Aloha from Hawaii,

I bought a house with an existing Refrigerator from Kitchen Aid model ksrs27ihss02. We noticed defrosting a couple of days ago but it seemed like it was just the freezer door not closing properly. After clearing items to assure the door closed tightly we noticed the freezer was continuing to defrost as we had water leakage out of the water dispenser. I pulled the ice bucket out and noticed there was frozen water inside the ice drop down area that was slowly melting and appeared to be the reason for the leakage. I pulled that ice out and shot off the ice maker. From that point both sides Refrig AND Freezer defrosted quickly and are now both warm. It seems like the fans are both working. I did go under and vacuum clean the coils but an hour later neither side seems be any cooler. My uncle suggested that the defrost auto switch may be sticky and may have to be moved to OFF. I have also been reading about dispenser issues. Does anyone have suggestions for a trouble shooting methodology I could use to eliminate issues? Unfortunately the extended warranty that the previous owner of the home had expired last year without my knowledge. I just dug through his paperwork that I found so I want to try fix this myself if it is easy enough. I don't have a huge amount of experience working on stuff like this so if you think this is going to be a more then novice level fix I will hire someone.

Mahalo:confused:

If what you have written is accurate, you mentioned that the fan by the compressor ran, then stopped, and when you unplugged and replugged in, the fan then started, coupled with the "No cold air inside at all" I would have to believe the problem is centered around your compressor failing to start, since on some model kitchenaids, the condenser fan gets power from the compressor, and so runs when the compressor tries to start, and stops when compressor cycles off. Due to the complex nature of this type of refrigerator repair, and the dangers to both your health and your property, I would recommend you have this at least inspected by a professional.

Im sorry you felt the need to go purchase a new refrigerator without at least having your original inspected, you could have saved yourself a lot of money. But, since 70% of Kenmore refrigerators are made by Whirlpool/Kitchenaid, you likely purchased another Kitchenaid, but believe it or not they are still one of the better products out there. I hate to burst your bubble, but all the money you "save" with this energystar refrigerator, will not come close to paying for the refrigerator if you owned it for 20 years.
Lastly, depending on what the extended warranty covers, such as sealed system repairs, i.e. a new compressor, would factor into MY decision to purchase it. If the ext warranty only covers minor repairs, excluding the sealed system, the cost of the warranty will likely be MORE than what a minor repair would cost on average.