Whirlpool Refrigerator Problems And Solutions – Troubleshooting Guide

If you have a Whirlpool refrigerator, you might have come to face a few problems. Whirlpool refrigerators showing a few issues is not unheard of. However, not all those problems are concerning or will cost you extra bucks. You just have to recognize the problems that you can solve by yourself.

Whirlpool refrigerator problems might be as common as your refrigerator not starting, or it might be something a little unfamiliar, such as your refrigerator running constantly. The first step in dealing with these issues is to identify the problem and then get to work on it.

Some of these problems will be very easy to solve, which may only require unplugging your refrigerator. And some of them might even need an electrician to be solved.

Let’s check out some Whirlpool refrigerator problems and solutions to help you understand your refrigerator issues better.

Whirlpool Refrigerator Problems

Whirlpool refrigerators have problems such as not starting or running too much. It might show light issues or make various kinds of noises. It might show complicated problems like an overflow of ice, not enough freezing, or drain clogging problems too. Alternatively, the problem might be as simple as a loosened or damaged gasket.

Whirlpool Refrigerator Troubleshooting

Here are some troubleshooting tips for your refrigerator:

1. Whirlpool Refrigerator Doesn’t Start

There can be many reasons why your refrigerator isn’t turning on. They are:

•  Faulty power supply or broken cables.
• Dirty condenser coil
• The door seal is not tight enough
• The temperature setting is wrong

You can try the following troubleshooting methods to fix this problem:

• Disconnect the refrigerator.
•  To get access to the overload device, pull the fridge from the wall to reach the rear.
• The cover is located in the lower section. You may see the circuit by removing the screws.
• Take out the compressor’s overload protection
•  Disconnect the cables that link the compressor with the overload.
• Remove the overload and install a new one.
• Before connecting the refrigerator, make sure everything is in its proper place.

2. Whirlpool Refrigerator Temperature Problems

There can be issues with the temperature of your Whirlpool refrigerator. It can be either too cold or too warm.

Temperature is too warm: If your refrigerator is heating more instead of cooling, that can be a major problem. The reasons could be:

• The storage is over the capacity.
• Ice clogged evaporator coil.
• Evaporator fan malfunctioning
• Control board not working properly

To fix this problem, try these methods of troubleshooting:

• Make sure that the door seal is not loose.
• The thermostat is the main component controlling the temperature. Make sure it’s working properly.
• Make sure the vents are clear of any clogs or dirt.
• Clean the condenser coils.

Temperature too cold: If the internal temperature is too cold, the reasons could be:

• A defect in the thermostat
• The temperature is set too low.
• Blocked airflow
•  Frozen vents
• The door seals are leaking.
• A faulty defrost system

Try these troubleshooting methods to fix this problem:

• The airflow should be thoroughly maintained. Make sure nothing is blocking the airflow.
• Check the temperature of the refrigerator. It shouldn’t be more than 38 degrees Celsius.
• Clean the condenser and the condenser coils.
• The circulating fan should be checked to see if it is operating properly.

3. Refrigerator Light Problem

The LED light is activated and deactivated by a little switch situated on the refrigerator door hinge. If the light is not turning on or off, then inspect the switch to check whether it is broken. If it is not, then either the wiring or the bulb might have broken.

These are a few measures you should take for these issues:

1. At first check, the light switch. It is located on top of the whirlpool refrigerator. The spring that is pushed in while closing and opening the door, that turns the light on and off might be broken. So it’s not properly pushed in or bounced out when the door opens or closes.
2. One reason could be an issue with the wiring harness. To check that, you have to remove a panel and check the main power board. It’s a bit hard to do on your own, so make sure to call a professional for this.
3. Much like any other machine, try power cycling your Whirlpool refrigerator by unplugging it from the plug and turning it off for thirty seconds to one minute. Plug it back on to check if the light is working or not.
4. If none of these above steps work, get a professional who can change the lights for you.

4. Whirlpool Refrigerator Noise Problems

One of the most common problems with a Whirlpool refrigerator that you may face is noise problems.

The first step to solving this problem is to find out which part of the refrigerator is defective. To do so, there are some easy troubleshooting methods. They are:

Problems with the fan blade: If you hear loud noise after opening the refrigerator doors, the problem can be associated with the fan blade of the evaporator or condenser. Firstly, look for the fan blades of the evaporator in the rear panel of the freezer.

Turn the blades manually with your hands. The blades will not turn freely if they are stuck between something or rubbing against anything.

Malfunction of evaporator fan motor: The fan motor of the evaporator freezer is situated on the back panel of the freezer. If the fan motor malfunctions, it creates a loud noise. The noise gets louder when you pull the fridge doors shut. Install a new evaporator fan if the old one is too noisy.

Malfunction of condenser fan motor: A faulty bearing in the motor of the condenser fan or the fan wings may be stuck between foreign particles. The motor is generally located at the rear of the refrigerator. Remove the back panel of the fridge to change the motor.

Compressor malfunction: If you hear a noise coming out of your compressor, it is possible that the compressor has been broken inside. If the components of the compressor are damaged, it can result in increased sound.

Take help from a professional to change the compressor.

5. Motor Runs Continuously

First, check if the condenser coil is dirty because if it is, the motor has to work extra hard to pass the heat and run more. So clean the condenser coil. Don’t set the refrigerator above 10 degrees Fahrenheit, which also causes the fridge to run continuously to cool properly.

Both the defrost heater and the thermostat should be checked because they must work to melt frost, and if they are defective, the frost may have to work harder, causing the motor to run longer.

All of these don’t work, you might also need to check the defrost thermostat gasket control motor and evaporator fan motor and replace or repair them accordingly.

6. Whirlpool Refrigerator Defrost Drain Clogged

The defrost tube of your Whirlpool refrigerator may get clogged during the course of time. When it becomes clogged, the water from the defrost overflows and runs towards the bottom of the refrigerator.

If your Whirlpool refrigerator’s defrosting drain is clogged, you can try these troubleshooting tips:

• Thaw the Defrost Drain: It’s possible that the defrost drain is plugged or iced up. A frozen or clogged defrost tube will cause water to overflow. You can thaw the tube by unplugging the refrigerator for a few hours. 
• Use the Drain Heater: There is a feature called a drain heater in some Whirlpool refrigerators. They prevent excessive ice from blocking the drain and refreezing the water inside the defrost drain. If the drain heater is not appropriately placed or broken, it can lead to a clogged defrost drain.
• Using a Drain Strap: There is an additional feature in many defrost drains called the drain strap. It’s a tiny piece of metal made of aluminum. It connects the defrost heater with the defrost drain.

Heat is delivered via the strap, melting any clog formed within the defrost tube. If your refrigerator has one, make sure it’s placed properly.

7. Whirlpool Refrigerator Ice Maker Congested/Overflowing

You may face a problem in your Whirlpool refrigerator where the ice maker is overflowing. There could be many reasons behind it. The water inlet valve is one of the most important parts of the ice maker. Any problem in the inlet valve will cause the ice maker to overflow.

Here are some troubleshooting tips for your overflowing ice maker:

Problem with the water inlet valve: You need a minimum of 20 psi water pressure to close the valve completely. When the electricity is turned off, the water pressure cannot reach the minimum threshold to close the water inlet valve properly. Because of that, water will start to overflow from the ice maker.

It’s better to replace your water inlet valve if your ice maker is overflowing.

Water pressure is low from house supply: The water supply to the ice maker comes from the water inlet valve. A lower pressure below 20 psi is not ideal for the valve.

 As mentioned earlier, below the level of 20 psi pressure, the valve does not close properly and water overflows into the ice maker. Examine the water flow and ensure that it is at least 20 psi.

Assemble the parts properly: Most of the ice makers for Whirlpool refrigerators come separately. If your ice maker is overflowing, fit those parts properly again.

8. Whirlpool Refrigerator Freezing Food

There can be many reasons why your Whirlpool refrigerator is freezing food. To fix this problem, you can try these troubleshooting methods:

Condenser Coil dirty: If the condenser coil of your refrigerator is filled with dirt and dust, it will probably take more load than usual. It will lead to freezing the foods.

To fix this problem, clean your refrigerator condenser. Use a vacuum cleaner or a brush and cloth to clean your condenser coil.

Clear the Blocked vents: The refrigerator has vents that allow the flow of cold air from the freezer to the fridge. The areas around the vents are usually cooler than the rest of the refrigerator. Your food is most likely to freeze if it’s put in the way of the airflow.

If the vents get blocked, the compressor will work harder, and as a result, the refrigerator will get colder. Always keep the path of airflow free to prevent the vents from being blocked.

Check the temperature: Check the temperature of the refrigerator. If it’s lower than 38 degrees Celsius, your refrigerator is more likely to freeze.

Thermostat: The internal temperature of the chambers is regulated by the thermostat. If it’s faulty, it will force the compressor and evaporator to work harder, leading to the freezing of foods.

Test to see if your thermostat is working properly or not. To do so, increase the fridge’s temperature from lowest to highest. You’ll hear a clicking sound if the thermostat is working. If it isn’t working properly, you need to replace it.

When To Call A Repairman?

There are some serious issues that cannot be fixed without professional help. Here’s a list of signs to understand when to call a repairman:

1. If your compressor is overheating.
2. If the refrigerator freezes too frequently.
3. If the compressor and evaporator aren’t working at all.
4. If the temperature is fluctuating too frequently.
5. If you can’t diagnose the reason, ‌your refrigerator is starting.
6. If the temperature isn’t sustained inside the refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does a Whirlpool refrigerator last?

A: A Whirlpool refrigerator has a record of lasting 14-17 years if it is maintained properly. Of course, the model and size of your refrigerator might also be a variable in how long it lasts. For example, the standard refrigerator lasts the longest on the average scale, which is 17, whereas the compact refrigerator lasts about 14 years on average.

Q: How to fix my newly bought Whirlpool refrigerator gasket problem?

A: One way to fix the Whirlpool refrigerator gasket problem is to replace it. To do that, first, open the fridge door to detach the gasket that is attached. The new gasket should be unpacked and let sit on a sturdy surface to regain its proper shape.

After it’s done, the new gasket should be placed on the liner where the old gasket used to be. After making sure the gasket flats are not sticking out the door, use a hairdryer to seal the gasket properly and remove the kink.

Q: Why does my Whirlpool fridge make a knocking sound?

A: The compressor or the condenser fan of your refrigerator is most likely to be to blame for the knocking noise your refrigerator makes. This is usually caused by a buildup of dirt on the condenser fan, which reduces airflow and causes a clicking or knocking noise.

Q: How do I make my Whirlpool fridge cool faster?

A: On the display panel of the Whirlpool refrigerator, there is a “Fast Ice” feature. By pressing on this icon, you can make your whirlpool fridge cool faster and generate more ice.

Q: What number should a Whirlpool fridge be set at?

A: A whirlpool refrigerator should be set at 37 degrees Fahrenheit/3 degrees Celsius according to the instructions. But given the environment, this number should move up or down.

Conclusion

Now that you know about the Whirlpool refrigerator problems and solutions, you can easily troubleshoot some of these problems on your own. Most importantly, you will know which problems are too risky to solve on your own.

Also, always be cautious about the signs of your refrigerator showing problems that are crucial, such as the mainboard, condenser fans, etc., because you might not want to wait on these issues and risk more damage to your Whirlpool refrigerator.

Related Post:

• Refrigerator Water Dispenser Fixing
• Refrigerator Cooling Issue Fixing