Thread: kenmore elite fridge side not cold

OK, some new information. Last night, I removed the diffuser from the hole in the divider wall. I left it connected so the freezer would continue to run and to allow cold air into the firdge side. This morning when I checked, the diffuser had opened up.

I then remembered that a week or so ago, I had opened the freezer to find that the ice had partially melted then refroze together in a block. I assumed at the time that the freezer door had not been tightly closed allowing the partial thaw. Everything seemed fine with the freezer after that so I assumed there was no problem.

Is it possible that this situation caused an ice buildup inside the diffuser causing it to be uable to open? I did find a small amount of ice (perhaps 1/16") on the outside of the foam insulation of the diffuser.

I have put the diffuser back in place and everything seems fine after about two hours. Should I assume that the diffuser has defrosted itself and is now fine or is it more likely that there is some problem?

Is it possible that this situation caused an ice buildup inside the diffuser causing it to be uable to open? I did find a small amount of ice (perhaps 1/16") on the outside of the foam insulation of the diffuser.

Yes, but keep an eye in it.

If it keeps happening you will definitely need a new one.

Here is the one for you model you can order:
Air diffuser assembly Its on a back-order at the time of this post.

Jake

Thanks for the reply Jake. The diffuser has been back in place for 8 hours with the refrigerstor thermostat set to 5 (exact mid-range) and everything seems fine. I just checked and the diffuser was closed so I cranked the thermostat up to 9 (max) and pushed the light/door close button. The diffuser immediately opened up. I guess at this point I'll take your advice and just keep a close eye on it and be prepared to replace if needed.
Thanks once again.

Glad to help Ed.

Jake

Looks like I need some further help ...

The fridge doesn't quite seem to be getting cold enough. With the dial set to 8 (9 being max and 5 being mid-point) it seems to be holding around 38-40 degrees. If the door is opened frequently, such as when cooking, the temp will creep up a couple of degrees then settle back to the 38-40 range once the door is left closed for a while. The diffuser seems to be opening and closing without problem. I assume that the fridge should hold at 35 or so at a setting of 5. Should I look at the diffuser or the thermostat (or whatever else controls the diffuser?

The diffuser would likely be the cause instead of the thermostat.

Jake

Did anyone check the programed temperature? Is it 30deg F or maybe someone accidentally changed it to 38? This might be a dumb question.

I had a very simular problem with myside by side ref, but my freezer was too cold (-6degF) and it ended up the temp switch in the freezer coil section was bad. Ice buildup caused air flow impedance, difuser was open and everyone was trying but no cold air got to fridge. At this point if Iwasn't watching the compressor would have run 24hrs a day.