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  1. Repair
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  3. Whirlpool Refrigerator

Whirlpool Refrigerator freezer works but not fridge

Common reasons your Whirlpool Refrigerator freezer works but not fridge

The most common reasons your Whirlpool refrigerator freezer works but not the fridge are a broken air damper, a failed thermistor, or a malfunctioning PCB.

  • 39%

    39% of the time it's the
    Air Damper

  • 30%

    30% of the time it's the
    Thermistor

  • 22%

    22% of the time it's the
    PCB

  • 9%

    9% of the time it's the
    Something else

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    Most common repairs needed to fix a Whirlpool refrigerator

    Air Damper Replacement

    When you find your refrigerator too cold or not cold enough, a broken air damper could be allowing either too much or too little cold air into the refrigerator from the freezer. The air damper channels and controls the cold airflow from the freezer compartment into the refrigerator compartment to cool the refrigerator. The air damper is controlled by a dial in some refrigerators, and by the thermistor and electronic control board in other fridge models. If you feel excessive cold air in the refrigerator, or if the fresh-food compartment isn't cold enough, but the freezer is working okay, you'll likely need to have a Sears Home Services technician diagnose the problem and replace the air damper.


    Thermistor Replacement

    In refrigerator models that use an electronic control board to regulate temperatures, the thermistor is responsible for sensing internal temperatures. It then sends the temperature signal to the electronic control board. The electronic control turns the compressor on and off to regulate temperatures based on the thermistor temperature signal. An errant temperature signal can prevent the control board from regulating refrigerator and freezer temperature accurately.

    PCB Replacement

    A defective printed circuit board (PCB) can lead to various failures in a refrigerator, including a lack of power, lack of cooling, and water leaks. The PCB controls communication and power between various components of a refrigerator that control temperature regulation, fan operation, the defrost cycle, icemaker functions, and dispenser functions. If the PCB fails, any or all of these components may stop working. Because so many components can be impacted, Sears Home Services professionals should conduct diagnostic tests on the board to confirm if replacement is necessary.

    What to expect when you experience a Whirlpool refrigerator freezer works but not the fridge issue

    How is the freezer works but not the fridge issue fixed?

    Correcting most refrigerator freezer works but not the fridge problems usually involves replacing the air damper, the thermistor, or the 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 works but not the fridge problem

    When a refrigerator freezer works but not the fridge, it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts, we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform Whirlpool freezer repair service to identify the root cause and fix the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of refrigerator failures.

    What to look out for with a refrigerator freezer works but not the fridge 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.

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    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

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    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 Whirlpool refrigerator symptoms you may experience