I’ve got a Kenmore Side By Side Refrigerator that completely stopped cooling. After researching we figured out the starter device was bad so I ordered the part and replaced it. We turned the refrigerator on and left it for a couple of days to see if it is going to work. It is working, but it doesn’t keep the correct temperature in the freezer unless you turn the refrigerator dial (thermostat) all the way up. There does not appear to be any sort of defrosting problems going on. The fans are all working. We have cleaned the coils. I’m thinking it is probably the timer or the thermostat button? If it is low in freon I think I would see some problems on the evaporater or some sort of leaking? From what I have researched it doesn’t sound like a compressor problem.
Still looking for help with refrigerator/freezer problem… We have had the thermostat turned all the way up on both the freezer and refrigerator side for 3 days and it is working just fine. Temperature in freezer is staying at 10 degrees, refrigerator staying at about 39 degrees, but this is only with it turned all the way up. So my question is… if we replace the thermostat will we be able to run it at it’s regular temperature?.. Anybody? 
Hi,
Remove the rear panel in the freezer and check how the evaporator coils are covered with frost. If the coils are absolutely clean or covered just partially then there is a problem with the sealed system.
Gene.
The entire coil spread is lightly frosted… is that how it is supposed to be? Also last night we tested the thermostat with a multimeter, it was good. We tested the defrost timer and it was giving readings of infinity…so that may be our problem? Still working on it.. all advice greatly appreciated.
Yes, that’s correct.
How did you set the temperature control knobs?
I don’t think there is something wrong with the defrost system.
Gene.
I found some instructions on testing the defrost timer online with a multimeter… All 3 readings were 1 ohm… I am no professional by any means so now I am trying to figure out if it’s bad or not. I followed the instructions by turning the screw to advance the timer into the next state and didn’t get the readings the instructions said it should have…the only visible problem I can see is if you set the dial on the normal setting of 3 and leave the refrigerator running… later when you check the freezer it has defrosted the bottle of water I have in there using to test along with a couple of popcycles. .. Now it doesn’t completely defrost them all the way.. they just get mushy and don’t stay frozen solid… unless you turn the dial all the way up on the highest setting…it works and freezes fine on the highest setting with no problem.. but I want to fix whatever the problem is because I’m afraid it will go bad and I don’t want to have spoiled food a second time around.. thanks so much for trying to help me.
Forget about the defrost system for now. If[quote] …The entire coil spread is lightly frosted…[/quote] then it has nothing to do with defrost.
I’m trying to help you to diagnose the problem and that’s why I need you to answer my questions. Once again, [quote]…How did you set the temperature control knobs?..[/quote]Gene.
When we tested the temperature control we set the control to off and the multimeter showed 1. Then setting the control on the highest setting the multimeter read 0. I believe that is what it is supposed to show from what I have researched? Could it possibly be the defrost timer behind the panel in the freezer?
Set the ff temperature control on coldest (highest number) point and the fz temperature control on cold (smallest number) point. Wait about 24 hours and measure the temperatures in both compartments. Post the results.
Gene.
Last night I set the controls as you said…I just checked the temperature…freezer is 13 degrees and fridge is 34…
Move the fz temperature control one number toward the coldest setting. Wait 24 hours before measuring the temperatures.
Gene.
Freezer is 10 degrees… Refrigerator is 30…
The freezer control doesn’t seem to effect the temperature… the refrigerator control is the one that has the effect..it’s working fine right now because it is set on the highest setting… but if I try to set the refrigerator on 3 (average setting) the freezer will defrost everything inside and the temperature in the fridge drops.
I do not think there is something wrong with the refrigerator. You just have to set both temperature controls properly.
Let me explain how it works. The evaporator (cooling) coils are located in the freezer. The refrigerator cools down with the cold air coming from the freezer. There is only one thermostat which senses temperature in the refrigerator which operates by the ff temperature control knob. When you move it to the coldest setting you make the temperature in the refrigerator colder.
When you move the fz temperature control knob, you operate with the air gate between the freezer and refrigerator. When you move it to the coldest setting you closing the air gate and shutting down the air flow from the freezer into the refrigerator.
The normal temperatures are: about 0°F in the freezer and 36°F-39°F in the refrigerator. You have to find proper position for both knobs to maintain such temperatures. Keep in mind that you have to move them in small increments and wait about 24 hours after any adjustments.
There is a small chance for the thermostat to be inaccurate but if you would like to save some money, you have to try to adjust the temperature controls first.
Gene.
I appreciate all of your time and input Gene. I’m still feeling like either the thermostat or defrost timer is bad I just don’t know how to tell for sure which one it is. Before replacing the start device the both the freezer and refrigerator controls were always set on 3 (which has the line marked average) and it always cooled/froze great on that setting. After the start device went out and we put in the new one is when the temperature started being weird and I had to turn it up full blast. I understand somewhat how both controls work together, but it doesn’t seem to matter what the freezer setting is on, but if you turn the refrigerator setting down even 1 notch to 5…(full blast being 6)… the temperature in the refrigerator goes down and the freezer will unthaw…I don’t like having to run it full blast because I feel like something is going to go out or stop working running it like that.
I still believe there is nothing wrong with the defrost system but the information you provided about the refrigerator temperature control points to a bad thermostat. I would recommend to order it from APP and give it a try. Why from APP? Just because you can return the part if it would not fix the problem.
- The thermostat AP6006166
Gene.
Thanks again Gene… I am going to give that a whirl and see if fixes it.
You are welcome. Keep us posted.
Gene.