106.41152211 Kenmore refrigerator/freezer not cooling

[Itwontwork651]

Model Number

106.41152211

Brand

Sears Kenmore

Age

6-10 years

We have a 2015 side by side Kenmore refrigerator/freezer. A couple of weeks ago, we noticed the freezer not cooling very well and then it stopped cooling all together. It took about 2 days for the refrigerator to stop cooling. When the freezer nob is calling for cold, nothing happens. When the refrigerator nob is on the coldest setting, everything turns on (compressor, condenser fan, evap fan) and we can hear the refrigerant moving. There has never been frost on the coil in the freezer. We changed out the defrost timer board and the defrost sensor but still not cooling. At one point, when everything stopped cooling, there was a little frost up to the defrost sensor but haven’t seen it since putting everything back together. If we turn the refrigerator and Freezer on, it constantly runs but never gets below 50 degrees. Anyone have any ideas on what is causing this?

 

[Dan O.]

There has never been frost on the coil in the freezer.

There should be frost on the evaporator coil, just not plugged solid. It should frost evenly across the whole evaporator if functioning properly. A photo of the evaporator coil after the fridge has been running for at least several hours would help to diagnose it.


Dan O.

 

[Itwontwork651]

I can send a picture of what it looks like but it looks exactly the same as if it were never turned on, just stainless steel. We’ve had it running for 2 days and there was never frost on the coil. Not sure that helps

 

[Dan O.]

We’ve had it running for 2 days and there was never frost on the coil.

If the compressor is running but no frosting is occurring, than you have a refrigeration system problem, either out of refrigerant, a defective compressor or a restriction in the refrigeration system. It will need a professional to diagnose it further. If the compressor is required and not covered by warranty, it is not usually cost effective to repair as replacing a compressor will run $500+

Dan O.

 

[Itwontwork651]

Thanks Dan, that was very helpful information and the direction we were leaning to. Thank you for all your help!