Whirlpool - Freezer very gold, refrigerator is warm

Refrigerator & Freezer Repair
1

Freezer very gold, refrigerator is warm.

The vents in the refrigerator are blocked by ice formation. I guess this keeps the refrigerator warm.

Mechanic says he needs to replace the cold control. Don’t know if it is the same as -

“Control box - Part Number: AP2991225 made by WHIRLPOOL”

on this website. He wants to charge $149 to replace it which seems to be too much. Any thoughts?

Don’t know if that would solve the problem. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Kevin

2

Repair prices are tough to judge because various areas are higher or lower cost of living.

We he asking for $149 for the entire repair, or just the labor, plus extra for the part? $149 would be fine (here in Northern Illinois) for the entire repair, but a touch high for just the labor.

Matt

3

He is asking $149 just for the labor. Do you think that would solve the problem?

Thanks,
Kevin

4

Sounds very high indeed. To give you an example, I live in an area that the median income is $150,000 a year and houses cost (on average) about $350,000 (I live in a dinky townhouse). :slight_smile: Anyway, in our area, the average for trip and labor to do that job would range from $80 to $100, again for trip and labor combined.

You could ask him what his labor rate and structure is, then time the repair. That part should take no more than 20 minutes for an experienced repairman, probably less.

Matt

5

I saw a similar part on your website -

“Control box - Part Number: AP2991225 made by WHIRLPOOL”.

Is this same as Cold control?

Do you think replacing this solve the problem?

My freezer is very COLD and refrigerator is warm

THANKS!!!

6

The part called “control box” is just a box and nothing else.

The cold control (aka thermostat) is located in this control box together with a few more parts.

In my opinion the problem with your fridge has nothing to do with the cold control.

It is very possible no parts has to be replaced at this time at all.

One of most common cause for the vents (on top, between the freezer and the fresh food compartment) to be blocked by ice formation is warm air. It could happen if the doors been open too often and/or for long time.

You have to remove the air diffuser and vent cover and clean everything from icicles and/or snow.

Gene.

7

Thanks for your reply. Last month, another technician cleaned the refrigerator but the same problem started again.

We had another technician replaced the bi-metal in Sept last year for the same problem. It worked fine for 4 months.

I am glad that I found this forum when I can at least get some expert advice.

What else do you think it must be?

Thanks!!!

8

Hmm, strange problem.

Considering this has been a repeated problem, you may have a bad door gasket allowing warm room air to enter the refrigerator. Look for any areas that the gasket is not closing all the way.

That would be the next thing I look for.

Matt

9

I checked the door gaskets. They look fine. You still dont think that the cold control needs replacement?

THANKS!!!

10

It looks very strange.

I do not think the cold control is somehow involved in this ice formation.

Gene.

11

During the weekend, I will try switching off the refrigerator for 5 to 6 hours, melting the ice and cleaning everything. Lets see if that works!!!

Thanks!!!

12

I switched off the refrigerator till all the ice melted. Then we cleaned it, stocked the food items and turned it back on.

I purchased the refrigerator thermometer so that I can monitor the temperature.

It has been two days since I turned on the refrigerator.

The freezer temperature remains at -10F even with low setting and refrigerator temperature remains at 40F with medium setting.

The icemaker seems to work fine and the vents are not yet blocked by ice.

The freezer temperature remains at -10F. Would this mean that the COLD CONTROL NEEDS REPLACEMENT?

13

There are two failure suspects in such situation.

The first thing I would replace is the air diffuser and, if it would not solve the problem, then the cold control has to be replaced too.

  • The part number for the air diffuser is AP3044131

  • The part number for the cold control (thermostat) is AP3037004

Gene.

14

I noticed that you are in Orange County. Would you please provide a quote for labor charge for changing both of these?

THANKS!!!

15

Call me at 714.309.9221, please.

Gene.