Sears Home Services
Sears Home Advantage
appointment lookup logoAppointment Lookup
telephone logo646-440-2692
RepairHome WarrantyTune-Up & MaintainFencingShop Parts
Resources
RepairHome WarrantyTune-Up & MaintainFencingShop PartsResource CenterGlossaryHelp
sears home advantageSears Home Advantageappointment lookup logoAppointment Lookup
  1. Repair
  2. KitchenAid
  3. KitchenAid Refrigerator

KitchenAid Refrigerator freezer not working

Common reasons your KitchenAid Refrigerator freezer not working

The most common reasons your KitchenAid refrigerator freezer is not working are a faulty compressor start relay, a locked compressor, or a malfunctioning Electronic Control Board.

  • 29%

    29% of the time it's the
    Compressor Start Relay

  • 19%

    19% of the time it's the
    Compressor

  • 17%

    17% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 35%

    35% of the time it's the
    Something else

  • Use The Repair or Replace Calculator

    Determine What's Best For Your Appliance

    Product Type
    Home Appliance Brand
    How Old Is Your Appliance?

    Most common repairs needed to fix a KitchenAid refrigerator

    Compressor Start Relay Replacement

    A faulty compressor start relay could be the reason your refrigerator is not freezing. The compressor start relay helps the compressor kick on and run, which is essential for cooling the refrigerator. If the start relay isn't working correctly, the compressor may fail to start or run intermittently, leading to inadequate cooling and a rise in refrigerator temperatures. You might notice that your food isn't staying frozen or that the refrigerator compartment feels warmer than usual. To address this issue, check the compressor start relay for any signs of damage or wear. If you suspect the start relay is the problem, schedule an in-home repair appointment through Sears Home Services to have a technician inspect and replace the faulty relay, ensuring your refrigerator maintains the proper freezing temperatures.


    Compressor Replacement

    A locked refrigerator compressor can exhibit several symptoms indicative of a malfunction. The most noticeable sign is a lack of cooling in the refrigerator compartment, leading to elevated temperatures and the potential for food spoilage. The freezer may also fail to maintain the desired freezing temperatures, resulting in no ice production from the icemaker or dispenser. Additionally, you'll observe that the compressor is unusually silent or fails to produce its typical humming sound during operation. In some cases, the compressor may attempt to start but fail, resulting in repeated clicking noises. The inability of the compressor to circulate refrigerant properly can affect the defrosting process, leading to ice buildup in the freezer. Furthermore, a faulty compressor could send a sudden influx of melting frost to the drain line, causing it to back up, preventing adequate draining, and potentially causing water leaks.

    Electronic Control Board Replacement

    A malfunctioning electronic control board can lead to various failures in a refrigerator, including a lack of power or cooling. This is because the board serves as the brain of the refrigerator. The board controls crucial operations such as regulating internal temperatures, running fans, managing defrost cycles, overseeing the icemaker, and controlling dispenser functions. If the PCB malfunctions, it can disrupt communication between many different components, including automatic doors if equipped. A failing board may cause a chattering or clicking noise from the refrigerator and may emit a burning odor. Due to the potential impact on multiple components, it is advisable to have a Sears Home Services professional conduct diagnostic tests on the board to confirm if replacement is necessary.

    What to expect when you experience a KitchenAid refrigerator freezer not working issue

    How is the refrigerator freezer not working fixed?

    Correcting most refrigerator freezer not working involves replacing the compressor start relay, compressor, 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 refrigerator freezer not working problem

    When a refrigerator freezer is not working, 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 refrigerator failures.

    What to look out for with a refrigerator freezer not working diagnosis

    Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your refrigerator 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.

    When you need KitchenAid appliance repair, trust the pros at Sears Home Services to fix the problem fast. Schedule your repair appointment today.

    When you need KitchenAid refrigerator repair, trust the pros at Sears Home Services to fix the problem right.

    What our customers say about us

    With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it

    Jake is a great person.

    He did a great job, the problem is with the refrigerator.


    Nancy V, Meridian, ID

    Great job

    Robert did a great job and was kind and courteous. He cleaned up everything. I would highly recommend using him.


    Karen K, Mount Laurel, NJ

    Service appointment

    Joe was very professional and knowledgeable technician who quickly found and fixed the problem. I would recommend for service again


    Tim R, Schaghticoke, NY

    Repair Refrigerator Resources

    8 Common Mistakes People Make When Buying a Refrigerator
    4 min readNov. 19

    Buying a refrigerator is a big decision that requires careful planning to avoid costly mistakes. Learn how to choose the right style, measure your space, and make environmentally friendly choices with ease.

    Samsung Fridge Troubleshooting: A Comprehensive Guide image.
    6 min readNov. 15

    Get expert troubleshooting tips for your Samsung fridge with our comprehensive guide.

    Title image for blog article "How Does an Inverter Work?"
    6 min readNov. 13

    Learn how an inverter compressor works in a refrigerator.

    Title image for blog article "How Does a Refrigerator Ice Maker Work?"
    9 min readNov. 13

    Learn how a refrigerator ice maker works and how to keep it in top shape.

    Glossary Terms

    Refrigerant is a chemical compound used in HVAC systems and refrigerators to absorb heat from the environment by cycling through states of evaporation and condensation, enabling the cooling process through its cycle of evaporation and condensation.

    R-12 refrigerant, also known as Freon-12, is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compound that was once widely used in air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and aerosol propellants before its phase-out due to environmental concerns.

    CFC certification refers to the credentialing process that qualifies HVAC technicians to handle chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other refrigerants in a manner that complies with environmental regulations. It is essential for professionals who install, maintain, or repair HVAC systems and refrigeration equipment.

    A refrigerator thermostat is a device within a refrigerator that regulates its temperature by turning the cooling system on and off based on the interior temperature compared to the set desired temperature.

    Additional possible KitchenAid refrigerator symptoms you may experience