KRFC704FPS00 KitchenAid Refrigerator not cooling

[TexasTrish]

Model Number

KRFC704FPS00

Brand

KitchenAid

Age

1-5 years

My KitchenAid KRFC704FPS00 refrigerator is not cooling but freezer seems ok. Local repair company came out and found "a restriction in seal system not allowing freon to flow to fridge evaporator". They want to replace compressor, evaporator, condenser, some other parts and install new copper tubbing (sic?) and freon to the tune of $3600 including labor. I am not mechanically inclined but in reviewing other threads for similar problems, I wonder if I should have another company look at it? The refrigerator is less than 4 years old.

 

[Jake]

Did they show you the refrigerator evaporator coil frost pattern on it? Was there any frost at all on it?

$3600 including labor.

No way!!!

You can buy a brand new refrigerator for that. This time buy the one with the SINGLE evaporator coil, way too many problems with the dual evaporator coil.

Jake

 

[Jake]

Wait, stop the presses!!! You have WARRANTY on it! Contact KitchenAid at 1-800-422-1230 to have a AUTHORIZED KITCHENAID TECH come out.

SECOND THROUGH FIFTH YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY ON CAVITY
LINER AND SEALED REFRIGERATION SYSTEM (PARTS AND LABOR)
In the second through fifth years from the date of original purchase, when
this major appliance is installed, operated, and maintained according to the
instructions attached to or furnished with the product, KitchenAid will pay
for factory specified replacement parts and repair labor for the following
components to correct non-cosmetic defects in materials or workmanship
in this part that prevent function of the refrigerator and that existed when
this major appliance was purchased:
■ Refrigerator/freezer cavity liner if the part cracks due to defective
materials or workmanship.
■ Sealed refrigeration system (includes compressor, evaporator, condenser,
dryer, and connecting tubing).

SIXTH THROUGH TENTH YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY ON SEALED
REFRIGERATION SYSTEM (PARTS ONLY—LABOR NOT INCLUDED)
In the sixth through tenth year from the date of purchase, when this major
appliance is installed, operated, and maintained according to instructions
attached to or furnished with the product, KitchenAid will pay for factory
specified replacement parts to correct defects in materials or workmanship
in the sealed refrigeration system (includes compressor, evaporator,
condenser, dryer, and connecting tubing) that existed when this major
appliance was purchased.

 

[TexasTrish]

Unfortunately, I was traveling that day so a property manager was present when the tech showed up. I about passed out when I read the email estimate because I thought the same thing...why would I spend that much for repair when I could buy a new one for less! Can you provide suggestions for single evaporator models? Thank you so much!

 

[TexasTrish]

I called KitchenAid about scheduling a certified tech and inquired about the warranty. I was told there was only a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty and a sales receipt would be required as well as proof of extended warranty!?!?

 

[Jake]

I was told there was only a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty and a sales receipt would be required as well as proof of extended warranty!?!?

I'm attaching your owners manual below. Look on Page 38.

Jake

 

[TexasTrish]

Thank you! Hopefully with this info I will get better results when I call them again on Monday.

 

[Jake]

Ok, sounds good.

Jake

 

[TexasTrish]

Update.....Called KitchenAid and made appt. with authorized repair company. First available appt. was a week out but I was willing to wait if it would save me $3600. Told authorized repair company about previous diagnosis and that I wanted to make sure their visit and work would be covered by warranty if the original diagnosis was accurate. Now they are telling me that they currently "DO NOT have availability for Sealed Systems jobs" and cancelled the appt. Was I wrong to share prior diagnosis info? I had hoped to simplify the process, save some $ and time but maybe I just cut off my nose to spite my face

 

[Jake]

Yes, its better not to mention that anyone was there before to look at it.

Keep calling KitchenAid, the squeaky wheel gets the grease, they will send another company out, if they don't, you have your receipt and you have the owners manual, take them to small claims court, then you will see fast action.

Jake