What To Know
- This could be due to a faulty defrost timer, a clogged evaporator coil, or a problem with the compressor.
- This could be due to a faulty water inlet valve, a clogged water filter, or a problem with the ice maker itself.
- This could be due to a faulty water inlet valve, a clogged water filter, or a problem with the water dispenser itself.
If your Kenmore refrigerator has stopped working or is acting up, don’t despair. With a little troubleshooting and some basic tools, you may be able to fix it yourself and save a bundle on repair costs.
Troubleshooting Common Kenmore Refrigerator Problems
Before you start repairing your refrigerator, it’s important to identify the problem. Here are some of the most common issues that Kenmore refrigerators experience:
- Refrigerator not cooling: This could be due to a faulty thermostat, a clogged condenser coil, or a problem with the compressor.
- Freezer not freezing: This could be due to a faulty defrost timer, a clogged evaporator coil, or a problem with the compressor.
- Ice maker not making ice: This could be due to a faulty water inlet valve, a clogged water filter, or a problem with the ice maker itself.
- Water dispenser not working: This could be due to a faulty water inlet valve, a clogged water filter, or a problem with the water dispenser itself.
- Refrigerator making noise: This could be due to a faulty compressor, a loose fan blade, or a clogged condenser coil.
How to Repair Common Kenmore Refrigerator Problems
Once you’ve identified the problem, you can start repairing your refrigerator. Here are some step-by-step instructions for some of the most common repairs:
How to Replace a Thermostat
1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Locate the thermostat. It is usually located in the fresh food compartment, behind the temperature control knob.
3. Remove the thermostat by unscrewing the two screws that hold it in place.
4. Install the new thermostat by screwing it into place.
5. Plug the refrigerator back in and turn it on.
How to Clean a Condenser Coil
1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Locate the condenser coil. It is usually located at the back or bottom of the refrigerator.
3. Clean the condenser coil by vacuuming it or brushing it with a soft brush.
4. Plug the refrigerator back in and turn it on.
How to Replace a Compressor
1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Locate the compressor. It is usually located at the back or bottom of the refrigerator.
3. Disconnect the electrical wires from the compressor.
4. Remove the mounting bolts that hold the compressor in place.
5. Lift the compressor out of the refrigerator.
6. Install the new compressor by reversing the steps above.
7. Plug the refrigerator back in and turn it on.
How to Replace a Defrost Timer
1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Locate the defrost timer. It is usually located in the fresh food compartment, behind the temperature control knob.
3. Remove the defrost timer by unscrewing the two screws that hold it in place.
4. Install the new defrost timer by screwing it into place.
5. Plug the refrigerator back in and turn it on.
How to Clean an Evaporator Coil
1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Locate the evaporator coil. It is usually located in the freezer compartment, behind the back panel.
3. Remove the back panel by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place.
4. Clean the evaporator coil by vacuuming it or brushing it with a soft brush.
5. Replace the back panel by screwing it into place.
6. Plug the refrigerator back in and turn it on.
How to Replace an Ice Maker
1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Locate the ice maker. It is usually located in the freezer compartment, behind the ice bin.
3. Disconnect the electrical wires from the ice maker.
4. Remove the mounting bolts that hold the ice maker in place.
5. Lift the ice maker out of the refrigerator.
6. Install the new ice maker by reversing the steps above.
7. Plug the refrigerator back in and turn it on.
How to Replace a Water Inlet Valve
1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Locate the water inlet valve. It is usually located at the back of the refrigerator, near the water line.
3. Disconnect the water line from the water inlet valve.
4. Unscrew the two screws that hold the water inlet valve in place.
5. Remove the water inlet valve.
6. Install the new water inlet valve by reversing the steps above.
7. Plug the refrigerator back in and turn it on.
How to Clean a Water Filter
1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Locate the water filter. It is usually located at the back of the refrigerator, near the water inlet valve.
3. Remove the water filter by turning it counterclockwise.
4. Install the new water filter by turning it clockwise.
5. Plug the refrigerator back in and turn it on.
Tips for Troubleshooting and Repairing Kenmore Refrigerators
Here are a few tips for troubleshooting and repairing Kenmore refrigerators:
- Always unplug the refrigerator before starting any repairs.
- Use a multimeter to test electrical components, such as the thermostat and compressor.
- If you are not comfortable performing a repair yourself, call a qualified appliance repair technician.
- Keep a record of any repairs you make, in case you need to refer to them in the future.
Taking Care of Your Kenmore Refrigerator
To help prevent problems with your Kenmore refrigerator, it’s important to take good care of it. Here are a few tips:
- Clean the condenser coil regularly.
- Replace the water filter every six months.
- Defrost the refrigerator regularly.
- Keep the refrigerator at the proper temperature.
- Avoid overloading the refrigerator.
Fixing It Yourself vs. Calling a Technician
If you are comfortable working on appliances, you may be able to save money by repairing your Kenmore refrigerator yourself. However, if you are not comfortable performing the repair yourself, it is best to call a qualified appliance repair technician.
Top Questions Asked
How much does it cost to repair a Kenmore refrigerator?
The cost of repairing a Kenmore refrigerator will vary depending on the problem. However, you can expect to pay between $100 and $500 for most repairs.
How long does it take to repair a Kenmore refrigerator?
The time it takes to repair a Kenmore refrigerator will vary depending on the problem. However, most repairs can be completed within a few hours.
What are the most common problems with Kenmore refrigerators?
The most common problems with Kenmore refrigerators include:
- Refrigerator not cooling
- Freezer not freezing
- Ice maker not making ice
- Water dispenser not working
