Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Cooling? How To Get It Working Again
Is your Whirlpool refrigerator failing to keep your food cold? When you open the door, are you greeted by warm air instead of a nice chill? If your fridge is displaying an error message like "cooling off," you likely have a problem with its refrigeration system.
A non-cooling refrigerator can be incredibly frustrating. All your favorite foods are at risk of spoiling. Fortunately, many common issues that prevent a Whirlpool refrigerator from cooling properly can be fixed with some simple troubleshooting steps.
Whirlpool Fridge "Cooling Off" Message Meaning
The "cooling off" message on your Whirlpool refrigerator's display indicates that the cooling function has been turned off. This usually happens for one of two reasons:
- Accidental button presses - If buttons on the control panel get pressed inadvertently while cleaning or moving items in the fridge, it can shut off the cooling.
- Power surges or outages - A disruption in power can cause the settings to reset, which turns off the cooling function.
Regardless of the cause, when "cooling off" shows on the Whirlpool fridge display, it means the refrigerator and freezer aren't actively being cooled. The cooling function needs to be manually reactivated to get your food back to the proper temperature.
How To Turn Cooling Back On
The steps required to turn the cooling function back on vary between Whirlpool refrigerator models. However, there is one button combination that works for many of their french door and side-by-side refrigerators:
- Press and hold the "Lock" and "Measured Fill" buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds.
- Listen for any audible tones. The buttons may need to be held for up to 10 seconds.
- Check the display to see if the "cooling off" message has disappeared.
- Repeat steps 1-3 if the message is still showing.
Consult your user manual to determine the exact button sequence required for your specific Whirlpool model. For some, you may need to hold the "Fast Freeze" and "Instant Ice" buttons instead. The key is finding the right combination of buttons listed in the manual and holding them down for several seconds.
If Lock/Measured Fill Buttons Don't Work
If your Whirlpool refrigerator's "cooling off" message won't clear after holding the "Lock" and "Measured Fill" buttons, there are a few other button combinations to try:
- Hold both the "Freezer Temp" and "Refrigerator Temp" buttons for 5 seconds.
- Press and hold the "Door Alarm" and "Energy Saver" buttons simultaneously.
- Try various pairs of buttons related to temperature or cooling settings.
The right buttons to re-enable cooling vary across Whirlpool models, so don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations. Just be sure to consult your user manual so you know which buttons are safe to press on your specific refrigerator.
Check Thermostat Setting
If manually reactivating the cooling doesn't resolve the issue, the next step is checking your Whirlpool refrigerator's thermostat setting. The thermostat controls the temperature, so it needs to be set correctly in order for cooling to occur:
- The ideal refrigerator temperature is 37degF.
- Use the temperature adjustment buttons on the control panel to set the thermostat.
- Give the fridge some time to cool down after adjusting the thermostat.
If the thermostat is set properly to 37degF but the Whirlpool refrigerator still isn't cooling, there could be a problem with the thermostat itself.
If Thermostat Is Set Correctly
When the thermostat is set to the right temperature but your Whirlpool refrigerator fails to cool, the thermostat is likely faulty. Here are some steps to take in this case:
- Turn the refrigerator OFF and replace the thermostat unit.
- Test the newly installed thermostat.
- If it still doesn't activate cooling, contact refrigerator repair services.
Replacing a defective thermostat yourself is possible on some models. However, if the issue persists after installing a new thermostat, the problem may require professional diagnosis and repairs.
Prevent Future "Cooling Off" Errors
To avoid having your Whirlpool refrigerator accidentally turn off cooling again, here are some useful tips:
- Take care when cleaning the control panel buttons.
- Use the child lock function on your control panel if available.
- Plug the refrigerator into a surge protector.
Being cautious around the buttons while wiping down the fridge can prevent accidental shut offs. The child lock prevents little hands from playing with the controls. And a surge protector guards against power interruptions triggering a cooling malfunction.
When To Call A Repair Person
While many cooling issues are DIY fixes, sometimes professional assistance is required. Call an appliance repair technician if:
- No button combination succeeds in turning cooling back on.
- Replacing the thermostat doesn't resolve the issue.
- Advanced diagnostics are needed to identify the problem.
- You want an expert to properly repair any underlying issues.
Refrigerator repair services have specialized tools and expertise to troubleshoot problems. They can pinpoint whether the compressor, condenser fan, defrost system, or sealed system is malfunctioning. While their services aren't free, repair pros may save you time, money, and food in the long run.
A Whirlpool refrigerator failing to cool is a major appliance problem. However, as we covered, many common causes of the "cooling off" error message can be resolved with some simple troubleshooting steps:
- Try rebooting the refrigerator by pressing button combinations.
- Check that the thermostat is set properly at 37degF.
- Replace a faulty thermostat if needed.
- Call a repair professional for complicated issues.
Be sure to consult your fridge's user manual for model-specific help. With power cycling, thermostat adjustments, or component replacements, you can usually get your Whirlpool refrigerator back to cooling food in no time.