Kenmore refrigerator and freezer issues can cause major inconveniences and may even lead to food spoilage. It is imperative to correct the problem immediately if you notice that your Kenmore freezer or refrigerator stops keeping food at the correct temperature. A variety of common issues that cause fridges or freezers to become overly warm can be fixed with some simple troubleshooting steps. In this article, we will examine the most frequently cited causes of warm refrigerators and freezers from Kenmore and give step-by step instructions for fixing them. If you’re a skilled DIYer or just starting out We’ll help you gain the information you require to restore your refrigerator or freezer back up to a proper temperature.
Cold Control Or Temperature Control
The cold control is a temperature-controlled switch that supplies power to the compressor and fan circuits in the refrigerator. The control’s cold setting could be out of calibration or malfunctioning if the fan and compressors aren’t functioning correctly. The typical fresh food temperature is in the 38 degree Fahrenheit range. The control should be set to the mid-point. Make sure that the sensing bulb or capillary tube is in good working order and the wire’s terminals haven’t become loose or corroded.
Unplug the Kenmore refrigerator prior to opening it, then open your Kenmore refrigerator’s door, and then locate the control. It will be hidden just behind the temperature control knob and can be found in the fresh food section of the control panel.
Remove the control from the appliance and switch it to the most warm setting. Next, adjust your multimeter’s RX1 setting to touch the terminals.
The test is for continuity, and you will see a reading that reads infinity. If the probes are still touching the terminals, adjust the controls to higher (colder) and higher settings. The reading should shift to zero, signalling that you have continuity.
If the control fails any of the above tests then you’ll need a replacement Kenmore cold & temperature control.
Evaporator Fan Motor
When the compressor is on when the compressor is on, the Kenmore fan motor circulates the cool air throughout the refrigerator. If the fan’s condition is poor it will mean that temperatures within the freezer area will rise slow, while temperatures in fresh food section will increase more quickly and the compressor may run for longer and more often than it normally does. The compressor should be running when you hear the fan in the evaporator and condenser fans.
How to inspect the Kenmore refrigerator’s evaporator motor:
Disconnect your Kenmore refrigerator from the power source and remove the evaporator fan cover located in the freezer compartment.
The motor shaft must turn freely with minimal resistance, try turning the shaft manually in order to test for resistance.
If there is a significant amount of ice on the motor, defrost your freezer and see whether this resolves the issue. You must also examine the motor for signs of damage or wear.
If you cannot turn it easily or it’s noticeably worn, you need a replacement Kenmore Evaporator motor.
Electronic Control Board
Some newer models of Kenmore refrigerators may use an electronic control board. Thermistors , also known as temperature sensors, are linked to the control board and are used to keep track of temperatures in the fresh food and freezer compartments. The control board uses this information to control the operation of the compressor, fan motors, and defrost system. The control’s electronic component could be the reason for the problem if the temperature is too high. The electronic controls used by Kenmore are expensive, complex, and often trustworthy. Before you decide to blame the control, be sure that the compressors, fans and sensors are working correctly. Manufacturers could have specific details to help you identify the problem with the control.
How do you inspect the Kenmore refrigerator’s electronic control board
Before you begin, unplug your fridge. You will be working using electrical parts.
Locate and take off the electronic control board from your appliance. It’s located inside the Kenmore refrigerator. The control box is attached to the top of the fridge.
Inspect your control board for any indications of worn or damaged foil or burnt connections, arcing, or any other issue.
If you find one of these you’ll require a replacement electronic control board for Kenmore.
Temperature Sensor Or Thermistor
In the models that utilize an Electronic Control, a thermistor or temperature sensor can be used to check the freshness of food items and temperatures in freezers. The sensor is a tiny capsule-like device secured by a protective plastic shield and can vary in resistance depending on the temperature. This information is used by the control board to regulate the damper control, and turn on fan circuits and compressors. If a sensor gets damaged or defective , it could cause the control board to shut off the compressor and fan and lead to warmer than normal fresh food or freezer temperatures. Individual manufacturers may have specific data available to check these sensors according to the model in question and they may also be able to provide a fault code on the electronic control board for some models.
How do you test the temperature sensor of an appliance using the multimeter:
Start by disconnecting the plug on your Kenmore refrigerator, then remove the back panel of the refrigerator to locate the control board that is in the middle.
The main control board will have the thermistor(s). To test the thermistor(s), remove it from the appliance.
Before you can test them, you’ll need to put the thermistor(s) in frozen water for 5 minutes to get the temperature up to 32 degrees F. The thermistor(s) can give various readings depending on the temperature, and the suggested ranges below are only applicable to thermistors that operate at a temperature of 32 degrees F.
By using the probes on the terminals and your multimeter set to Rx1 then you should be able to get 16600 ohms (or (+/- 5 percent).
You will need an replacement temperature sensor or thermosistor from Kenmore when you see an reading that is out of this range.
Defrost Timer
The defrost timer is an electromechanical timer. It works by operating a set of contacts that control both compressor and heater circuits. Most timers start a defrost cycle every 8-10 hours during compressor run time. This is usually once per every day. The defrost timer should close the defrost sequence after 20 to 30 minutes and the compressor and fan will begin again.
How do you test the timer of the refrigerator’s defrost by using a multimeter
Locate your defrost timer by disconnecting the appliance from the power source. It could be hidden behind the refrigerator’s lower kickplate, inside the Kenmore refrigerator’s control panel, or behind the refrigerator, on its back wall.
After you locate it, remove the defrost timer of the appliance to verify it.
Use a multimeter using the Rx1 setting. One probe should touch the common terminal. (It is best to label it by either “3” or C). The other probe should be placed on the other three terminals, one at a time. The first pair will show the reading of either zero or near zero. This is an indication of continuity. A reading that is zero or near zero could also be indicated by the second pair. The third pair should also be examined, and the reading should read as if it was infinity.
If you don’t receive these readings, you’ll need a replacement timer for the Kenmore defrost.
Thermostat Defrosting
The Kenmore defrost thermostat acts as a safety thermostat in series with the defrost heater . It can be used to stop the defrost sequence when the evaporator has reached a specific temperature, usually being between 38 and 47 degrees Fahrenheit. If the thermostat fails or remains open circuit, the heater that is defrosted won’t be powered up.
How do you test a refrigerator’s defrost thermostat using a multi-meter
Unplug your Kenmore refrigerator and find your refrigerator’s defrost thermostat. It might be on the floor or in the back of freezer-on-top units. The thermostat for defrost is found on the side of a side-by side refrigerator.
When you’ve located it remove it and try it. For testing it, you will need to get rid of any obstructions like the contents of the freezer or freezer shelves, the icemaker components as well as the lower panel.
Adjust your multimeter to the Rx1 setting. Place each of the probes on a thermostat wire. If your thermostat is at a low temperature, the multi-meter should read zero. If the temperature is warm (anywhere between forty and ninety degrees Fahrenheit), then this test will give you a value of infinity.
If the results you get from your test are different from the results presented here Then you’ll require a replacement thermostat from Kenmore..
Defrost Heater
The defrost heater is the appliance that melts the ice and frost from the coils of evaporation. It’s usually a metal wire filament contained in the form of a glass or aluminum tube. There might be more that one heater , depending on the design of the evaporator.
How do you test the temperature of a refrigerator’s defrost using a multi-meter
Check that you have removed your appliance from the power source before beginning.
Locate your defrost heater. It can be located behind the front panel of the freezer section of your Kenmore refrigerator, or on the flooring of the freezer section. Defrost heaters usually are located under the evaporator coils of a refrigerator’s. You will have to remove any objects that are in the way, like the contents of the freezer, freezer shelves as well as icemaker components, and the back, rear or bottom panels.
Before you are able to test your heater’s defrostfunction, you’ll need to remove it out of your refrigerator. The defrost heat source is connected by two wires. the wires are connected using slip-on connectors. Take the connectors in your firm grasp and remove them from the terminals. To help you get them off, use a pair needle-nosed scissors. Avoid pulling on the wires.
Test your multimeter the heater’s continuity. Set the multi-meter to the Rx1 scale and put the tester’s leads on one terminal each. This should result in a reading anywhere between zero and infinity.
You’ll require a replacement Kenmore heater if you get an reading that is below zero.
Motor for condenser fans
Modern frost-free Kenmore refrigerators have condenser coils cooled by fans. It is usually located at the bottom of the refrigerator next to the compressor. To reduce heat, the condenser fan circulates air around the coil. If the Kenmore refrigerator is warmer than usual and the compressor is running in a continuous manner, then you might have an issue with the condenser fan motor. The motor for the compressor and the evaporator operate simultaneously. If the motor is not turning at all the condenser will not be able to eliminate the heat, and the compressor will run almost continuously
How to check the motor of a condenser fan in a refrigerator:
Start by disconnecting the Kenmore refrigerator’s power source. Next, remove the rear access panel and locate the condenser motor. It’s usually in the lower part of the appliance.
Once you’ve found it, check for obstructions or debris that might cause the fan to stop operating freely. It is also recommended to inspect the motor for indications of damage or wear..
If the fan motor has become worn or seized and worn, you’ll require to purchase a replacement Kenmore condenser fan motor.
In conclusion the conclusion is that a Kenmore refrigerator or freezer that is too warm could cause a lot of frustration and expensive issue. It is possible to fix the majority of the issues with fridges and freezers that are too warm by learning the basics of repair and a bit of troubleshooting. From checking the temperature settings to cleaning the coils, there are numerous methods you can follow to restore the proper cooling function for your appliance. You can cut costs and ensure your food stays fresh and safe with these guidelines. Remember, if you’re ever doubtful about the repair, it’s always best to consult with a professional technician to ensure that the task is completed safely and efficiently.