FIXED Whirlpool ET8MHKXMT03 fridge "short cycling"

[ksvtwin]

Model Number

ET8MHKLMT03

Brand

Whirlpool

Age

More than 10 years

Hello ! my whirlpool fridge ET8MHKLMT03 has started "short cycling". sometimes it is normal... runs for 15 minutes, then off for 20 minutes. cooling is exxcellent i have checked that with a temp gun. maybe once every 2 hours, it will go into a short cycling mode. it will run (compressor and fans) for about 30 seconds. then it will shut off for 30 seconds or so. i can repeat that cycle maybe 5 times or as many as 20 times. i turned the thermostat down below normal and that seemed to improve the situation but it still does it. i feel like the refridgerant part is fine since the cooling is good. any thoughts as to what i can check ? im pretty handy but need some ideas.

also the condenser coils are clean. i maintain that and the fan is free of dust.

also: should any fans or compressor run during the defrost cycle ? i'm guessing no. thank you in advance.

 

[Jake]

Are you sure its not ET8MHKXMT03 nothing pulls up for ET8MHKLMT03

It sounds like the temperature control thermostat is starting to go bad.

Here's the temperature control thermostat for ET8MHKXMT03:
Thermostat WP2204605

should any fans or compressor run during the defrost cycle ? i'm guessing no.

You are correct, No.

Jake

 

[ksvtwin]

Jake, you are very kind to answer my question. Thank you !!! and yes i made a typo it is definitely ET8MHKXMT03. i agree with your diagnosis, it makes sense with how the fridge is acting and honestly there is not much else in these cheaper refrigerators ! thanks again for your help and i will post the results soon.

 

[Jake]

Ok sounds good, yes let us know how it goes.

Jake

 

[ksvtwin]

update : i installed the new thermostat and the fridge is now cycling correctly. a correct diagnosis ! thank you for the help ! KS

 

[Jake]

Excellent KS, glad to hear the new temperature control thermostat fixed it.

Thanks for the update!

Jake