Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ01 not refrigerating cold enough

[JStrach]

Model Number

WRS325SDHZ01

Brand

Whirlpool

Age

1-5 years

About a week ago, I noticed that the fridge and freezer weren't cooling our food, which turned out to be because the evaporator coil was completely frosted over. I thawed out the coil, tested the defrost heater, fuses, and the freezer and fridge thermostat, and concluded that the control board needed replacing, which I've done. However, once I plugged in the fridge after a full defrost, the fridge portion isn't getting quite cold enough. The freezer stays at about -5 degrees, but the fridge stays at about 42 (tested both with a fridge thermometer and a quick-read thermometer in a chilled cup of water). Modifying the temperature to its coldest setting doesn't seem to have any effect on the temperature. As I said, I tested the both the freezer and fridge thermostats during my earlier testing, and both appeared to be working properly (their resistance measurements lined up with charts I found online). What should I look at for a potential culprit?

 

[Dan O.]

the fridge stays at about 42. Modifying the temperature to its coldest setting doesn't seem to have any effect on the temperature.

Cooling in the fridge compartment is achieved by freezer air being circulating into that compartment. I would first suggest someone examine the evaporator coil again to make sure it is frosting evenly across its whole surface. It may be limiting the amount of cold air getting into the other compartment.



The fridge compartment temperature is controlled by an air damper in the top LH corner of the fridge compartment. If the freezer evaporator is frosting uniformly, that damper or its temperature sensor may be malfunctioning and need to be replaced.

LINK > WRS325SDHZ01 Damper Control Assembly & Sensor


Dan O.

 

[JStrach]

Thanks! The damper was my first guess. I'll check the evaporator coil again today. Is there a way I can test the damper? I think I properly tested the temperature sensor before, but if you have detailed instructions on that as well, that would be much appreciated.

 

[Dan O.]

Is there a way I can test the damper?

There should be a 'tech sheet' with the appliance's wiring diagram. It will often list test procedures that can be performed. On SxS fridge models that tech sheet is often folded up inside the front kickplate or sometimes under the cabinet in a pouch or envelope behind the kickplate.


Dan O.

 

[JStrach]

Thanks Dan!

I ended up replacing the damper control board, which I just installed, so hopefully that fixes the issue. While I was doing that, I took a picture of the evaporator coil. Is this normal looking, or is there an issue with it?

 

[Dan O.]

Is this normal looking, or is there an issue with it?

No. The frosting should be uniform across the whole evaporator. That photo appears to show a refrigeration system problem. It could be low of refrigerant or a problem with the compressor.



You'll probably need a trained refrigeration technician to look into it further. If the compressor is determined to be the problem it may not be cost effective to be repaired.

JMO

 

[JStrach]

Thanks for the quick response. Is it possible it could be the defrost heater? I did test it but perhaps I didn't test correctly. I had a quick call with a repair place nearby and the person I talked to thinks that since the freezer still reaches below zero, that's it's probably the defrost heater malfunctioning (his initial thought was a refrigerant leak). Do you agree? And do you know of a way I can try to manually trigger the heater?

 

[Dan O.]

Is it possible it could be the defrost heater?

Not causing that picture, no. The heater has nothing to do with how frost forms on the evaporator coil. Maybe reassemble it and let it run for another 12 hours and then check the frost pattern again. (Hopefully you will catch it before another defrost cycle that would remove all evidence.)

Frosting should be uniform across all coils of the evaporator.

I talked to thinks that since the freezer still reaches below zero, that's it's probably the defrost heater malfunctioning (his initial thought was a refrigerant leak). Do you agree?

No. Did you tell him only part of the evaporator coil is frosting? That is what is the important symptom.


Dan O.

 

[JStrach]

Not causing that picture, no. The heater has nothing to do with how frost forms on the evaporator coil. Maybe reassemble it and let it run for another 12 hours and then check the frost pattern again. (Hopefully you will catch it before another defrost cycle that would remove all evidence.)

Is there a way to manually trigger the defrost cycle so I can verify it's working properly?

Did you tell him only part of the evaporator coil is frosting? That is what is the important symptom.

I did, which is why he initially suspected a refrigerant leak. He then thought it might be the defrost heater malfunctioning because the freezer is hitting temps of -5. Can it do that with a refrigerant leak?

 

[Dan O.]

Is there a way to manually trigger the defrost cycle so I can verify it's working properly?

As I stated previously:

There should be a 'tech sheet' with the appliance's wiring diagram. It will often list test procedures that can be performed. On SxS fridge models that tech sheet is often folded up inside the front kickplate or sometimes under the cabinet in a pouch or envelope behind the kickplate.

I did [say only part of the evaporator coil is frosting], which is why he initially suspected a refrigerant leak.

You never mentioned that here. If you have two independent people telling you the same thing...

because the freezer is hitting temps of -5. Can it do that with a refrigerant leak?

Sure... depending on how much other cooling it needs to do. If it was full of warm food, probably not. If empty, yes. It'll cool somewhat until no frost forms anymore.


Dan O.

 

[JStrach]

You never mentioned that here. If you have two independent people telling you the same thing...

I'm not sure what you mean. I mentioned it right away. I'd talked to the repair person after your suggestion, then posted on here to see if you agreed with what he said about the defrost heater.

Can a refrigerant leak cause the evaporator coil to completely freeze up? That's what started this whole thing. If so, it sounds like the cost to have that repaired isn't worth it instead of just replacing the fridge.

 

[Dan O.]

A defrost issue will not cause an evaporator to only partially frost. I don't know why it would be suggested.

Can a refrigerant leak cause the evaporator coil to completely freeze up?

Not from top to bottom. A refrigeration issue could cause excessive frosting on part of it which could get so bad as to hamper air flow and dramatically affect cooling.

Running with the evaporator totally frosted over for an extended time might eventually damage the compressor internally which could result in the partial frosting you're now seeing. Either lack or refrigerant or compressor problem can cause that symptom.

I can't speak to what occurred previously, only to the current symptoms. A defrost issue will not cause an evaporator to only partially frost.

If so, it sounds like the cost to have that repaired isn't worth it instead of just replacing the fridge.

Refrigeration work these days is often not cost effective. It would usually be several hundred dollars at least and if the compressor was actually the cause and needed to be replaced, easily $500-$600+


Dan O.