Whirlpool Top Mount Refrigerator Won't Cool or Too Cold in Refrigerator Solutions

We've seen a hundred plus of these recent-model Whirlpool Refrigerators either over-cool and freeze food in the refrigerator cabinet, or stop cooling altogether. What are the symptoms, and how can you fix this? I tear apart two Whirlpool refrigerators to get to the matter at least somewhat and discuss what may be going on to cause the issues.
Models that suffer these situations tend to be Whirlpool WRT31, WRT51, WRT53, and MRT1188 refrigerators with various additional numbers. Generally, the units will have "Athena" or "Hercules" control boards in them.
Tools I use in all videos can be found at my Amazon Idea Page: www.amazon.com...
Did this video help you out? Send me a tip, and help me make more Appliance Repair videos for people to watch for free!
PayPal: paypal.me/Bens...
CashApp: $BenjaminSchlichter
Affiliate Disclosure Form: bit.ly/3oXeu3B
** Links to external websites and parts may result in me receiving a commission on sales.

[@longtermgains8253]

You're right Ben. We buy 350 haul aways a month. A lot of 2014-2016 of these models coming in with not enough refrigerant in them. Causing them to run too cold. Thanks for the comprehensive video!

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

As an FYI the black 1 is 2017 and the silver 1 is 2019 so these are still seemingly being made the same way to fail after a few years

[@briantruck2284]

Wow

[@kevinmasters7189]

I have a 2017 and just found out it has this problem. Thanks whirlpool for sticking it to me once again. 🖕

[@wajidmehmood8535]

Hey where do u buy haul aways

[@JDB955]

I have the stainless model as shown in your video and the problem with it not cooling enough. The issue is exactly as in your black model where there is frost coating the copper tubing in the top right of the freezer but no where else, indicating a sealed system issue. Thank you for the detailed video!

[@alitsa]

My girlfriend was watching your channel in the background, and I overheard. OMG I agree with you so hard when it comes to avoiding garbage bells and whistles! Thank you for providing practical guidance!

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Thanks!

[@radarluv67]

This video just saved big money. I showed it to the repairman. He couldn't get it into diagnostic mode. Thankfully he wasn't a jerk. Took the info and determined the problem. He's going to get a 5 star from us. We called him because he's a 5 star. Glad we did and between this video saved us alot of money!

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

The issue with newer appliances like this is that diagnostics vary from model to model so much that my business had no clue how to do this to this particular model for YEARS. So its common for techs simply not to know unless they deal with it often.

[@smokethis785]

Was your refrigerator running too cold or hot? What needed up causing the issue?

[@joshm3342]

I was getting ready to buy a new, larger refrigerator. But after hearing about the low quality of sealed systems nowadays, I'm just going to buy a basic top freezer 21 cubic foot without icemaker, and plan on buying another in 5 years /whenever it fails. But for NOW, I'm going to keep my 2001 Whirlpool as long as it keeps running (it's been 22 years with no issues).

[@heroknaderi]

Very informative video. It’s like they don’t make them the way they used to in the older days. I’ve seen refrigerators from the 90s even early 2000s still working today. I enjoyed the video.😊

[@theresaburke8333]

Apologies for placing this request on the wrong location. Please address the terrible dehumidifier market! In last 2 years have bought (&/or returned) 2 Dehumidifiers. Both from Costco. Research online is of no help. Which brand is most reliable? Which brand is best for basement? Or, is there just a "giant among midgets". Grateful for your wonderful & information based KZbin channel. I'm so tired of being BS'd by manufacturers & repair people who only want to gouge me out of my money. Many Thanks for you education.

[@luissalas9270]

Great video ! I’ve never seen those thermistors bad . But I have seen a few defrost thermistors fail

[@edwindows7]

Wish this video popped up when searching my model number when my fridge started having issues last summer! Been having to defrost my condenser coils every 4-6 weeks while waiting for control boards to come back in stock. Also, discovered with these fridges that the whole control housing assembly is somehow 30% the cost of the control board itself!!! (~$80 vs ~$230)

[@Bass.Player]

I would wrap that joint with light weight fiberglass cloth and coat it with JB weld. About twenty years ago I did this on an R12 system discharge line that runs at times 350 PSI, three years later it was still holding and looked great.. What do you have to loose at this point...

[@billsimpson604]

Epoxy putty might work.

[@OnyoMeji]

Thank you for the video, I think my refrigerant is out or low on refrigeran. My amp is .214, so I might need to recharge, or get a new refrigerator.

[@SuculantWarrior]

Would love to see a video like this for the 600A Whirlpools like this.

[@roknmotor]

Excellent video! Very good information! Keep up the great work!

[@IADHDD]

Love your videos. I got a Whirpool top freezer fridge. This thing is 2 years old and it will not shut off. Runs 24/7. I checked the heating element and it's good, checked both thermistors and get good resistance. I unplugged it, let it thaw then plugged it and checked the amperage. I am getting .56 amp. I did see ice buildup around the connection from copper to aluminum. I think it's low on freon maybe according to your video. The only thing i didn't test, but don't know how is testing the board

[@thisisyourcaptainspeaking2259]

Sounds like refrigerant has leaked from the sealed system.

[@battman2138]

I love these awesome videos. Thank you for your time

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Glad you like them!

[@battman2138]

@@bensappliancesandjunk very much. I really like learning about the good and bad appliances. Going to buy the Speed Queen washer soon because of your review on it

[@RonHelton]

Going from one to metal to another, could they not have just used some couplers instead of soldering?

[@HoaLe-hj9yy]

Can you upload a similar video on Frigidaire top mount refrigerators? Much appreciated!

[@jeremyjenkins9470]

Got a 5:00 call last Friday. Display won't light. I said send it in. Tape from factory on the door switch.

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Wow!

[@derosa1989]

i was going to ask if they plugged it in the wall...

[@robsapplianceplus6071]

If you're going to start in the back at the condenser, you may as well check the amp draw on the compressor? Frozen cap tube can be low charge, a very clogged condenser, OR a restriction. High amp draw on the compressor will tell you which. BTW, my experience on refrigerant leaks on a unit not that old is bad brazing from the factory where they are connecting copper to steel. I think they focus too much heat on the steel thinking it can take the heat better, where you actually need to focus more on the copper because it dissipates heat faster. In that process, they probably over heat the steel creating an eventual restriction, and/or create a poor brazed connection and a leak. I always re-braze those connections on a compressor replacement and the leak magically does not reappear. I rarely have to replace an evaporator except back in 2016 when the Whirlpool french door dual evap refrigerators had a huge corrosion issue and a new black evaporator was developed as a replacement.

[@jimh598]

You know, they have been making refrigerators for over 100 years now. You would think all these issues would have been worked out. I'll keep my 30 year old GE for now.

[@BobRooney290]

my guess is poor workmanship and corner cutting is going on in the manufacturing process. is there any quality control in the factory? quite sad really.

[@jagadesht7105]

Hello Ben, your videos are so informative thank you for your time. Just Bought a new home planning to buy refrigerator, washer and dryer. We are a family of 4. Can you please suggest which one to go with. Thank you in advance

[@bgregg55]

My whirlpool frig from '05 has had only one issue. After 5 years I had to replace its icemaker. The new ones are such junk.

[@AmeerBinAmeer]

I have a new refrigerator since I bought it, and it does not cool at all in the summer, and the freezer section is very light...in Saudi Arabia I bought a second one with the same problem, what is the solution?

[@kordell_Sorensen]

Great video!

[@ralphlowden1396]

Hello where does the green wire that has a clip on it in the right side of freezer panel just pulled it out noticed was not connected to anything

[@virginiasaintj]

Are Maytag and Whirlpool the same? Just like how Ford and Lincoln are the same, just different brand?

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Generally, yes most of them have the same base components with a different trim package for the maytags. Some are different but it's pretty rare that they all have a fundamental difference in term of component

[@AMERICANPRIDE1100]

It’s not steel it’s alum you can’t solder it and yes nowadays they use solderless connectors which are very expensive

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

I will have to check but I am pretty sure these are not actually aluminum evaporators I think they cheaped out and used stainless steel instead

[@mauricelinton5867]

You can definitely solder copper to aluminum. Proper heat, and silver solder

[@christesterman]

This isn't just a low end problem I have tech's that work on high end modular refrigerators same types of problems also. Different medals are super hard to successfully weld together without leaks. If you have only one person at a job that can do that type of welds well and he quits....what do you do? We started having problems with new compressors and discovered that a new person was performing the welding and the company was experiencing higher fail rates.

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Im sure its not just relegated to these, but the welds are just so bad and it seems like this particular model (WP/Maytag Matrix fridges) pretty much all go DOA after 4-5 years. My repair/refurbishment rate on these styles is the 2nd lowest of any brand/style that we get via haulaways. The only brand/model worse are LG's with linear compressors.

[@christesterman]

@@bensappliancesandjunk Totally agree sad thing is you should be getting this issue with freaking High end products. Man that 5 years and replace.....I've had cell phones last longer then those guys. You'd think 10 years would be a good ending point for a really cheap refrigerator

[@bobmanp8653]

so i need a new fridge

[@curtisimo032]

So how do you replace the RC sensor if that's bad, it doesn't seem easily removable like the defrost sensor.

[@CompetentSalesUSA]

Thank you

[@luanvoable]

Do you know where the defrost timer of the Whirlpool top-mount refrigerator is?

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

This does not have a defrost timer. Its inside the PCB.

[@luanvoable]

@@bensappliancesandjunk Thanks! You mentioned in the video that the control PCB costs about $100. Where can I buy the PCB for the Whirlpool refrigerator?

[@mikeb6389]

Good to know

[@ultrazep]

Thanks to your video, I just diagnosed my running too cold issue with my 2016 Maytag top freezer fridge MRT118FFFZZ00. I found large ice chunk buildup on the copper and aluminum joint just like you showed. How much is it to have a tech fix the leak and recharge the system? Is it even worth the cost or should I just buy a new fridge at this point? What is a good quality fridge brand/model that doesn’t fail at an early age?

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

The cost is going to be nearly the cost of a new fridge. For TOP FREEZERS, I hate to say it but "Anything but Whirlpool and its other brands". GE is my favorite. I owned and really liked Frigidaire as well. Heck, I'd take a Samsung or LG over Whirlpool anymore. Stay away from the rando name brands from China, because those parts may be tough to find.

[@samtheoutdoor]

Hello Ben how many evaporator fan there's on a fridgeaire gallery french door refrigerator? My refrigerator isn't connected to a water supply. So i turned of the ice maker but i still noticed that the fan in the ice maker compartment do run when the door is closed and ice maker compartment is extremely cold. And also i do see moisture on the back of the unit. Thanks

[@canada2205]

Hey Ben - I love your channel keep up with the great work! I have 2 Whirlpool fridges model WRT148FZDM00 and WRT549SZDM01, I replaced the main control board, fridge temperature sensor, and freezer temperature sensor and they are still running too cold! -6C in the fridge section..... what might be the solution? really hope someone can help me here

[@smokethis785]

Did you ever figure this out?

[@fringedwellermccatintyre730]

I regret having bought a Whirlpool fridge. The adjustable 'glass' bins on the right and left doors began to crack right away, and are currently held together with rolls of Gorilla brand clear tape. (Made in Mexico, in-freezer ice cube maker which is inconveniently located, so we had to disconnect and remove it) = POS

[@officialvalidconsumer]

Congratulations dear subscriber 🎉❤️❤️ You have been picked among my random spin selections, And You won a warming 🎊🎊🎊refrigerator 🎊🎊🎊. send a text to me on telegram with the name above

[@fringedwellermccatintyre730]

@@officialvalidconsumer Sorry, I don't text, or Instagram!

[@moemulkey2264]

Ive had 2 of them , repair man couldnt fix. Never again. Got a GE thats 40 yrs old hasnt missed a beat.

[@comment1ism866]

sorry but ge was a complete nightmare for me. at least my whirlpool went 7.5 years before it got this problem.

[@bad_ass_sprink6122]

Hey Ben tha ks for the video, so if low on refrigerant makes it freeze over then what in the sealed system would make it not cool at all... I have the same wrt318 as you and I have replaced the capacitor, relay. Checked the compressor ohms, cleaned the coils, and made sure but fans are working.... Also checked door seals and for obstructions in the foam.. still not cooling. My fridge is only 3 years old.

[@bad_ass_sprink6122]

I also let It do a self diagnose which checked out normal as well

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Check condenser coils for heat. Should be like 20* warmer than the ambient area around it. If not and compressor is running its a sealed issue. We have tapped a few and refilled to give em a few more years the redneck way

[@bad_ass_sprink6122]

Thanks for the help

[@jorgemarquez2829]

Hi ,Ben I think my refrigerator whirlpool does have the control panel that isn’t good I would like to have a quote. If you have it how much will cost me.Thanks

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Whats the model#?

[@bikertod]

Hey Ben,I have a 5year old Maytag model MRT11FFFH01 and I replaced the control board and it still continues to keep running and I have a little patch of ice on the back wall of the freezer and some of my food has been freezing in the refrigerator,anymore suggestions would be appreciated very much thanks

[@aaronreid1183atyahoocom]

Defrost. Timer , heating coil or the part that signals. The heating coil to turn on -its 1of those 1000%

[@WhittyPics]

I have had 2 refrigerators leak out all the freon since 2013. They have been only lasting about 4 years. This poor quality is totally unacceptable. 2 different techs said it was the evaporator that was leaking

[@bfjoutdoors]

yup mines the sealed system... they should be sued for this. my 40 year old beer fridge in the garage still works like new....

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Unfortunate victim of cheap engineering and R-600

[@hungtang226]

Why my condensers fan keeps running all the time?

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

To keep the compressor cool. It should be running 24/7 unless the unit is defrosting

[@POSminiracer]

Hi Ben. Big fan of you and your brother. I need help. My Amana ABB2224DEW fridge is seemingly possessed and keeps turning itself to cooler settings. I keep it set to 5 for both the fridge and freezer but about once a month or so I'll open the door to find the setting for the freezer at 7. There are only the two adults here and no known ghosts and the dogs aren't tall enough to reach the buttons so I'm at a loss. Please help. Thanks.

[@moonovermiami9787]

Can you give us a lowdown video for possible repairs on the wrb533czjz ? Mine is 1 yr+5 mths old, out of warranty except for compressor, but not for connector tubes & inner liner. When new, it took a year for compressor to start clicking. On 2nd compressor, it warmed up slowly, eventually spoiling all food in freezer. Tech now due to replace to THIRD compressor plus evaporator. He says fan works. Though he didn't check, just heard it. With third compressor, he's also ordered coupler, drip tray, proceed stub. He didnt actually look in back of fridge, he just ordered these parts. But he also said it may be irreparable bcs slow warming tells him its internal leak. Please help me figure out what's possibly wrong. Looked online, seems tons of customer complaints on this model. Breaks down very soon after buying. Whirlpool no help.

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

That's a really, REALLY oddball model I've never seen. Check the mfg. nation. That looks an awful lot like an Insignia (so not a real WP but branded). Wonder it that one is made in China?

[@moonovermiami9787]

@@bensappliancesandjunk It says Made in Mexico. Got it from Home Dep.

[@williamtreat5893]

hay when you removed the plastic cover inside of the freezer you did not unplug the knob and there was no plug behind it that plugged into the knob-i did the same thing what going on with this FAKE knob-there is not one in mine either-i can't get the compressor to turn on -so I got a new relay and starter that plugs into the side of the compressor but that did not make it start working-i have tried holding the control button down for 4 sec and restarting it but that did nothing

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

The freezer knob is a physical damper. That only moves the baffle to adjust air. It has nothing to do with a control setting. If you can't get the compressor to turn on, you'd want to look at the board and see whats up, if the temperature sensor isn't ohming out right, or if the control just isn't sending a signal to the comprssor and needs replaced

[@williamtreat5893]

@@bensappliancesandjunk I think your right i do have power to all of the fans and to the relay-starter thing that mounts onto the side of the compressor-i got a new one-and tested it for power-and I tested the probes on the compressor and I do have continuity there as well-it is not making a clicking noise, like the videos I have watched

[@natepeterson7145]

Don't use soap and water especially on low side bigger tube unless refrigerator is of and there's positive pressure. Water and refrigerant is a bad day.

[@pdcarpen]

Just bought used wrt519szdm02 put Freon in as was low put enough in to show 2psi. The fridge turns on and runs but boy does the fridge get way too cold. The control panel lets me do diagnostics and shows no issues. Yesterday seemed to run fine got to temp and shut off but never turned back on when temperatures got too warm. I have not been able to test thermistors yet but anybody got any ideas help would be greatly appreciated. Now I am seeing this thing might have not been a good deal but really need this thing to run correctly if just for a year. Thanks for any advice.

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Test the thermistors, if they are OK replace board

[@pdcarpen]

@@bensappliancesandjunk thanks thermistors seems to be ok. Need w11184509 rev.b but not seeing that part online. Do you happen to have affiliate link I could use for one?

[@tbone9405]

Lower amperage could also be evap coil could be severely frosted up from no defrost or evap fan not running. All whirlpool sealed systems are basically same quality now matter which model. People think paying more gets you a better system, that is a false assumption!

[@smartassist9700]

Ice maker stops making ice….. I open freezer. Raise STOP BAR HOLD IT TO WARMIT FOR 2 MINUTES… IT MAKES 2 ICE DUMPS ONLY. HELP

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Check freezer temps

[@TheJackster412]

Is this the investment joy guy?????

[@jasonfournier]

No his twin brother.

[@nexushexus4365]

I can barely hear you.

[@user-jz2qz4km3k]

Wirelpool est une Mauvaise qualié d'aprés mon expérience

[@kokoloveslife]

Lol 😂😂😂

[@iwrk]

So cheaply made...

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

The fridge is OK generally, but the sealed system welds look just bad.

[@robertcornelius3514]

Thanks to Biden/Kamala's inflation I can't even afford to buy one ice cube.

[@kayjay9383]

FJB

[@RR-iq8ze]

Oh be quiet.

[@mzpaige5087]

The lies 😂

[@maryannkrajkowski6654]

You do know that inflation is global, don’t you? It’s not Biden.

[@sherylcanossi1928]

New whirlpool refrigerators ice taste bad since I bought it April 6,23 . I have thrown out 12 buckets of ice washed ice bucket and ice still taste bad? VSCO857915 serial number do you have any suggestions??

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Check water supply? I'd check the water at the input for taste.

[@caffpillz]

Oooo, benny boi, at it again.