WRV986FDEM01 Whirlpool French Door Refrigerator Not Cooling in Freezer

[cmalinowski]

Model Number

WRV986FDEM01

Brand

Whirlpool

Age

6-10 years

Have recently begun having some issues with our refrigerator, all issues seem like they started at the same time.

Issue 1 - The ice maker located in the French door has stopped making ice. I have checked it for blockage and see no issues. Water on the door works fine so we have water to the unit. The 2nd ice maker located in the freezer section is making ice, but more slowly and the ice is not as cold as it used to be.

Issue 2 - the freezer section doesn’t seem to be getting as cold as it used too. It’s on the default of zero degrees. The ice in the freezer ice maker seems wetter than normal. Things seem to be frozen but not as frozen as they used to be. We noticed that our ice cream is really soft.

Not sure if issue 1 and 2 are related. Looking for ideas. The unit is exactly 6 years old and fairly expense, would prefer to not have to replace it.

 

[Jake]

Do you hear the fan motor running inside the freezer section when you open the freezer door? some models you have to hold the door switch in while the freezer door is open to hear it running.

Pull the refrigerator out from the wall and remove the lower back access panel then do you see the condenser fan motor running? It mounts next to your compressor.

Do you see any frost build-up on the back panel inside the freezer?

Also, have you cleaned your condenser coil under the refrigerator?

1. Unplug refrigerator or disconnect power.
2. Remove the base grille.
3. Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush to clean the grille, the open areas behind the grille, and the front surface area of the condenser.
4. Replace the base grille when finished.
5. Plug in refrigerator or reconnect power.

You can get a vacuum cleaner attachment or condenser brush to clean your condenser. Even better would be if you have an air compressor or shop vac to blow the condenser coils out, yes its a bit more messy on your kitchen floor, but it cleans it thoroughly.

Vacuum Hose Attachment 8171579A


Refrigerator Condenser Cleaning Brush


Jake

 

[cmalinowski]

I confirmed when I open the freezer that I can hear a fan and I can feel air blowing from the back vent. No ice build up inside the freezer. I was able to clean the coils, they were heavily covered in dust and lint. Removed the back panel and verified the small fan was running.

Got it all put back together and put a tray of ice cubes in and it looks like it is still struggling to keep anywhere near zero. The ice cubes are very slowly freezing but after 16 hours they are only partially frozen. Any other ideas before I call a repair man?

 

[Jake]

There was no frost build-up on the back panel inside the freezer?

If that's the case, then it sounds like you have a sealed system problem. Yes, contact Whirlpool at 1-866-698-2538 and have a tech come out.

Jake