FIXED Kenmore Fridge 596.77593801 with french Doors and bottom freezer - fridge not cooling

[kenf]

Model Number

596.77593801

Brand

Sears Kenmore

Age

More than 10 years

The refrigerator is not cooling enough. I had this problem a few years ago and it was the defrost cycle failing to run because of a bad sensor on the tubing next to the evaporator. I fixed that and it has been working ever since. I disassembled the back of the freezer last weekend and found the evaporator ice free except for a block on the tubing that feeds the evaporator. I removed it.

I plunged the unit in and noticed the fan not moving. I flicked it and it took off. I stopped it multiple times and it started up each time. This happened without closing the switch on the freezer door. Which I thought had to be closed for the fan to work. After this I reassembled it and the fridge cooled. I checked the damper and it was open and I could feel air moving through the duct from the freezer. The fan spun what I would consider a bit slow for a shaded pole motor but there was no noise and it turned smoothly. Maybe with a bit of drag, but smoothly.

A day later the temperature in the fridge went up and the air flow was not moving. The damper was still open, though. It is hard to observe the evaporator fan but I'm pretty sure it is working intermittently. When I can feel air coming through the duct the fridge is cold, otherwise not. Since last weekend the temperature has fluctuated from 38 to 49 on a daily basis. So my question is should I just replace the fan or is there a sensor to check first, or maybe a error code to look for? On that note, how do I check codes on this model?

Thanks for any help.

 

[Jake]

If you had to "flick" the evaporator fan motor to make it start, then that's the part you need.

I had a Maytag do this on one of my local service calls, It was a bad evaporator fan motor, thus making the refrigerator section warm, but freezer was fine.

Here's the evaporator fan motor for your model:
W11024089 Motor-Evap

On that note, how do I check codes on this model?

I couldn't locate the tech. data sheet for this model and without that I can't tell you, sorry.

But the new evaporator fan motor should fix it.

What's the temperature of your freezer right now?

 

[kenf]

The freezer is just about zero F next to the temperature sensor. On the bottom it is about -15F. Without the fan going, the cold air goes to the bottom.

Do you know what turns the fan on in these units? Is it a sensor or is it just when the compressor runs?

 

[Jake]

The freezer is just about zero F next to the temperature sensor.

Good.

Do you know what turns the fan on in these units? Is it a sensor or is it just when the compressor runs?

When the compressor runs, that evaporator fan motor runs too.

 

[kenf]

Thanks for the info, Jake. That is what I thought but these new'ish' units with the control boards are, well, a bit new to me.

 

[Jake]

Yes, I completely understand.

 

[kenf]

Well, I replaced the evaporator fan motor and everything is working. So I guess this thread is about done. Do I put the "FIXED" tag on the Title or does someone else do that? Its always good to keep the forum's index nice and tidy.

Off on a little tangent, The replacement fan motor was a shaded pole motor and the original motor was built into a little box. I couldn't help myself and I tore it apart. I found what looks like a brushless DC motor inside. Is that what the industry is moving towards?

 

[Jake]

Excellent, glad to hear the new evaporator fan motor fixed it.

Thanks for the update! I marked your thread FIXED for you.

Off on a little tangent, The replacement fan motor was a shaded pole motor and the original motor was built into a little box. I couldn't help myself and I tore it apart. I found what looks like a brushless DC motor inside. Is that what the industry is moving towards?

Yes, that is correct.