Whirlpool Side by Side Refrigerator Not Cooling - Troubleshooting and Repair Series

[@amelialintaiwan2587]

Cool trouble shooting. Thank you for sharing. Thumbs-up. Love from Taiwan.

[@johnfredrickson7215]

For people who have a digital version of the defrost control board (the version that does not have a screw to advance the defrost timer), I have found the procedure to put it into the defrost test mode. My refrigerator is a Whirlpool G6SHA and looks exactly like the one in the video but with a digital defrost timer. The instructions were found folded into the bottom grill panel where the water filter is located. Step 1: Rotate the refrigerator thermostat knob to the off position for 15 seconds. Step 2: Turn the knob back on for 5 seconds. Repeat these steps 2 more times and end with the control in the off position. You will hear a click that will start the defrost test mode which runs the defroster for 21 minutes. To stop the defrost test mode, un plug the refrigerator and plug it back in. All other steps here have been very helpful. Since my thermostat readings on the multimeter were kind of weird, (using a cheap multimeter and me not being very technical) I just bought a new thermostat (which are cheap) and a control board (shop around, you can find cheaper versions on Amazon). I replaced the control board first since this did not require any wire splicing. After replacing my control board, and performing this test, my defrost heating coils have finally kicked in. I did not have to replace the thermostat at this point, but I will be continuing to watch the refrigerator for the next few weeks to ensure I'm 100% fixed. Hope this helps.

[@beo2009]

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You. I couldn't find that defrost timer info anywhere. I was able to put the frig into defrost confirming the defrost worked. I had already changed the board (Amazon:$7, local $160). I have pulled everything apart, the only thing I found was the drain had frozen over below the evaporator. Maybe the old board wasn't working but since I didn't know how to test it, I don't really know. I couldn't find my instructions anywhere on the frig. My controls are sliders. Whirlpool Model:ED5LVAXWQ00 The only thing is it seems like there should be more air coming from the freezer side, but the damper works and the fan works, no obstructions. I guess that's just the way it is.

[@SamHarris777]

You rock, Bill. I was hiperventilating over the thought of calling in a technician and being overcharged for something you are teaching me to do myself. Thank you.

[@jennyshaw1]

I'm so proud of myself. I watched your video and fixed my fridge. Thanks for the help.

[@davetraenkner5163]

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[@stevenc8140]

iF I was your father...I would BE VERY Proud! But I am not and I am still impressed a woman would troubleshoot a refrigerator. Usually they just go out and buy a new (JUNKY) one or call in a $200/ estimate repair looser. Good Job!

[@dirkmcgurk]

People like you are heros. Thank you for providing this info for free to the world.

[@marveledfranker4124]

Dude you just saved me from having to buy a new fridge or calling a repair man. You just put a bunch of money back in my pocket. Thank you so much!

[@garyille8398]

In reference to the public comment below, the Model No. of the Whirlpool refrigerator is: GD5SHAXLT02...This is an old fridge, built in 2002. If the timer does NOT have a spin dial to advance the defrost clock, what else can be done to verify the system works...continuity test across the heater coil but that doesn't test the timer. Thank you Bill for the public service you provide. I am amazed at how useful your videos are in taking the fear out of analyzing small refrigeration issues. Thank you and Happy Holidays.

[@johncasor9698]

The Best Teacher EVER....

[@Rali272]

I have a updated whirlpool side by side and I wasn't getting the refrigerator to cool but my freezer was working but thought it was working too hard because it had ice all on the bottom. After watching this video, I took the back panel off and sure enough, ICE. Ice on the coils, ice on the vents. I grabbed a heat gun and melted all that off and cleaned dry. Plugged the fridge back on and voila....cool air flowing through all the vents and my refrigerator is working agin, Thank you Bill.

[@aaronrcpilot]

Hello,Bill.!! Great video , after watching your video and I have replaced the defrost thermostat in freezer compartment due to the refigerator section not cold enough and got snow in freezer . After replaced the defrost thermostat and it works like a brand new machine. Thank you very much sir.. good job.

[@RVFreeDa]

Sooooo Coooool! I just found this and I got the back panel off and sure enough it's covered with ice! OMG This 70 year old WOMAN is not gonna give up! Now I'll let it defrost! And be back! lol

[@tonysamson75]

RVFreeDa b

[@bennimotlatsi8901]

Thanks bill i always watch your video's im a techician myself but i dnt stop learning from my brother thanx

[@GarySakorafas]

excellent video, the defrost timer location and test techniques saved the day.

[@hankkaufmann4705]

Another awesome how to video! Thanks !

[@nanthiru4249]

thanks. i fixed my home Refrigerator with these info. Great video.

[@chanhvo8436]

Thanks, this is very thorough lesson that you provided, I learned and enjoyed.

[@doesstuffoutside]

This is exactly the problem I'm having. Thanks man.

[@toniwoodward1821]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you~ Great help sorting out our problems today with our FABULOUS Whirlpool Side by Side 16 year old Refrigerator over the Easter Break whilst in Isolation COVID-19 Style! Much appreciated!

[@jtroueche1980]

I think I've got this exact issue going on with our Whirlpool right now, I'm going to give it a go tomorrow, Thank You!

[@nightrunner14]

Thanks Bill!!! This video was EXACTLY what I needed to know! YOU ARE AWESOME!!!

[@skinnydog4]

Thank you, I noticed our fridge side not cold this morning.

[@potterygale1]

OMG, thank you SO much! We were planning on charging $1400.00 for a new fridge. Thanks to you, I did exactly what you said and it worked perfectly. Thank you, thank you!

[@bennychun4084]

Very very helpful thank you aloha

[@supjay3945]

Thx for taking the time to use your mic for us to hear the clicks

[@san379]

with your knowledge you can make appliances last forever,, goodjob..

[@54pack2]

very helpful. fixed my fridge (bad heating element) thanks

[@briantomajko9127]

Super helpful! Thanks for taking the time to make it.

[@tnrowanaf9246]

So helpful Mr Bill

[@cocacola9322]

BEST detail explanation, amazing video. Thank you

[@xxnagualxx1786]

You got a new subscriber

[@RRaucina]

Great work!

[@dlhuntington]

Great videos! I have a Amana SDZ23VL side-by-side. I've tested the compressor and found my overload relay was not working. It has been replaced by a RCO410 3 in 1start capacitor and all seems to be running. Basically, neither my fridge or freezer are getting cold. The compressor and it's fan are running. I've checked the thermostat behind the controls and it's working. The defrost thermostat doesn't show physical signs of the cap starting to come apart as you've demonstrated in one of your videos. I've created a jump to replace this thermostat to see how it will work. The small fan above the coils now runs (it wasn't before I created the jump). I have air coming out of the vent in the freezer and the fridge...but it's not cold. After 45 minutes of running, still no cold air and the coils are at room temp and compressor is getting pretty hot to the touch (even with constant compressor fan air flow). What now?

[@sohnamunda1]

you are genius wonderful piece of information thanks bill

[@ajgonzalez9926]

You are good bro thank your video

[@1divemaster1]

Thanks Bill Another great video!

[@jecg1487]

Do you have a video regarding electronic control? How can you make the fridge to go to the defrost period when it has electronic control?

[@tombak12]

Excellent video! Thanks. I have a Whirlpool refrigerator model GS6SHAMB00, the controller box is at the top left side,. Where can I find the timer hole to turn it around?

[@guypribyl1620]

Very nice thanks

[@vs68s39]

Hi Bill...good video getting to the point..defrost timer motor does not run all the time, it only runs when the main thermostat calls for cooling and during defrost cycle?????

[@MrMultitool]

Great explanation

[@mybikevlogs6670]

Good info sir

[@alantrieu3331]

Bill, thank you for the video. My freezer and the refrigerator side is not cooling at all. I replaced the capacitor ( Supco RCO410 Start Kit , BLACK) thermostat, and defrost sensor? Still not cooling. I had it running at first when I replaced the capacitor. Then I stopped cooling after 2 days later. What else can I do to fix the problem. Thanks.....

[@Trumpallthewayperiod]

thanks Bill, my SxS is 30 degrees higher than normal both fridge and freezer, i cleaned the condenser coils under the front on monday and by tuesday it was warm and not working as well, any ideas?

[@riverdirty1]

Same problem, freezer stays at 30-35. Fridge at 50 ish.

[@roxrpv8989]

suddenly refrigerator is not longer cooling. but freezer works. noticed divider wall started getting too hot. Did feel a little bit of air from the upper and middle (return). I will try to work on it tomorrow following your directions... hopefully I can fix it. so my husband won't hit the roof...because I just had it move to the house. yes, wanted my old basic model. refrigerator did work well when I plugged in and then turned off from the control on top in order to clean it and then surprise: only freezer working properly.

[@greatlakescruiser5720]

Rox,Did you ever get a reply? I'm having the same issue. Freezer working; Fridge cool, but not as it should be. Divider wall, and rubber gasket on door, very warm on fridge side only.

[@roxrpv8989]

+Great Lakes Cruiser left message in site. finally figured how to reply. and by the way clean underneath the refrigerator. my was pretty bad. the former owner was not too domestic.

[@Josevargas-sb2ds]

Great Lakes Cruiser same question here

[@davefrank5245]

What other issues with the whirlpool unit would cause the not so cold fridge side? I’m a new home owner and am having this issue with my fridge. I’m going to follow these steps Tomorrow.

[@Richard-rr5xh]

Is it the same process on a whirlpool with digital controls on the door

[@louisbrodbeck6955]

Your videos are very helpful. My whirlpool side by side look similar but my defrost timer is electronic. no way to turn a knob with a screw driver. my coils are freezing up. How do I check my defrost timer?

[@wardrifter3409]

i have the same problem, electronic . can not advance with screwdriver . what did you find out?

[@reza49363]

Thanks 🙏

[@johnmendel68]

Thanks Bill , very clear and descriptive, awesome video. To correct your assumption - OL refers to Open Loop, not Out of Limit. *****

[@Milo30066]

Well did you finally fix the right side of fridge?

[@vincericardo4388]

I would like to SEE how you test the Metalic..( relay ?)

[@raulrobles2961]

When you are checking the thermostat by the evaporator in ohms. Did you check that when there is no power on to the fridge or that doesn't matter?

[@roxrpv8989]

because I needed to be out. I left it unplug, for a couple of days, plug it backbut , it took a couple of hours to get cold again. I was ready with the screwdriver. so far so good. I guess the thermostat reset itself. before that fan, etc. etc. we're working. hope this help. yes, was checking for prices's just in case.

[@michaelscally9278]

Hi Bill, I did everything you suggested and found the defrost heater not working, no current going into it. What do I do?

[@attissotogbo6981]

Thanks for the video.Is the refrigerator running while you doing the for the heater thermostat?

[@staceyhill846]

Also for anyone else looking for the defrost timer on their side by side take the lower panel off and look on bottom left. If it’s not on the top

[@jimmysegovia2688]

Super job thank you for sharing brother knowledge is power god bless you!!!

[@johnquang1940]

Bill can you tell me what the problem my whirlpool refrigerator side by side is the temp 50. Up 60 need help someone

[@mr.universe7739]

So what does it mean when you put it in defrost most but the fan turns back on after a couple minutes ?? Is the heater still going to get hot after a while or not ? And if it does how long do I need to wait ? I'd appreciate a quick reply

[@tryan1173]

where is the best place online to get a thermostat for my whirlpool gold series side by side refrigerator? thank you for the helpful video, i believe this will solve the problem.

[@staceyhill846]

Hi Bill, you do the best videos! Can you have a heating element that (can ohm out ok but still have some continuity to ground in the high setting) is intermittently or barely shorted to ground causing breaker to pop? Also do defrost timer motors run hot to the touch? Thank you very much?

[@Astronaughtsful]

What’s up Bill. Fridge comes down to temp then warms back up and stays there. I can manually start it cooling again by turning thermostat dial to 0 then back up again?

[@fred306801]

You should have mentioned the electronic defrost timer. I should have known something was not right when I could not find that hole you mentioned to advance the timer. It keeps freezing up. I am working on a Frigidaire looks a lot like the one your working on. I took that cover off inside the refrigerator and I see a box with a bunch of wires going into it. Not sure what it is but I think it is a electronic defrost timer. So far I have checked the thermostat that clips on to the coil. It seems to be working. I unplugged both ends of the heater and checked it and It has resistance. Any suggestions ?

[@popcornman74501]

So i worked on a whirlpool refrigerator sided by sided it was packed with roaches, i cleaned it out really good, went to the control box underneath and it was packed full of roaches cleaned the best i could for a elderly couple. There is still no water to ice maker and water in door, when i checked the voltage at the water and ice intake. The water intake volts was 95 volts without it engaged for water. I did have water to the water intake. The refrigerator was cold on freezer side but 60 degrees on refrigerator side and all iced up. Im thinking the board has shorted out for a gs5shaxsl01

[@cesarcanalli72]

Bom dia, amigo estou assisti do seus vídeos e gostando muito. Tenho um refrigerador desse modelo e está apresentando problema de formação de gelo na descida do gelo, conseguiria fazer um vídeo sobre esse assunto pra me ajudar por favor?! Muito obrigado.

[@eliezeralves1303]

O amigo conseguiu resolver seu poblema,?tenho um geladeira do mesmo modelo e estou passando por isso

[@rdsims4893]

Can the cold control being faulty also cause a frozen coil and warming temps??

[@mcdonaldchuck3230]

what happens when you change the defrost heater and thermostat and the refrig side still doesnt cool? This is on a maytag model # MSD2454GRW. Timer switch is working properly

[@Psycho9263]

How do you troubleshoot a whirlpool refrigerator with a dual evaporator? It is equipped with 3-way rotary refrigerant valve. Also, is it possible to repair a leak within the cabinet?

[@robertyu7341]

Can the defrost heater element show resistance within 5% of spec. limit and still be bad, meaning it is just not getting hot enough to melt all the frost and after many defrost cycles the icing accumulates. I checked just about everything and this seems to be the probable cause. However I didn’t have a thermostat gun like yours to test it out.

[@tfsishuba1369]

good job!!! always

[@Darrylellyson1]

My freezer is not freezing. Watching your videos and it appears all cooling for the fridge comes from the freezer side. Cleaned the coils underneath. Turn thermostat from off to on and it sounds like its running but not very long. My Whirlpool model, ED2KVEXVLO1, doesn't have a "hole" to turn on defroster. What can I do?

[@pradeeppanigrahi5201]

I have a whirlpool WRS322FDAM04 side by side refrigerator. The freezer is cold but the fridge is not so cold. When I put my hand in front of the air damper I can't feel cold air blowing. I could hear the evaporator fan sound so I am assuming it's running. When I turn the refrigerator knob OFF, I could hear the fan stops. When I try to rotate the freezer knob, I can't as its stuck. What could be the problem? Can you please help? Also can you tell me where the defrost timer could be located in this model?

[@SpencersButte]

I just got a used 2007 Kenmore side by side. Clean inside and out. Both fans, underneath and inside are running. The coils and fan underneath have been cleaned too. I plugged it in and everything works. The compressor is warm to the touch after running for an hour. There is no cooling happening in the freezer compartment, no change in temperature at all. Is this a refrigerant issue or something else? Any advice would help. Thanks

[@atlsdjred]

I just moved in a house and acquired a Kenmore Coldspot 106 that sort of works all fans work compressor comes on I just replaced the capacitor and the compressor switch... all the evaps are frost free water comes out the water dispenser air is coming into the freezer and the refrig section but the it doesn't get cold or make ice... Could it need charging...

[@prcrane11]

thumbs up we shall see!!

[@binam.w.kakusa1201]

Helpful

[@jacksoncash5277]

Hello. Is there any reason that one of the defrost heater wires would not be hooked up? I’ve had a whirlpool fridge for a few years now. The fridge side just recently hasn’t been getting as cold as normal but the freezer side works good. I just took the back panel off and the coils are totally frosted/froze over. The right side black wire to white wire connector was not connected. Should it be like that or could that be my problem? Again this fridge is only about 3 years old and has never been worked on and the back cover hasn’t been removed before. Could it have somehow got disconnected? I don’t want to buy a heater or heater thermostat if I don’t really need to. Thank you

[@zahoorshah1376]

Thanks One Q I did complete procedure and it was working good for few hours but freezer is working fine but fridge is not getting cold. I do not see too much ice behind the panel when I open the first time. any idea or help please?

[@Gawkingboy]

Hi Bill, I'm learning from your shows. My Whirlpool side by side, Freezer works but not the Refrigerator. I replaced Air Damper, Thermostat Control Switch; I checked by DVM Defrost Thermostat. Latest, I replaced Adaptive Defrost Control board (Defrost Timer). Final, my Whirlpool is not improve. Can you any ideal about my Case. Thanks for your time, Tom

[@ThePacifist1990]

I have similar problems. did you change the control board?

[@lunamalefica1193]

I have a top freezer Whirlpool, not a s x s. freezer worx great, fridge not cooling. took panel off, no white frost clustered on, but did have ice build up on bottom of panel, and some in shoot going down to frifge, melted it w hair dryer. where exactly is defrost button on this?

[@neilsimon3122]

How do you check if there is no manual knob on the defrost timer but a defrost board?

[@robbynv9900]

My new defrost thermostat has black and red leads, not pink and brown like the original thermostat. I connected the red to pink and brown to black , is this correct or does it matter.?

[@drcliffbrickman6087]

Key Point: the 30 minutes things turn OFF / the Heating unit that turns ON - BUT =Only= For a Few minutes __ and DO NOT TOUCH IT . Its 400 to 700 degrees there, ALL COVERRED IN Your Fine Video. T h a n k s..!!

[@kriskersch622]

Forgot. I live an 1 1/2 hours from city. Model TS25AEXHW00. Connected new defrost timer black lead to pin 1.

[@avupativenu]

Hi Bill, we have newer whirlpool side by side model gs6shexns00 and I cannot find defrost timer, can you please tell me the location of it?

[@mattlueder9015]

I have whirlpool model ED5LHAXWS02. both freezer and refrigerator set at max cool. Freezer cold but refrigerator will not cool below 38 degrees. slight "breeze" felt in upper left of refrigertor baffle, does not increase with freezer door open. everything clean and defrosted. When I look up into the baffle area, two of the 4 slots are "closed". any suggestions?

[@jimmyryals3269]

If nothing was broken what do u do to stop this from doing it again?

[@SuspectBeatle65]

I have that same fridge but it's not making ice but I can get water from the water dispenser? Help? Thanks!

[@heatherlanter1391]

Bill I have a whirlpool gold sxs modelgs6nbexrq00 my defrost control is not in same location so I can check it.

[@gonzgarr1592]

hey I got a side by side Kenmore older stile that the freezer side get to be around 70 degrees when the defrost cycle is on,i replace the defrost thermostat but is doing the same thing what could be myproblem any help would be much appreciated thank you

[@walmarti8683]

I have a newer whirlpool side by side and my defrost control switch is not on that side. Where would it be?

[@cotsgroup627]

Hi I get whirlpool sid by side the fridge not cooling the timer off no lights no water no ice no defense nap. Thanks

[@garyille8398]

I have been watching your excellent videos now for about a year. Thank you for your attention to detail, for repeating yourself. However, I do appreciate that EXPERIENCE trumps all. I noticed water in front of my side by side Whirlpool Refrigerator freezer door. I followed your video on unclogging the drain hole with hot water. I plugged in the refrigerator and noticed the evap fan running so I wanted to verify that the heater coil functions. I COULD NOT LOCATE THE DEFROST TIMER SLOT IN THE REFRIG. WHERE THE FRIDGE AND FREEZER THERMOST KNOBS ARE. There was no hole to put a slotted screwdriver in. Do I have a way to advance the defrost cycle?? Happy Holidays to you and Family.

[@Your-Self]

Your refrigerator uses an Adaptive Defrost Control Board # WPW10366605 instead of a typical timer. It's almost impossible to test the electronic board without schematics. However, your user-manual may have a "key dance" sequence on how to advance the control board to the defrost cycle. Also, have you checked your water filter and tube connections? The water may be leaking from there.

[@tarci99]

I just got a used 2004 Add to dictionary side by side. Clean inside and out. Both fans, underneath and inside are running. The coils and fan underneath have been cleaned too. I plugged it in and everything works. The compressor is warm to the touch after running for days. There is no cooling happening in the freezer compartment, no change in temperature at all. The heater was on and the compressor was off. the compressor is running at .652 amps when it is on. why would the defrost turn on if it is 55% in the fridge? it has an electric circuit board defrost timer and I do not know how to test it to see if it is bad. I bypassed the thermostat switch just to check is it was that and still nothing. The fridge is outside in a 40-50 degree weather and covered so it never gets wet. Is this a refrigerant issue or something else? Any advice would help. Thanks

[@tonyosborne3970]

hi i whirlpool side by side door fridge freezer the fan at the back works but the fridge nor freezer does not work any idea cheers

[@homerson1080]

The back of mine does not have frost, but the frost is in the front of the freezer section. What is causing this to happen?

[@SecoJarbouh]

thx bro

[@MariaHernandez-cs3sm]

dude you a good teacher just imagine if your kids where being taught with rap music so loud you think they can learn please chill on the music

[@lesterjeffries2467]

My fridge has stop cooling there no frost on the freezer side what can I do? I also have a ice maker.

[@risuenor]

how much is one of those temperature sensor, I never have used one

[@kriskersch622]

Side by side not cooling. Turn defrost timer, came on & cooled. Replaced Defrost timer. Marked motor location. Turning. Cooling. Made Ice. Checked 5 hours later. Not cooling. Turned new defrost time to click. Working again.

[@stgf98]

My fridge keeps freezing the coils but only like the top 4 rolls, what could it be? The freezer never gets colder.