Fix Your Whirlpool Fridge That's Warm But The Freezer is Cold With These Quick DIY Solutions
Is your Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling even though the freezer section seems to be working just fine? This frustrating issue can lead to ruined groceries and extra trips to the store. But before you call an expensive appliance repairman, try some quick DIY troubleshooting steps first.
A common refrigerator problem is when the freezer is cold but the fridge is warm. There are several possible causes for this issue that you can easily check and fix yourself.
Common Causes of a Warm Fridge/Cold Freezer
If your Whirlpool refrigerator's fridge section is warm while the freezer remains properly cold, the issue likely stems from one of these common problems:
Condenser Coils Are Dirty
The condenser coils are located on the back of your fridge. As the refrigerator runs, these coils dissipate heat into the air. But if dust or dirt builds up on them, it can prevent proper airflow and cooling capacity.
Cleaning the condenser coils is one of the easiest DIY troubleshooting steps for a warm fridge/cold freezer issue. Simply unplug the fridge, use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove debris from the coils, and wipe them down with a microfiber cloth.
Evaporator Fan Motor Stopped Working
The evaporator fan is the part responsible for circulating cold air from the freezer to the fridge section. If this fan motor stops running, it will prevent proper airflow and lead to a warm fridge.
Check if the evaporator fan is running by listening for humming near the back wall of the freezer. If not, try giving the fan a spin with your finger to get it moving again. If the motor is burned out, the fan will need to be replaced.
Door Seal is Damaged or Worn Out
In order for a refrigerator to maintain proper temperatures, it needs an airtight door seal. If the seal is cracked or warped, cold air can escape and cause the fridge to run warm.
Test your door seal by closing a piece of paper in the door and trying to pull it out. If it slides out easily at any point, the seal needs to be replaced. This is an easy DIY fix with a replacement gasket.
Clogged Defrost Drain Line
Refrigerators have an automatic defrost cycle to prevent ice buildup. The defrosted water drains through a tube at the back of the fridge which can get clogged over time.
A clogged defrost drain will lead to leaks and overflow that can prevent proper cooling. Try probing the drain tube with a turkey baster to clear out gunk and debris.
DIY Quick Fixes to Try
Before calling in costly appliance repair experts, there are a few handy DIY troubleshooting steps you can take to get your Whirlpool refrigerator cooling again:
Clean the Condenser Coils
As mentioned earlier, cleaning debris off your condenser coils can work wonders. Here's a quick step-by-step guide:
- Unplug refrigerator power cord.
- Use vacuum with brush to clean coils thoroughly.
- Wipe down coils with microfiber cloth.
- Plug fridge back in and listen for compressor turning on.
Proper airflow should be restored once coils are cleaned, allowing your fridge to cool down again.
Check/Replace Door Seals
To test if your door seal needs replacing:
- Close a piece of paper in the door and try to pull it out.
- If it slides out easily, inspect the gasket for cracks or damage.
- Measure the seal and order an exact replacement online.
- Watch a tutorial and replace the seal yourself.
This cheap fix takes less than an hour and prevents cold air from escaping the fridge.
Confirm Evaporator Fan is Running
Double check that the evaporator fan spins freely by:
- Removing back panel to access fan.
- Listening for hum of motor.
- Giving fan a spin with finger.
If not operating, unplug fridge and replace motor. Make sure no obstructions prevent blade movement.
When to Call a Repair Professional
While many warm fridge/cold freezer issues can be resolved with simple DIY repairs, you may need to call in a technician if:
- DIY troubleshooting does not solve the problem.
- The defrost system or compressor is suspected as the culprit.
- The refrigerator stops cooling entirely.
- You are not comfortable doing repairs yourself.
Refrigerator repair experts can diagnose complex issues beyond these basic fixes. But try a few DIY tricks first to potentially save hundreds on service calls for common problems.
FAQs
Why is my Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling?
If the fridge is warm but the freezer is cold, common causes include a condenser coil blockage, broken evaporator fan, bad door seal, or clogged defrost drain. DIY cleaning and repairs may resolve the issue.
How can I fix my fridge that is not cold enough?
Check the thermostat setting, clean condenser coils, make sure the door seals properly, confirm the evaporator fan runs, and clear any obstructions in the fridge/freezer air pathways.
What are signs my refrigerator door seal needs replacing?
Symptoms of a bad seal are warm fridge temperatures, frost buildup inside, and being able to slide paper out easily when closed in the door. Visually inspect for cracks or damage.
Don't resign yourself to an expensive service call when simple DIY repairs could get your Whirlpool refrigerator cooling again. Start by cleaning the condenser coils and checking components like the evaporator fan and door seal. With some handy troubleshooting, you can likely fix a warm fridge and cold freezer yourself in no time.