Whirlpool side by side refrigerator freezer, freezer too cold, fridge too warm

[woodjams]

Model Number

ED5HHGXTQ00

We had trouble a few months ago with the freezer being too cold and fridge too warm. We emptied everything, unplugged it to defrost it, and got it going again. We bought digital thermometers for each compartment because we have had issues for a few years with unregulated temperatures. All was well for a while, then randomly the freezer would get below zero, the fridge up to 39, then it would even out. Right now the freezer is set for the warmest temp and has been stuck at -8 F, and the fridge has been stuck at 42 while being set for the coldest setting since last night. We can empty, unplug, defrost, and start again, but we are wondering if there may be a faulty thermostat or other issue since we continue to have trouble regulating the temperature in both. Any ideas?

 

[Jake]

Hi,

When you unplugged your refrigerator and took the evaporator cover off were the evaporator coils all frosted up like in this photo below?



If so then you have a auto defrost part that has gone out.

To ohm test the defrost thermostat for continuity it has to be frosty when you ohm test it, if not you will not get a proper reading.

You can also ohm test it in a glass of ice water and wait at least 5 minutes before ohm testing it.

Some defrost thermostats have quick disconnects that just unsnap from the wiring harness and some don't, if your model doesn't then you will need to cut the wires to it, but don't cut to close to the defrost thermostat itself as you will need to reconnect it back in place with 2 wire nuts, I use the orange colored wire nuts.

Here's the defrost thermostat for your model:
Thermostat W10225581 Order now for same day shipping. 365 day return policy. RepairClinic.com


This video shows you how to access/replace it:

[video=youtube;U950xyscTMg]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U950xyscTMg[/video]

Watch this video, leave it in the ice water for at least 5 minutes before ohm testing it:

[video=youtube;zmdsBkO46dk]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmdsBkO46dk[/video]

Let us know what you find.

Jake

 

[woodjams]

problem hopefully fixed

Hi - I didn't have a way to do some of the testing you indicated, as I don't have the necessary items. We defrosted the whole unit, letting it sit for aboutt 48 hours, then started it up again. It was working fairly well, although we figured it would since it did after the first episode. We had a technician come, who was unable to test one item because it hadn't fully frosted over, but he indicated it was likely the defrost timer, which we replaced. We won't know for a while if this really fixed the problem, but if it recurs, we now know how to force a defrost cycle. Hopefully we have no further issues! Thank you for your help.

 

[Jake]

Ok, sounds good.

Yes, There is a hole just under your console that you can put a flathead screwdriver in to turn the defrost timer clockwise, without removing the console itself, then as your turning it once you hear a click/snap sound the refrigerator will shut off and it will be in the defrost cycle.

Then give it a few minutes, then you can look inside the freezer section towards the very bottom back panel and you should see the heating element glowing orange, if you see that, then your defrost thermostat and defrost heater are working fine.

It should stay in the defrost cycle for about 20-40 mintes, then the defrost timer will automatically kick into the cooling cycle and you will hear your refrigerator running again.

Here's the defrost timer for your model:
Defrost Timer 482493


Jake

 

[woodjams]

Thanks Jake!

 

[Jake]

Glad to help.

Jake