WRF954CIHV00 Whirlpool Refrigerator Evaporator Frozen Again

[dbhinnant]

Model Number

WRF954CIHV00

Brand

Whirlpool

Age

1-5 years

I had an issue with this refrigerator over a month ago. Previous thread below. The evaporator core was freezing over. I replaced the cover which has the temp sensor and fan built in. It seemed to be fixed. Yesterday I found it frozen over again. What is the next step?

FIXED - Whirlpool WRF954CIHV00 Fridge temp 50+ Degrees

I keep thermometers in my freezer and my refrigerator. A couple of days ago I noticed the fridge was warm. I ran the temp setting all the way down as far as it would go (33). The freezer is set to 1. The fridge is not going below 50 degrees and the freezer is -11. Before taking everything out...

www.applianceblog.com

 

[Jake]

Run those tests again from your previous thread, per your tech. data sheet:
Service Test - 90 Run RC Defrost Heater
• When entering this service test, defrost heater turns on and stays on for 5 minutes or until the evaporator thermistor goes above 60°F.
• “ON” will be displayed while the operation is executed.
Service Test - 91 Run a Forced Defrost
• Activates the forced defrost.
• When “ON” is selected and exiting Service mode, defrost will be executed.
• When “OFF” is selected and exiting Service mode, defrost will NOT be executed. To advance between control mode “ON” or “OFF” Use “+” or “-” key. Once desired setting is selected, push “Drawer” key to activate then “Max Cool” to exit this mode.

Did you order and replace the entire RC cover assembly with a brand new one?

Here's the brand new one for your model: Cover-Evap W11099568 It includes the RC fan motor, wire assembly and thermistor.

Also, RUN Service Test - 03 RC Evaporator Thermistor
• Read Refrigerator Evaporator Temperature. SH indicates “shorted” thermistor, OP indicates “open” thermistor.

And, Service Test - 57 RC Fan Test
• When entering service test, the Refrigerator Fan turns on. The display shows “ON.”

 

[dbhinnant]

I ran 90 and 91. During 90 all I hear is a faint gurgling sound. During 91 the fan was running and all I could hear. Honestly I didn't hear much when I ran these before either.

Yes the entire cover assembly was replaced with a new one.

When I ran test 3 a value of 4 showed on the display. When I ran 57 I could hear the fan turn on.

Also, when I discovered the evaporator was frozen over this time I defrosted it completely with a hair dryer. I noticed some trash was blocking the drain hole below the evaporator. I cleared this.

 

[Jake]

Ok, is the evaporator cover back in place and how is it doing now?

 

[dbhinnant]

Yes it's all back together. It seems fine so far. The only reason I realized it was frozen over this time was I had to disassemble the interior to clean up the mess from our leaking Thanksgiving turkey... 😆

 

[Jake]

Ok, got it!

Thanks for the update.

 

[dbhinnant]

It's frozen over again.

 

[Jake]

Ok, that's very strange.

>ITS BEST at this point that you contact Whirlpool at 1-866-698-2538 and have a tech come out, the tech can call the factory on a special FACTORY HOTLINE tech number from your house, and the factory can get involved in investigating why this keeps happening.

Other than that, its possibly the control board that is faulty causing this problem.

The control board on this model comes with a new UI(user interface) as well. Here it is for your model: Cntrl-Elec W11533212

I located another member that was having this similar issue:

FIXED - Kitchen Aid KRFC604FSS01 Refrigerator not cooling

Quick update, Jake: I'm finding that the W11450890 board is unavailable anywhere. One supplier tells me it's discontinued. I found one in stock at Sears direct and ordered, but I also found a used W11093037, the board that W11450890 replaces. The website is where this used part is available is...

www.applianceblog.com

He installed that control board and the RC cover assembly and that fixed it.

I know you already installed the RC cover assembly, so its most likely the control board at this point in my opinion, but like I mentioned you can have a Whirlpool tech. come out to confirm that first if you like.

 

[dbhinnant]

Thank you Jake. I guess I'll roll the dice and order the part. Need to find instructions for the swap.

 

[dbhinnant]

The link you gave is the front control panel for the ice/water dispenser. Is this the part I need? The controls for temps and accessing the service menu are on the side of the door.

 

[Jake]

The control board on this model comes with a new UI(user interface) as well. Here it is for your model: Cntrl-Elec W11533212

Its both the main control board and the front display board( UI--->user interface) in 1 kit, you have to replace both.

Here's your service manual: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iRRnn103aeGMfrJwdW0Qoazg6S6k2qho/view?usp=share_link It shows you how to replace both.

 

[dbhinnant]

Part ordered. Thank you.

 

[Jake]

Ok, sounds good, keep us posted.

 

[dbhinnant]

I defrosted the fridge and installed the new control board and interface yesterday afternoon. This morning my thermometers show -16F - -21F for the freezer and 24F - 38F for refrigerator. There is a new symptom. I have the temps set to 37F and 0F. It has reset itself 3 times to 33F - 0F.

 

[dbhinnant]

Another update. I tried setting the temps to 40 for the fridge and 5 for the freezer. The freezer stayed at 5 but the fridge set itself back to 33.

 

[Jake]

That's interesting, how's it doing this morning?

 

[dbhinnant]

Fridge temps in the 30s. Freezer in the negative teens. Set the fridge temp back to 37 about 45 minutes ago and it just reset to 33.

 

[Jake]

Ok, something is very odd, you will definitely need to contact Whirlpool at 1-866-698-2538 and have a tech come out, the tech can call the factory on a special FACTORY HOTLINE tech number from your house, and the factory can get involved in investigating why this is happening.

 

[dbhinnant]

Based on the experience of the other member you shared along with mine I was hoping to avoid that but understand it may be my only option at this point.

 

[Jake]

Yes, I understand, but that's basically your only option now.