A malfunctioning KitchenAid refrigerator or freezer could cause a lot of inconvenience, not to mention the risk of food waste and spoilage. It is imperative to correct the issue as soon as you notice that your KitchenAid freezer or refrigerator stops making sure food is kept at the proper temperature. A variety of common issues that make freezers or fridges get too hot can be fixable with just a few basic actions. This article will cover the most frequent causes for frigs and freezers that are warm from KitchenAid and offer step-by-step solutions. If you’re a skilled DIYer or just starting out we’ll provide you with the skills you need to bring your refrigerator and freezer back to their 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. If the fans and compressor are working normally, but aren’t running frequently enough or long enough to maintain the proper temperatures in the fresh food and freezer sections, then the cold control might be inoperative or is not calibrated properly. The usual fresh food temperature should be 38 degrees Fahrenheit with the control set at the mid-point. Make sure that the sensing bulb or capillary tube is in good condition and the wire’s terminals do not been damaged or loose.
Before beginning, unplug the plug of your KitchenAid refrigerator before you begin. Next, go through the KitchenAid refrigerator doors and locate the control. It is located behind the temperature adjustment knob and can be found in the fresh food section control panel.
Remove the control from the appliance and switch it on to the warmest setting. After that, set your multimeter until RX1 is set to reach the terminals.
The probes are being tested for continuity. It should be the reading infinity. While the probes are still on the terminals, adjust the controls to higher (colder) and higher settings. Your reading should change to zero, meaning that you have continuity.
If your control fails one of the above tests it will require a replacement KitchenAid cold & temperature control.
Motor for Evaporator Fan
The KitchenAid Evaporator Fan Motor is used to circulate cold air through the KitchenAid refrigerator while the compressor is operating. The fan can fail and temperatures in the fresh food and freezer sections will slowly rise. If this happens then the compressor will be more frequently and for longer than usual. When the compressor is running, it is also possible to notice the fan of the evaporator running at the same time, as well as the condenser fan that is close to the compressor.
How do I inspect the KitchenAid refrigerator’s fan motor:
Connect your KitchenAid refrigerator from the power source and remove the evaporator fan cover located in the freezer compartment.
The motor shaft should spin freely with minimal resistance, attempt to turn the shaft by hand to check whether there is resistance.
If you discover a significant amount of ice on your motor it is advised to defrost the freezer to see if this resolves the problem. Also, check the motor for indications of wear and damage.
If it is not turning easily or if it’s noticeable worn, you’ll need an replacement KitchenAid evaporator fan motor.
Electronic Control Board
Newer models of KitchenAid refrigerators may use an electronic control board. The control board is connected to thermometers or temperature sensors. These are used to determine the temperature of the fresh food and freezer compartments. This information is then used by the control board to manage fans, compressors, as well as the defrost process. The control’s electronic component could be at fault in the event that the temperature gets too high. KitchenAid’s electronic controls are complex, expensive and, in most cases, reliable. Before you dismiss the control, check that the compressors, fans as well as sensors are operating in a proper manner. Some manufacturers can give specific details that could aid in diagnosing a malfunctioning control.
How to verify the control board electronic on your KitchenAid refrigerator:
Remove the plug from your refrigerator prior to starting since you’ll be handling electrical components.
Locate and remove the control board’s electronic circuit from your appliance. It’s located inside of the KitchenAid refrigerator. The control box is located on the top of the refrigerator.
Examine your control board for indications of damage, like wear, burned connections or the arcing.
You’ll have to replace the KitchenAid electronic control boards If you observe any of these signs.
Temperature Sensor or Thermistor
In models with Electronic Control, or an Electronic Control, a thermistor or temperature sensor might be utilized to measure the freshness of food items and temperatures in freezers. This sensor is small and capsule-like in appearance. It is covered by a shield made of plastic. The temperature affects the resistance. The control board uses the information from the sensor to turn on the fan and compressor circuits as well as control the damper on certain models. Sensors that are damaged or defective may cause the control panel to shut off the fan or compressor. This can result in temperatures that are higher than normal for frozen temperatures or fresh food. The manufacturer might have data specific to testing these sensors based on the model. Some models may even provide fault codes on the electronic control boards.
How do I test a temperature sensor in a refrigerator or thermistor using a multimeter:
Begin by disconnecting the KitchenAid refrigerator. Then, take off the back panel to reveal the main control board.
The thermistor(s) will be connected to the main control board. Remove the thermistor(s) from the appliance in order to check them.
Before you can test them, you will need to submerge the thermistor(s) in freezing water for 5 mins to get the temperature up to 32 degrees F. The thermistor(s) can give various readings at various temperatures, and the ranges listed below are only applicable to thermistors that operate at a temperature of 32 degrees F.
By using the probes on the terminals and your multi-meter set to Rx1 then you should be able to get 16600 ohms (or (+/- 5 percent).
If you notice a reading that is not within this range, you’ll need an replacement KitchenAid temperature sensor or thermistor.
Defrost Timer
The defrost-timer is an electromechanical timer that runs a set of contacts that regulate the compressor circuit and the heater circuit for defrost. Most timers start a defrost cycle every 8-10 hours after compressor run time. This happens about once a every day. The defrost timer should terminate the defrost cycle after 20 to 30 minutes and the compressor and fan will start again.
How to test a defrost timer in a refrigerator with a multi-meter
Find your defrost timer by disconnecting the appliance from the source of power. It is located in the lower part of the refrigerator’s kickplate or in the control panel on the KitchenAid refrigerator. It may be hidden behind the back wall of the refrigerator.
After locating it, remove the defrost timer from the appliance in order to test it.
Make use of a multimeter that has the Rx1 setting. One probe should be placed on the common terminal. (It is best to label it as “3” or”C”). The second lead is to be connected to the remaining three terminals, one at a time. The first pair should result in a reading of zero or near zero. This is an indication of continuity. A reading that is zero or near zero could also be indicated by the other pair. The third pair should be examined, and the reading must read infinity.
These readings might not be recognized by you. It is necessary to purchase a replacement timer for KitchenAid.
Thermostat Defrosting
The KitchenAid defrost thermostat is an safety thermostat that runs in series with the defrost heater and is used to terminate the defrost sequence when the evaporator has reached certain temperatures, normally set at between 38 and 47 deg Fahrenheit. If the thermostat is defective and remains open circuit the heater for the defrost will not be energized and defrosting won’t occur.
How do you test the thermostat that controls the defrost in the refrigerator with an multimeter
Unplug the KitchenAid refrigerator. Locate the defrost thermostat. In freezer-on-top models the thermostat could be situated underneath the floor of the refrigerator, or it could be located in the back of the freezer. If you have a tandem refrigerator, the thermostat that controls defrost is located on the rear of the freezer’s side.
When you’ve located it get it out and try it. To test it, you will need to eliminate any obstructions such as the contents of your freezer, freezer shelves, ice maker components and the bottom panel.
The multimeter must be set to Rx1. The probes should be placed on a thermostat wire. If your thermostat is at its lowest, the multi-meter should read zero. If the temperature is hot (anywhere from forty to 90 degrees Fahrenheit), then this test should produce a reading of zero.
If the results from your test differ from the ones listed here Then you’ll require a replacement KitchenAid defrost thermostat.
Defrost Heater
The defrost heating device is the one that melts the frost and ice from the coils of evaporation. It is typically a wire filament that is contained in the form of a glass or aluminum tube. It is possible to use multiple heaters, according to the design of the evaporator.
How do I test the defrost heater in a refrigerator using a multi-meter
Check that you have removed your appliance from the power source before beginning.
Locate your defrost heater. It is usually located behind the front panel of the freezer area of your KitchenAid refrigerator, or under the floor of your refrigerator’s freezer section. The heaters for defrost are usually located underneath the evaporator coils on refrigerators. You must remove anything that is in the way, like items in the freezer’s contents, freezer shelves components of the ice maker, the back, rear, or bottom panel.
Before you are able to test your defrost heating system, you must remove it from your refrigerator. A defrost heater is connected by two wires. the wires are joined by slip-on connectors. Hold the connectors with a solid grip and take them from their terminals. To assist you in this process, you may have to use a pair needle-nosed scissors. Avoid pulling on the wires.
Make use of your multi-meter to check the heater’s continuity. Set the multi-meter to the Rx1 scale and put the tester’s leads on one terminal each. This should produce a reading that is between zero and infinity.
If you get a reading of zero or zero, you will need a replacement KitchenAid defrost heating unit.
Motor for condenser fans
Modern frost-free KitchenAid refrigerators have condenser coils that are fan-cooled. It is usually located close to the compressor on the bottom rear of the refrigerator. Condenser fans circulate air through the condenser coil to eliminate heat. The condenser fan motor may be defective if your refrigerator made by KitchenAid is heating up more quickly than usual , and the compressor operates almost constantly. The condenser fan motor operates at the same time as an evaporator motor and a compressor. The compressor will continue to function almost constantly if the fan motor stops turning.
How to check the motor of a condenser motor in a refrigerator:
Begin by disconnecting the KitchenAid refrigerator’s power source. Next, remove the panel that opens to the rear and locate the condenser fanmotor. It’s usually on the bottom of the refrigerator.
Once you have located it, Look for any obstructions or debris that could be preventing the fan from operating freely. You must also examine the condenser fan motor for indications of damage or wear..
It is necessary to purchase a new KitchenAid condenser motor in the event that the motor has become seized or worn.
A KitchenAid freezer or refrigerator that is overheated can cause costly and annoying problems. But, with a bit of troubleshooting , and some basic repair knowledge, many of the causes of warm refrigerators or freezers can be addressed swiftly and effectively. From making sure the temperature settings are correct to cleaning the coils there are many methods you can follow to restore the proper cooling function to your appliance. You can save money and ensure that your food remains fresh and safe by following these suggestions. Remember, if you’re ever unsure about a repair, it’s always best to consult with an experienced technician to ensure the task is completed safely and efficiently.