Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Cooling: What to Do

Diagnostic Table for Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Cooling

Start here before doing anything else.

Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Cooling But Freezer Is Fine

This is the most specific symptom and it tells us a lot. If your Whirlpool fridge is not cooling but the freezer is working, the cooling system itself is functioning. The problem is with airflow from the freezer to the refrigerator compartment. The following is what collapses in this pathway:

Evaporator Fan Motor Failure

The evaporator fan motor circulates cold air from the evaporator coils through both the freezer and refrigerator sections. When the fan fails, the freezer will remain cold since it is immediately adjacent to the coils – the fridge part will not get any airflow and will be heated. Sometimes you can even hear it: a working evaporator fan produces a constant hum. When it goes quiet or if it produces a grinding sound, then the problem is probably the fan motor.

Defrost System Failure

Whirlpool refrigerators have an automatic defrost system to avoid the formation of ice on the evaporator coils. A defrost heater, defrost thermostat or defrost timer will fail and the coils will be covered in frost until it fully seals off the airflow. The outcome: a still-functioning freezer in a warm fridge. And, when you notice that there is thick frost on the back wall in the fridge section, this is likely the cause.

Thermistor (Temperature Sensor) Failure

The temperature sensor (thermistor) tells the control board how cold each section is. A defective thermistor will give wrong signals and the board believes that the fridge is already cold enough and will not start the cooling process even when it is not. This is more difficult to diagnose at home since the fridge seems to be running well.

All these three need to open internal panels and test using a multimeter. If your Whirlpool refrigerator is not cooling but the freezer works, call Wilson and Myers. It is one of our most frequent same-day refrigerator repair calls in Denver Metro. Similar airflow issues show up across brands: see our guides on LG refrigerator not cooling and Samsung refrigerator not cooling for comparison.

Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Cooling or Freezing

When both sections are warm and your Whirlpool refrigerator is not cooling or freezing at all. The problem is earlier in the system. Think: power, compressor, or condenser.

Dirty Condenser Coils

This is the #1 cause of a Whirlpool fridge not cooling and the easiest DIY fix. Most Whirlpool models have the condenser coils at the bottom behind a kick plate or at the rear. They are unable to cool down when covered with dust and pet hairs. The compressor must strain more, overheats and eventually the fridge ceases to cool altogether. Pull back the kick plate, clean them with coil brush or vacuum. Give fridge 24 hours to cool down.

Start Relay Failure

The compressor is started with a jolt of power by the start relay. When the start relay goes dead, the compressor will not start at all or it will start and stop every few minutes – you will hear a clicking noise. Toss the start relay (a little part that is inserted on the side of the compressor): when it rattles, it is dead. This is a fairly easy DIY replacement provided that you are not afraid of removing the fridge and getting to the back panel.

Compressor Failure

The Whirlpool refrigerator compressor is the heart of the sealed system and it circulates refrigerant through the coils. On older Whirlpool units (10+ years), compressor failure is possible, especially if the condenser coils were chronically dirty. Signs: the compressor runs but the fridge does not cool, or the compressor does not run at all. Compressor replacement involves handling refrigerant, which requires EPA 608 certification and is always a professional job. If the compressor is gone on an older unit, call Wilson & Myers and we will give you an honest assessment on whether repair makes sense.

Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Making Ice

Whirlpool refrigerator not making ice is a separate issue from general cooling. The refrigerator could be iced to the core and the ice maker could be idle. The order to check things is as follows:

The Whirlpool refrigerator water dispenser is fed by the same water inlet valve which supplies the ice maker. In case the ice dispenser and the water dispenser have failed at the same time, then it is likely that the valve is the faulty one.

How to Reset a Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Cooling After Power Outage

When your Whirlpool refrigerator stopped cooling after a power outage, the first step is always to restart it. It lasts 5 minutes and is free.

Whirlpool also has a special reset button in the ice maker compartment of certain models. In case the ice maker did not work after a power failure, press and hold it 3 seconds.

Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Cooling by Model Type

Whirlpool manufactures a few different refrigerator models and the most frequent points of failure differ a little depending on the model. It is most probable that we will find this at Wilson and Myers:

Whirlpool Side by Side Refrigerator Not Cooling

On the Whirlpool side by side refrigerator not cooling calls, dirty condenser coils are the most frequent offenders after the evaporator fan and defrost system. The side-by-side design implies that the two parts have the same evaporator system, and a defrost malfunction will impact both sides. Check the damper control between sections also. On certain models it may stick open or closed and cause air to not pass through.

Whirlpool French Door Refrigerator Not Cooling

Whirlpool French door refrigerator not cooling is mostly an evaporator fan problem. The fan is located in the freezer section of the refrigerator and when it breaks, it does not allow any cold air to pass to the upper refrigerator. French door models also have more complicated control boards and door-in-door seals that may degrade. Inspect door seals properly and the type of door gasket on a French door will be hard to notice.

Whirlpool Gold Series Refrigerator Not Cooling

Whirlpool Gold refrigerator not cooling and Whirlpool Gold Series refrigerator not cooling are frequent search terms. Gold Series models are very popular and have been in homes long enough to begin to experience age related failures. Our most common issues to diagnose are: defrost system failure, evaporator fan motor, and thermistor failure. The Whirlpool refrigerator control board of the older Gold series is also prone to failure and can be tested prior to spending money on more costly parts.

Whirlpool Refrigerator Repair in Denver Metro

Whirlpool refrigerator repair is a common residential call in Denver Metro at Wilson and Myers. We source Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, and Amana parts through national supplier networks and manufacturer contracts. All are Whirlpool corporation brands, and we fix most cooling problems on the first visit.

We also handle the full spectrum of refrigerator repair in Denver between the standard brands and the premium models such as Sub-Zero, Thermador and Viking. In case you are unsure about the sense of repair at the current age of your fridge, we will provide you with a straightforward answer before any work begins.

For other brands, see our related guides: Sub-Zero refrigerator not cooling, LG refrigerator not cooling, and Samsung refrigerator not cooling. For a complete cross-brand diagnostic walkthrough, see our complete guide to a refrigerator that won’t cool. Visit our Whirlpool service page for the complete list of models we service. We also handle freezer repair across Denver Metro.

FAQ

Why is my Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling?

The most common reasons a Whirlpool refrigerator stops cooling are: dirty condenser coils blocking heat release, a failed evaporator fan motor stopping cold air circulation, a defrost system failure causing ice buildup on the coils, or a faulty start relay preventing the compressor from running. Begin by cleaning the condenser coils. It takes 15 minutes and cures more unexpected cases.

My Whirlpool fridge is not cooling but the freezer works. What’s wrong?

This specific symptom points to airflow failure between the freezer and fridge sections. The three most likely causes: evaporator fan motor failure, defrost system blockage (frost on the coils), or a faulty temperature sensor (thermistor) giving incorrect readings to the control board. Each of the three needs to open inner panels. Call a professional to get a proper diagnosis.

How to reset a Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling?

Disconnect the refrigerator, leave it 5 minutes and reconnect it. Allow 24 hours to get it to operating temperature in the fridge and the freezer before deciding that the reset did not work. This is especially worth trying if the fridge stopped cooling after a power outage.

Why is my Whirlpool refrigerator not making ice?

Verify the position of the ice maker arm. It must be down. When there is no ice being generated and the arm is down, make sure that the freezer is 0 F or lower. Assuming the temperature is okay, then the suspect most likely is the water inlet valve. A failed valve also stops the Whirlpool refrigerator water dispenser and if both have stopped at the same time, the valve needs replacement.

Is it worth repairing a Whirlpool refrigerator that is not cooling?

Generally yes, unless the compressor has failed on a unit that is 12+ years old. Most Whirlpool refrigerator troubleshooting not cooling issues are fan motor, defrost system, thermistor, and start relay problems. These are cost-effective repairs that extend the life of the appliance significantly. At Wilson & Myers, we always give you a complete diagnosis and honest recommendation before any Whirlpool fridge repair begins.