Thread: Kenmore fridge/ top freezer: Freezer cold, fridge not.

Any number of issues can cause a refrigerator to stop cooling properly. Let’s start with basic checks first. Check to see if both fans are working. The evaporator fan is in the freezer section and the condenser fan is by the compressor. If the compressor is running the condenser fan motor will also be running. Make sure the condenser coils are clean and air flow across them is not restricted. See if the compressor is running by placing your hand on top of the compressor and feel for vibration. Compressors normally run warm to very warm. A compressor running hot to very hot would indicate a problem. Look for frost on the evaporator cover (freezer section back wall) indicating a possible defrost issue.

Originally Posted by rickgburton

Any number of issues can cause a refrigerator to stop cooling properly. Let’s start with basic checks first. Check to see if both fans are working. The evaporator fan is in the freezer section and the condenser fan is by the compressor. If the compressor is running the condenser fan motor will also be running. Make sure the condenser coils are clean and air flow across them is not restricted. See if the compressor is running by placing your hand on top of the compressor and feel for vibration. Compressors normally run warm to very warm. A compressor running hot to very hot would indicate a problem. Look for frost on the evaporator cover (freezer section back wall) indicating a possible defrost issue.

Both fans are working. The condenser coils are clean and the fan blows air through them. The compressor is running, and it's warm to the touch. Too warm to keep my hand on it for more than a couple of seconds. No frost on the evaporator cover. And the freezer is still as cold as it should be while the fridge is between 40 and 50 but never below 40. If the compressor wasn't running wouldn't the freezer also be too warm?

Remove the evaporator cover (back wall of freezer section) and let's see what kind of frost pattern you have on the coils. There should be a very light coat of white frost on all the coils, top to bottom.

Originally Posted by rickgburton

Remove the evaporator cover (back wall of freezer section) and let's see what kind of frost pattern you have on the coils. There should be a very light coat of white frost on all the coils, top to bottom.

I removed the cover (the fan is hooked up to the cover and was running. The coat is light and looks like the glaze on donuts whitish and a little translucent.

OK, unplug the machine. Unplug the connector for the evaporator fan motor and remove the cover. Make sure there is no ice in the air chute. If it's clear, replace the cold control:
Temperature Control Thermostat 5304421256 Order now for same day shipping. 365 day return policy. RepairClinic.com

Originally Posted by rickgburton

OK, unplug the machine. Unplug the connector for the evaporator fan motor and remove the cover. Make sure there is no ice in the air chute. If it's clear, replace the cold control:
Temperature Control Thermostat 5304421256 Order now for same day shipping. 365 day return policy. RepairClinic.com

Thank you so much. No ice anywhere. One question, the part is $80. Is it worth spending that on a fridge this old? Is this a good quality appliance that will live for a few more years if I do this?

That's a call I can't make. I can tell you it was made by Frigidaire and the life of any appliance is about 10 years.

Originally Posted by rickgburton

That's a call I can't make. I can tell you it was made by Frigidaire and the life of any appliance is about 10 years.

I've decided to order and replace the part. Could you please let me know in which area of the fridge this part is located? Is it in the freezer, fridge or lower back?

#21 temperature control