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.

Why is my Whirlpool freezer working but not the fridge?

When the freezer works but the refrigerator section isn’t cooling, an airflow problem is likely causing the failure.

refrigerator-airflow-diagrams

Look for Blocked Refrigerator Section Supply and Return Vents

Check for items blocking the air supply or returns vents in the refrigerator compartment.

The owner’s manual typically show you where those supply and return vents are in your fridge.

Moving around items in the fridge may fix the cooling problem.

image-of-a-refrigerator-air-damper-part

Air Damper Failure

The air damper controls airflow from the freezer to the refrigerator to help control the proper refrigerator temperature at around 37 degrees.

When the air damper gets stuck in the closed position, the refrigerator section won’t get any cooling air from the freezer.

If that damper vent is stuck in the shut position, you may be able to fix the refrigerator cooling problem by unplugging the refrigerator_ and replacing that part.

Have a service technician replace the air damper if you’re not confident that you can complete that repair on your own.

refrigerator-evaporator-fan-part-image

Bad Evaporator Fan

When you don’t detect the evaporator fan running, follow the steps in this DIY troubleshooting video to fix or replace the evaporator fan:

Automatic Defrost System Failure

Ice and frost caked on the evaporator fins due to a failure in the automatic defrost system of the fridge will cause cooling problems in the refrigerator section.

Follow the troubleshooting tips in this video to find and fix the cause of a defrost system failure in your refrigerator:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Whirlpool refrigerator freezer working but the fridge isn’t cooling?
A blocked air vent, malfunctioning evaporator fan, or faulty air damper could prevent the fridge from cooling properly. Inspect these components for issues.
Could a blocked air vent prevent my Whirlpool refrigerator from cooling?
Yes, if the air vent is blocked, cold air won’t circulate into the fridge. Clearing the vent should restore cooling.
How can I fix my Whirlpool refrigerator if the fridge isn’t cooling but the freezer is?
Check the air vents, evaporator fan, and air damper for issues. Replacing any faulty parts should restore cooling in the fridge.
What should I do if my Whirlpool refrigerator still isn’t cooling after clearing the vent?
If the fridge continues to not cool, the control board or compressor may need professional inspection and repair.

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Glossary Terms

A dual ice maker is a feature in some refrigerators that includes two separate ice makers: one in the fridge compartment and another in the freezer section. This setup doubles the appliance's ice-making capacity.

A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.

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.