Refrigerators of the American brand Whirlpool are equipped with electronics that regulate the operation of all units of the device. This is a natural phenomenon in our high-tech time. In order for the refrigerator to cool normally, all its components must be in good condition. However, there is one feature of electronic control – it is sensitivity to the most insignificant voltage drops in the network.
You can understand that something is wrong with the Whirlpool refrigerator, first of all, by the fact that it does not cool to the desired temperature. It is not uncommon for the motor-compressor to work properly and work normally, while the device does not produce cold as required. This speaks primarily of problems with the control module. In this case, you will need to repair the control unit or, if it cannot be restored, replace the unit.
It could also be a refrigerant leak from the system. A circuit is built into the walls of the refrigerator through which freon circulates. If the circuit is damaged, the refrigerant will leak out of the system. Repair in this case is quite complicated: you need to open the wall of the refrigerator, fix the leak or change the circuit, then restore the wall.
In addition, the Whirlpool refrigerator will not cool properly if the condenser coils are dirty. Also, in the event of a fan motor failure on the condenser or evaporator coils, the refrigerator will not be able to cool as it should. In addition, the reason may be in the temperature control thermostat, in the compressor relay: if they fail, the refrigerator cooling system simply will not turn on. Let’s take a closer look at the reasons why the Whirlpool refrigerator is not cooling. Please note that before carrying out any repair work, the refrigerator must be unplugged for safety.
Fouled condenser coils
The condenser coils are located on the back of the unit. They perform the function of removing the heat generated by the refrigerator. Dirty, dusty coils reduce the efficiency of the refrigerator, lead to overheating and premature wear of the device. If the coils are heavily contaminated, equipment may break down or even an accident, such as fire. During general cleaning, they should be given special attention and cleaned well. This must be done at least twice a year. For this:
- disconnect the refrigerator from the mains, move it away from the wall;
- if there are panels covering the condenser coils, remove these panels;
- use a vacuum cleaner and a brush to clean the coils from dust and other contaminants.
Condenser fan motor failure
Premature failure of the refrigerator is often due to overheating. Too small distance from the wall, lack of ventilation – the causes of overheating of the electric motor. The condenser fan blows around the coils, performing an additional cooling function. The principle of its operation is the automatic inclusion of airflow when the compressor is running. Therefore, the condenser fan motor must be in good condition for the refrigerator to work properly.
The condenser fan may not work due to the fact that its motor has shorted out or worn out. First of all, you need to check if anything is preventing the scrolling of the fan blades. This may be excessive contamination or the ingress of small objects. If the fan is not clogged, turn it by hand. If it spins without problems, then the problem is most likely in the engine.
To fix the breakdown, you will have to install a new condenser fan motor. Remove the access panel to access it, disconnect the fan blades. Next, unscrew the screws that secure the condenser fan motor, disconnect the power connector. Connect the new motor in the same way as the old one, connect the power connector. Reinstall the fan blades and attach the access panel.
Evaporator fan motor failure
In addition to the condenser fan mentioned above, the refrigerator also has an evaporator fan. The evaporator is responsible for cooling the interior of the refrigerator. This mechanism successfully performs its function if the fan regularly pumps cold air coming from it. Those. The evaporator fan motor is responsible for circulating cold air.
If the Whirlpool refrigerator is not cooling to the desired temperature, the reason may be that the evaporator fan motor is faulty: shorted or burned out. If you have been using the refrigerator for many years, it is possible that the motor has simply worn out due to its long service life. Using a multimeter, you can check if it is working. Also, a malfunction of the evaporator fan motor is indicated by too loud noise, grinding and rattling during operation.
The evaporator fan motor will have to be replaced. It is inside the refrigerator. As usual, you should unplug the refrigerator, free it from food and remove the shelves. Next, you need to remove the inner panel, find the evaporator fan motor, remove the blades. Then you need to carefully disconnect the wire connectors from the engine, remove the bracket from it, install a new evaporator fan motor, fixing it with a bracket and connecting the wire connectors to the new engine. The next step is to replace the fan blades, fix the panel back. It is necessary to check that the panel is securely fastened to the mounting loops.
Thermostat failure
The thermostat performs the function of maintaining a certain temperature inside the refrigerator. This part is present on most old and newer refrigerators. The principle of operation of a serviceable mechanism: this is a kind of switch, it works when a predetermined temperature level in the chamber is reached. When the thermostat has tripped, the compressor stops working and no cold comes in. The compressor rests for a while, the temperature rises, the thermostat resets and the compressor starts, resuming cooling. The temperature can be changed by turning the knob inside the refrigerator. Signs of a failed thermostat:
- the compressor does not turn on, the refrigerator has warmed up. With a working compressor, this indicates a thermostat problem;
- the compressor starts and then stops very quickly. The refrigerator does not have time to cool inside. Switching on and off is repeated. If the compressor is working, it could be the thermostat;
- the compressor turns on, cools down to the desired level, turns off, and then does not turn on any more. The refrigerator heats up and melts, and the compressor can turn on after a long time, there can be any time intervals;
- the compressor runs non-stop, the evaporator is covered with snow, the refrigerator temperature is too low.
If the thermostat fails, it must be replaced. It is inside the refrigerator at the top. Disconnect the wires and remove the thermostat housing from the refrigerator. Carefully replace the old thermostat by inserting the new one into the housing. Then put the case back, connect the wires and screw the screws back in place.
Start relay failure
Often the reason for the breakdown of the refrigerator is the starting relay. Its function is to start the motor and protect the motor from overload by turning off its power. If you hear clicking sounds when starting the engine, and the refrigerator compressor turns off almost immediately, then the problem is in the relay Signs of a broken start relay:
- the engine turns on for a very short time and quickly turns off – the contacts may have been oxidized or burned;
- the engine tries to start, but still does not start. A typical cause is a voltage drop and a contact problem. There may be a burning smell. In addition, low voltage in the network does not allow the device to work normally;
- the motor does not turn on at all. Often this is due to mechanical failure or failure of the relay due to its long service life.
If you are confident in your skills, you can change the faulty relay yourself. It is necessary to disconnect the refrigerator from the mains, remove the back panel, disconnect the terminals, remove the relay. Install the new unit in reverse order. Sometimes the relay can be repaired: it happens that you just need to clean the contacts and everything works fine.
FAQ
Whirlpool refrigerator stopped cooling
If the refrigerator stopped cooling both the refrigerator and the freezer, the start relay is most likely defective or the compressor itself is damaged.
Another reason is a malfunction of the control module. This will turn on the lights in the refrigerator compartment, but the buttons on the control panel will not be pressed, and it will not be possible to enter the diagnostic mode of the Whirlpool refrigerator.
Refrigerator does not cool very well
If the refrigerator temperature is not cold enough, it may be because the condenser coils are dirty. They need to be thoroughly cleaned.
It could also be due to a refrigerant leak. If there is not enough of it in the system, the refrigerator will not be able to cool all the chambers as needed.
Whirlpool refrigerator stopped cooling after power surges
If there was a power outage in the house, and after that the refrigerator stopped freezing, the most likely cause is the failure of the main control unit. Voltage fluctuations negatively affect the health of the control board, and it often fails for this very reason.