Whirlpool refrigerator not working
Common reasons your Whirlpool refrigerator is not working
The most common reasons your Whirlpool refrigerator is not working are a defective electronic control board, bad temperature control thermostat or a locked compressor.
61% of the time it's the
Electronic Control Board
11% of the time it's the
Temperature Control Thermostat
7% of the time it's the
Compressor
21% of the time it's the
Something else
Most common repairs needed to fix a Whirlpool refrigerator
Electronic Control Board Replacement
A defective electronic control board can lead to various failures in a refrigerator, including a lack of power or cooling and water leaking. This is because the board serves as the brain of the refrigerator, controlling crucial operations such as regulating internal temperatures, running fans, managing defrost cycles, overseeing the ice maker, and controlling dispenser functions. If the electronic control board 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.
Temperature Control Thermostat Replacement
A common sign of a bad temperature control thermostat is temperature inconsistency within the refrigerator compartment, leading to either insufficient cooling or excessively cold conditions. You might notice fluctuations in food freshness and find items freezing inappropriately. The refrigerator may run continuously or cycle frequently, indicating a failure to maintain the set temperature. In some cases, the thermostat might cause the refrigerator to be entirely non-responsive, leading to a complete lack of cooling.
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 ice maker 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.
What to expect when you experience a Whirlpool refrigerator not working issue
How is the not working problem fixed?
Correcting most not working problems usually involves replacing the electronic control board, temperature control thermostat or compressor. 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 that is not working
When the refrigerator 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 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.
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Repair Refrigerator Resources
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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
- Whirlpool refrigerator won't make ice
- Whirlpool refrigerator water not cold
- Whirlpool refrigerator water filter not working
- Whirlpool refrigerator water dispenser not working
- Whirlpool refrigerator stopped working
- Whirlpool refrigerator not turning on
- Whirlpool refrigerator not making ice but water works
- Whirlpool refrigerator not freezing
- Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling
- Whirlpool refrigerator noisy
- Whirlpool refrigerator no water
- Whirlpool refrigerator no power
- Whirlpool refrigerator light not working
- Whirlpool refrigerator leaks water
- Whirlpool refrigerator leaking water
- Whirlpool refrigerator leaking from bottom
- Whirlpool refrigerator leaking
- Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker not getting water
- Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker not dumping ice
- Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker not dispensing ice
- Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker not dispensing
- Whirlpool refrigerator freezer works but not fridge
- Whirlpool refrigerator fan not working
- Whirlpool refrigerator door not closing
- Whirlpool refrigerator display not working
- Whirlpool refrigerator dispenser not working
- Whirlpool refrigerator compressor not running