KitchenAid Freezer Repair

Having trouble with your KitchenAid freezer? This guide will help you figure out what's wrong and how to fix it.

We've worked on hundreds of these units over the years. Most problems aren't as complicated as they seem at first.

Read on to learn more about what can go wrong and how you can fix your KitchenAid freezer (or when you need to schedule freezer repair service).

Common Freezer Problems

KitchenAid makes several freezer types - uprights, chest freezers, and the freezer section in refrigerator-freezer combos. Each has its quirks, but they share many of the same issues.

• Not cold enough? Might be a seal problem, thermostat issue, or something blocking the air vents inside.

• Making weird noises? Could be the compressor, fan motors, or something loose that's vibrating.

• Ice building up where it shouldn't? Defrost system is probably acting up.

• Water leaking out? Drain might be clogged or the door isn't closing right.

Before diving into repairs, find your model number. It's usually on a plate inside the freezer or along the frame. Write it down. You'll need it if you end up ordering parts.

No Power or Not Running

If your freezer won't turn on at all, check these things first:

• Is it plugged in? Sounds obvious, but double-check.

• Check the circuit breaker. Sometimes it trips without looking obviously different from the others. Flip it off and back on to reset.

• Look at the power cord for damage. Cords get pinched against the wall or chewed by pets sometimes.

• Some KitchenAid models have a separate power switch. Make sure it's turned on.

• Check the outlet by plugging in something else like a lamp. Sometimes outlets go bad while everything else works fine.

• Temperature controls might be set wrong. The "off" setting on some models is between numbers, not at the lowest number.

If there's power to the unit but nothing's running, it could be a control board problem. These fail occasionally, especially after power surges. You’ll typically need to have an appliance repair technician fix this type of problem.

Not Cold Enough

This is probably the most common complaint with freezers. Several things can cause it:

• Door gaskets get old and don't seal properly. Close the door on a dollar bill and try pulling it out. If it slides out easily, your seal is bad.

• Dirty condenser coils make the system work harder and cool less effectively. The coils are usually underneath or behind the freezer. Unplug the unit and vacuum them thoroughly.

• Check the temperature setting. Someone might have adjusted it accidentally. KitchenAid freezers work best around 0°F.

• Freezer too full? Needs proper air circulation to cool everything. Overstuffing blocks cold air movement.

• Not full enough? An empty freezer actually works harder. A properly filled freezer holds cold better.

• Thermostat might be failing. Signs include the freezer running constantly or not turning on when it should.

• Check if the evaporator fan is running. This circulates cold air inside the compartment. No fan motion means no cooling, even if the compressor works.

Compressor issues are more serious. If you hear the compressor trying to start but failing, or making unusual noises, it might be failing. A freezer repair service technician typically needs to fix a compressor failure.

Frost and Ice Buildup

Ice where it shouldn't be points to specific problems:

• Frost on the back wall is normal for some models, but excessive buildup isn't. Usually means the defrost system isn't working right.

• The defrost timer might be stuck. This tells the freezer when to run a defrost cycle. When it fails, ice just keeps building up.

• Defrost heater could be burned out. This heater melts accumulated frost during defrost cycles.

• Check the defrost thermostat too. It monitors temperature during defrost cycles.

• Door left open or poor door seal lets in humid air that freezes. Check gaskets for damage.

• Drain problems cause water to back up and refreeze. The defrost drain hole gets clogged with food particles or ice.

Some KitchenAid upright freezer models have a drain tube that gets clogged easily. It's usually behind the bottom drawer in the freezer section.

Weird Noises

Different noises mean different problems:

• Clicking or ticking is often the start relay or temperature control cycling the compressor on and off. Normal in most cases.

• Buzzing or humming that's louder than usual might be the compressor struggling. Not good if it's significantly louder than before.

• Rattling usually means something loose. Check fan blades for damage and make sure the freezer is level.

• Squealing often comes from fans. Could be the evaporator fan inside or the condenser fan underneath.

• Knocking or clunking when the compressor starts and stops might mean mounting springs are worn out.

• Gurgling or bubbling sounds are usually refrigerant moving through the system. Generally normal unless very loud.

Some newer KitchenAid models make occasional cracking sounds from the plastic interior as temperatures change. That's normal.

Water Leaks

Finding water around your freezer? Check these causes:

• A clogged defrost drain is the most common culprit. Water from defrost cycles can't flow to the drain pan and overflows.

• The door not closing properly allows humid air in, which condenses and eventually leaks out as water.

• The defrost drain pan might be cracked or positioned wrong. It's located underneath the freezer and collects water during defrost cycles.

• Ice maker problems cause leaks in some models. Look for cracked water lines or loose connections.

• The freezer not being level causes improper drainage. Use a level to check, and adjust the feet if needed.

Control Panel Issues

Many KitchenAid freezers have electronic control panels that can act up:

• Flashing display lights usually indicate an error code. Check your owner's manual to decode what the flashing means.

• Buttons not responding might need a control panel reset. Unplug the unit for 2-3 minutes, then plug it back in.

• Some KitchenAid models have a demo or showroom mode that looks like it's working but doesn't actually cool. Check your manual for how to exit this mode.

• Displays that go dark might mean a control board failure or just a loose connection to the display panel.

• After power outages, some units need to be reset properly. Unplug for a few minutes, then restore power.

Temperature fluctuations shown on the display might be normal after adding food or opening the door frequently.

Ice Maker Troubles

Many KitchenAid freezers include ice makers that have their own set of problems:

• Not making ice at all? Check if the ice maker arm is in the "off" position. Some people shut it off accidentally.

• Water supply issues prevent ice production. Make sure the water valve to the freezer is fully open.

• Water line frozen? This happens in some models. You might need to thaw it carefully with a hair dryer.

• Ice cubes too small usually means low water pressure or a partially blocked water line.

• Hollow ice cubes typically indicate the water fill valve isn't staying open long enough.

• Ice maker mold full but not dropping cubes? The ejector arm or motor might be stuck.

• Weird taste or smell in the ice? Change the water filter and clean the ice bin thoroughly.

Fixing It Yourself

Many freezer repairs are doable without calling a pro:

• Replacing door gaskets is pretty straightforward. New gaskets come with instructions.

• Cleaning condenser coils just needs a vacuum with a brush attachment. Unplug the freezer first.

• Unclogging a drain requires finding the drain hole (usually at the bottom back of the freezer interior) and clearing it with warm water or a pipe cleaner.

• Fan blade replacement needs some disassembly but isn't too complicated. Just be careful of sharp edges.

• Thermostat replacement is doable if you're comfortable with basic wiring. Take pictures before disconnecting anything.

Control board replacement is trickier but follows a logical process. Again, document everything before attempting this repair.

Maintenance Tips

Keep your freezer running longer with regular appliance maintenance:

• Clean those condenser coils twice a year. Dust and pet hair down there make your freezer work much harder.

• Check door gaskets for cracks or tears every few months. Clean them with mild soap to maintain flexibility.

• Keep defrost drain holes clear. Pour a small amount of bleach water down them yearly to prevent algae growth.

• Defrost manual-defrost models when ice builds up more than 1/4 inch thick. Never use sharp objects to chip at ice.

• Keep the freezer reasonably full but not packed. Good air circulation matters.

• Vacuum around the compressor area yearly. Dust buildup affects cooling efficiency.

• Clean the interior with baking soda and water. Avoid harsh chemicals that might damage the liner.

Parts You Might Need

If you need replacement parts, Sears Parts Direct carries genuine KitchenAid components. Use your model number when ordering.

Common replacement parts include door gaskets, thermostats, and fan motors. These wear out fastest.

Evaporator fans are often needed for cooling problems. Listen for unusual noises from the freezer compartment.

Drain heaters help prevent ice blockages in the drain system. These burn out occasionally.

Control boards solve many electronic issues but are pricey. Make sure that's really the problem before ordering one.

Door switches wear out from repeated opening and closing. They control the interior light and some other functions.

When to Call for Help

Some repairs are better left to freezer repair professionals:

• Refrigerant system problems need special equipment and certification. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, call a pro.

• Compressor replacement is complex and requires special tools to evacuate and recharge the system.

• Sealed system repairs of any kind are not DIY-friendly. They need specialized knowledge and equipment.

• If multiple components have failed, professional diagnosis often costs less than trial-and-error part replacement.

• Water damage from long-term leaks might need professional assessment for mold or electrical safety concerns.

We can help if your KitchenAid freezer needs repairs beyond your comfort level. Our technicians know these units inside out and carry common parts on their trucks.