooling), the better.
I too have the same issue as Mindy and Kevin, with my Kenmore Elite model #
797-73133-410 where the freezer compartment stopped “freezing” although there the compartment is still cold. The fridge portion works fine. If someone has a suggestion on how to remedy this issue it would help the three of us.
It just happened to me. The repairman said it was the compressor that went bad. Since our refrig had a 10 year warranty, the compressor was free, but I had to first pay Sears $490.00 and he did not show for an appointment that he made. He is suppose to come between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm. If he is late, the job will go 10:00 pm
Just purchased a home and the refrigerator kenmore elite came with it but is not cooling at all model 795.79773.903 . I learned it’s 9 yrs old and that’s about all I know.
Have an issue with my Kenmore Model 795.73165
Fridge is super cold. Freezer is cold but wont freeze foods. Ice packs will stay frozen. Checked everything on the outside, its all working as should. The pump is working great, condenser coils clean and look in great condition. The condenser fan is working great and blowing air over the coils.
Pulled the cover off the back of the inside of the freezer and neither of the fans are running. How can this be fixed or tested to see if its a faulty fan or what other issue could it be? Both fans ( I believe one is an evaporator fan) are not running during operation
There is also frost on the evaporator coils. Could this be due to evaporator fan not running thus blowing air over the evaporator coils not being able to warm up during the de frost cycle? Thanks
If you have frost on the coils, that means defrost cycle not working properly. You have to check defrost thermostat and drfost heater for continuity using multimeter.
On some models, the evaporator fan will not work unless the door switch is pressed. If its still not running even with the switch pressed, just replace the fan.
Evaporator fan can come either 12V or 120V power supply.
I have a Model #59678573801 Kenmore Elite bottom-mount refrigerator.
The fridge and the freezer are not cooling. All the fans internally and the condenser fan are working. The compressor seems to be getting warm.
The fridge was unplugged for about a month so no ice buildup. It was working fine when moved but plugged it in the other day and no cooling at all.
Kenmore elite 253.4448370
Seems to lose programming intermittently, no lights occasionally when open door. Cycling the power via unplug/plug seems to work for a little time but seems the fridge will stop cycling after a few days.
Hard to say what exactly, but it sounds like the problem with the main control board 241511102. Located at the bottom left side (grey box)
My kenmore elite refrigerator is not cooling. Model number 795-7205.
Who should i contact?
Thanks
Mohammad Ashraf
Ellicott City Maryland.
You can call Kenmore Service Support 1-888-820-3350
Ours isn’t working either, did you get yours fixed
I have a ken ore elite refrigerator freezer stays cold fridge does not what tells the fans in the freezer to kick on to move cold air up in to the fridge
I have a Kenmore Elite model 7957033410 refrigerator. I moved it over about 4 feet to replace flooring and clean behind it. So as to not damage the flooring, my son and I gently slid it, but kept it plugged in as to not damage the water line. We made sure the cord and waterline were never kinked or pulled tightly or crimped, the fridge was never jarred or tilted. All lights were working, and nothing looked out of the ordinary. The next day I noticed the ice cubes were all melting and water was running all over from the ice cube dept. And out the water Dispenser and onto the new flooring. I had my son pull a pizza to cook, and it was half thawed. The freezer was not cooling, and neither was the fridge. I dumped all the ice cubes out to start fresh, but nothing, water didn’t even fill the tray back up. I can still hear something running, but the thermometer I had in the fridge read 56 degrees F. I left ice packs in the freezer to Guage if it started working, to no avail. I then unplugged it and removed the back panel to check for dust, etc. It was pretty clean, but I used a brush and carefully vacuumed the little dust there was off. I plugged it back in to see that the fan is working, but that’s about it. Still not working at all. I checked the paperwork and it said to check for error codes on the front panel, nothing shows, it all looks to be working as usual, but it’s not.
I just had the same happen with mine. Did you resolve your issue?
Kenmore elite 795.73157.610 refrigerator not cold, freezer not freezing. Inside lights are on and I can hear the refrigerator hum. Less than 4 years old.
Mine is doing the same and I have the exact same model. What was needed to fix?
795.72053.117 stop cooling compressor is running and condenser fan running
Check this article: troubleshooting LG Refrigerator That Isn’t Cooling + Service Manual
Kenmore Elite (year ?)
795.72379.310
Side by side, Lower freezer.
Freezer not freezing but cold.
Fridge side is cool but not cold.
-I cleaned out, unplugged for a day, (to thaw any possible ice buildup, – none)
Plugged back in and it performs the above.
-Checked capacitors, fans (one outside by coils, fridge and freezer) all good.
-ohm’d the compressor overload protector, good
-visually and smelt the elec control board, both sides, no obvious issues
-compressor runs and no abnormal sound, or leaks.
-outside coils are clean.
-all lights, water… work normal.
What can I check next or trick to test a component? Or is it time to make a service call?
First thing to check is the evaporator coils.. If you have a chunk of ice on the top of the coils, sealed system lack refrigerant. Something like that https://appliantology.smugmug.com/photos/1198218109_BDDmJ-L.png
795-7316
Trouble shot per page 39 and 40.
None of the causes apply.
Kenmore elite stopped working after 12 mo. 2 days & Sears Whole House Warranty has no parts to fix the evap fan but I just got a comp mother board in the mail. Its bern 2vmo. So I bough a small white whirlpool garage fridge but I need my $1880 fridge fixed. What can I do?
You provided not enough information. Is the fridge not colling (freezer and fridge compartment) at all or just a little bit?
I have the same problem no fan available , the fridge is 2 years old with only the freezer working its been 3 months and no Fan still available ????? This is very frustrating having to bring my garage fridge into the house and put in my dining room ….. If sears cannot get the part what is my remedy ???
Kenmore Elite Cold Spot Model 106-44423601 (side by Side Refrigerator) age 15 years. First time acting up, both freezer and refrig are losing temps won’t maintain 5 degrees on freezer side or 35 on refrig side. I caught it early and removed everything to another unit. I reset the circuit breaker which seemed to work for an hour but its back to dropping temps.
My kenmore elite model 795.72053.118 stopped cooling .Its only 5 years.What could the problem be?
My Kenmore Elite freezer quit working but it is still cold in the refrigerator? What could the problem be?
What is the model of your refrigerator?
My 2005 Kenmore Elite freezer compartment is working but, not the refrigerator what could be the possible problem
How can an overflowing drain pan cause a coolant leak?
Behind the fridge, one of the refrigeration lines located inside drain pan and submerged in the water. one of these submerged lines can develop a hole, due to corrosion
This is exactly what happened to mine (Kenmore 596.76593600). For some reason they routed the refrigerant line through the evaporator pan. The line intentionally dipped down in to the pan for about 8 inches, and then back out. I don’t know why they did this – could have just run the tube straight – there was nothing in the way (if it’s some kind of an oil trap, it is in a strange place). Over enough years of water being in the pan, the copper tube corroded enough to make a small hole and the refrigerant leaked out. The hole formed near a foam rubber-like bumper thing that surrounded the copper tube for about 1″. There were two of these foam things, and they deteriorated into little masses of black goo . If the foam things weren’t there, the copper would probably have been OK. Anyway, I eventually tore the fridge apart because it wasn’t that old (12 years?) and was curious/annoyed that it already broke. And that was the problem… I would call it design flaw.
I have a non cooling fridge but freezer works fine. I replaced fridge thermistor and checked evap and compressor fan. Both fans working. Fridge had been completely off so there was no ice buildup. Fridge actually gets warmer when plugged back in. Kenmore 596.77609801
Check condenser fan behind the fridge? Is it working?