KitchenAid Freezer not freezing

Common reasons your KitchenAid Freezer not freezing

The most common reasons your KitchenAid freezer is not freezing are a failed compressor start relay, a malfunctioning electronic control board, or a bad temperature control thermostat.

  • 37%

    37% of the time it's the Compressor Start Relay

  • 22%

    22% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board

  • 19%

    19% of the time it's the Thermostat

  • 22%

    22% of the time it's the Something else

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Most common repairs needed to fix a KitchenAid freezer

Compressor Start Relay Replacement

The compressor start relay helps the compressor kick on and run, which is essential for cooling the freezer. If the start relay is malfunctioning, the compressor may fail to start or run intermittently, leading to inadequate cooling and a rise in freezer temperature. You might notice that food isn't freezing properly or that the freezer compartment feels warm. To address this issue, inspect the compressor start relay for any signs of damage or wear. If you suspect the start relay is at fault, schedule an in-home repair appointment through Sears Home Services to have a technician diagnose and replace the faulty relay.

Electronic Control Board Replacement

When your freezer is not freezing, a malfunctioning electronic control board could be causing the problem. The electronic control board receives signals from various sensors to monitor the temperature inside the freezer. Using the information it receives from these sensors, the board starts or stops the compressor, fans, defrost cycle and other components. A bad internal relay or corrupted internal logic on the circuit board can prevent the electronic control board from sending electric current to the compressor for cooling. When your freezer isn't freezing, schedule service through Sears Home Services. Our technician will visit your home and fix the cooling problem in your freezer.

Thermostat Replacement

A common sign of a bad temperature control thermostat is temperature inconsistency within the freezer, leading to either insufficient cooling or excessively cold conditions. You might notice fluctuations in temperature and find items thawing. The freezer may run continuously or cycle frequently, indicating a failure to maintain the set temperature. In some cases, the thermostat might cause the freezer to be entirely non-responsive, leading to a complete lack of cooling.

Why is my KitchenAid freezer not freezing?

Image of homeowner shutting off the circuit breaker for the stove

Power supply issues are a leading cause of your KitchenAid freezer not working. If your freezer has an interior light, open the door to see if the light turns on. If it does, then you know the appliance is getting electrical power.

If your freezer is completely dead, follow these basic troubleshooting steps to restore power:

  1. Check the power cord to make sure that it’s fully plugged into the electrical outlet. Check the power cord for damage and replace the power cord if it’s cut, frayed or damaged.
  2. If the power cord is okay and the freezer is completely dead, reset the house circuit breaker for the freezer outlet.
  3. If the freezer is still dead, test the electrical outlet for power by plugging a nightlight or other small electrical device into the outlet. If the outlet is dead, have an electrician fix the outlet.

If the outlet works and the freezer won’t power up, it may have a defective electronic control board or a bad cold control thermostat. A wiring failure or a number of other failures could also be preventing the freezer from getting power.

freezer-cold-control-thermostat-image

Freezer Control Failure

If you know the freezer has electrical power, but the compressor won't run, a failed cold control thermostat could be the problem if your freezer has a dial control.

To determine if the freezer cold control thermostat is working, unplug the freezer and check for continuity from the power cord wire that connects to the cold control thermostat and the wire that supplies power to the compressor from the control. If your meter doesn't measure continuity between those wires, then you'll likely need to replace the freezer cold control thermostat because it isn't sending electrical current to the compressor.

Here’s an illustrated guide that shows how to replace the cold control thermostat in a freezer:

How to replace the cold control thermostat in a freezer.

freezer-electronic-control-board-replacement-image

Freezer Electronic Control Failure

When the freezer is getting electrical power but the condenser fan and compressor won’t run because they’re not getting electrical current from the electronic control board, you’ll likely need to replace the circuit board.

Here’s a video that shows how to replace the electronic control board in a freezer:

If you’re uncertain that the electronic control board is bad or you need help resolving your freezer problem, schedule freezer repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the problem.

What to expect when you experience a KitchenAid freezer not freezing issue

How is the freezer not freezing issue fixed?

Correcting most freezer not freezing issues involves replacing the compressor start relay, temperature control thermostat, or PCB. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a freezer not freezing problem

When a freezer is not freezing, it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts, we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of freezer failures.

What to look out for with a freezer not freezing diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your freezer problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

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Pedro was on time and super friendly. He seemed to know the job and was helpful in explaining everything. Showed me the controls and where the problem was. So nice, would definitely use your service again. Another company was going to take 3 days to come and service us. You guys came same day, what a lifesaver!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why won’t my KitchenAid freezer reach freezing temperatures?
A malfunctioning defrost system, blocked air vents, or a failing compressor can prevent the interior from getting cold enough. Verify no items are blocking the vents.
Does a broken defrost heater affect freezing?
Yes. If ice builds up on the evaporator, it restricts airflow, raising freezer temps. Replacing the heater or defrost thermostat typically fixes the issue.
Can a low refrigerant charge cause freezing issues?
Absolutely. A leak in the sealed system can reduce cooling power. Only certified technicians can repair leaks and recharge refrigerant safely.
When do I need professional help for a KitchenAid freezer that won’t freeze?
If basic checks—like clearing vents and confirming defrost cycles—don’t solve it, the compressor or sealed system may require an expert’s attention.

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Glossary Terms

A freezer bag is a specially designed plastic bag used for the cold storage of food in the freezer, offering protection against freezer burn and preserving the food's freshness and flavor over extended periods.

A freezer compressor is a vital component of a freezer's refrigeration system, functioning as a pump to circulate refrigerant through the system, which cools the interior by absorbing and expelling heat.

A freezer door gasket is a flexible seal that outlines the edge of the freezer door, ensuring an airtight closure to maintain cold temperatures inside and prevent warm air from entering.

A manual defrost freezer is an appliance that needs to be switched off and allowed to thaw periodically to remove accumulated ice, ensuring efficient operation and storage space maximization.

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KitchenAid freezer not freezing? Discover solutions & quick fixes!