106.64232402 Top mount Kenmore intermittent short cycling

[kalanikaau]

Model Number

106.64232402

Brand

Sears Kenmore

Age

More than 10 years

I own a Kenmore (Whirlpool) 106.64232402 top mount fridge which has recently started to intermittently "short cycle".
The refrigeration system will run for about a minute, shut off for 30 seconds or so then start back up again, this will repeat itself for 20x then become normal for an hour.
After an hour has elapsed, it will go into the short cycling process again, the thermostat is currently set mid-range, setting it to full cold will, of course cause the compressor to run constantly.
The condenser coil is clean, I religiously clean it every 3 months, the fridge cools normally and the self-defrost cycle appears to be operating normally.
This fridge has been ultra reliable for the 20 years or so I've owned it.
I'm leaning towards condemning the thermostat, but are there other components which may be causing this as well?

 

[Dan O.]

The refrigeration system will run for about a minute, shut off for 30 seconds or so then start back up again

Clarification is needed. When this happens, do both fans and compressor stop or just the compressor?


Dan O.

 

[kalanikaau]

Mahalo for responding,

All 3 components stop, the compressor, condenser and evaporator fans.

Sorry for not being more specific...

On an unrelated subject, am I correct in assuming that the only electronic circuit board this fridge has is for the adaptive defrost control?
Serial number is: ET4607510

 

[Dan O.]

All 3 components stop, the compressor, condenser and evaporator fans.

In that case I agree, the thermostat is likely responsible. Unfortunately the OEM factory thermostat (aka 'cold control') is discontinued and no longer available. There does however look to be some 'aftermarket' replacements still available to replace it. If they last 1/2 as long as the original you're way ahead of the game.

LINK > Kenmore 106.64232402 Cold Control # 2200859 / WP2200859 Replacement


Repair Video

am I correct in assuming that the only electronic circuit board this fridge has is for the adaptive defrost control?

Yes, it's pretty much just an electronic defrost timer.

Dan O.

 

[kalanikaau]

Thank-You very much for your time and effort.

Indeed, the part is obsolete, I inquired with the local parts vendor.

Currently working on getting a used thermostat to try, will keep you posted...

 

[Dan O.]

Currently working on getting a used thermostat to try, will keep you posted...

The part I linked to in my message is brand new, just not directly from the factory. I would suggest it over a used thermostat.

There does however look to be some 'aftermarket' replacements still available to replace it.

LINK > Kenmore 106.64232402 Cold Control # 2200859 / WP2200859 Replacement

.

Dan O.

 

[kalanikaau]

The part I linked to in my message is brand new, just not directly from the factory. I would suggest it over a used thermostat.

I'll be using the used thermostat for testing purposes, hopefully it's in better shape than mine...
The Amazon link you provided was very helpful, trouble is the soonest I can receive it is 12/30
Besides the used t/stat's price was right...free.com...lol

 

[Dan O.]

I didn't realize that thermostat was so popular you'd find one kicking around. It makes me wonder why Whirlpool discontinued supplying it.

Good luck!

Dan O.

 

[kalanikaau]

A buddy of mine works at a government run landfill, most end of life appliances in Honolulu go there to be processed for recycling.