Kenmore Elite Fridge warm but freezer still freezing

[jriver309]

Hi my fridge is warm but the freezer is still freezing, I dont hear the fan blowing. it is a model 106.74906401 serial# ES5222834 manufactured 12/2005 Any help deeply appreciated. Thanks

[Night_Predator]

It probably is not defrosting. I looked up the model number that you gave and could not find it on the Kenmore parts website. Please repost the model number again. To check:

1. Unplug for safety
2. Remove everything for the freezer including shelves.
3. Remove rear panel. Usually ¼ inch head bolts.
4. If you have a build up of ice, use a hair dryer to clear ice. Don’t use anything to pick at the ice you may damage the coils.
5. After ice is removed check the heating element for signs of damage or water inside. Damage can be just the tub looking black with burnt look on end.
6. Check the Thermostat switch for damage.
7. Check that Fan is functioning.

You can find pictures and schematics of each of the above components on line at Kenmore parts. These are usually the problem components when you have a cold freezer and a warm fridge. Feel free to PM me to let me know you have posted more here and I will address anything further in this thread.

[johnwayne_1]

If doesnt need defrosted make sure no one turned knob and closed air frome freezer going to the refrig side. Also a big culprit and lot of people dont think about is making sure light shuts off when closing door. Light should go off aroung 1/4" before door seals. Have seen alot of them where kids have broken button and light stay on.

[jriver309]

I double checked and here is a picture of it



12496

[Pollypurabred]

Found this on web. To search enter the total name "Kenmore Elite 106.74906401". you can try the site or just search for others.
http://kitchen.manualsonline.com/manuals/mfg/kenmore/106.html

[Night_Predator]

Thanks Polly that’s a good website. I looked up few models around here but I wasn’t able to find Jriver’s. Its very weird, I can’t fund it on Kenmore or Sears website’s. And with him putting the digital photo of it we know it’s the right model number. Very strange.


Found this on web. To search enter the total name "Kenmore Elite 106.74906401". you can try the site or just search for others.
http://kitchen.manualsonline.com/manuals/mfg/kenmore/106.html

[Pollypurabred]

Okay this is opposite of normal problem but generally there is what is called a clock; a 8 or 12 hour "clock" that schedules the defrost schedule.

This does not appear to be your problem but for $10-30 bucks, worth a try. Generally located under the frig, you will find a circular device, 1-3" in diameter, with two wire connected.

[eyeamok]

It probably does not have a defrost timer and instead has an advanced defrost control board, needless to say The Heaters were and are weak in these units, and are intermittent. Replace the Heater in the Freezer Coils and it will be fixed.

[Night_Predator]

Had that problem myself Eye. I have replaced the element three times but the last time the replacement was upgraded to a 4 tube heater form a 2 tube. Haven't had a problem since.

[Terryl]

I had a problem like this one time, it was after a power surge took out the controller board (didn't know till the milk turned warm) the freezer worked fine the fridge side was warm, turns out the controller thought the fridge side was too cold and kicked the cooling off to that side.

Replaced the board and things went back to normal, I also bought a surge protector for the refrigerator.

[JCO]

Damm electronics , too complicated .. I threw out my fridge and went back to the good old reliable Icebox..:tehe:

[cmasjoe]

Had the same problem a month ago on my side by side refrigerator. I took everything out of freezer and unpluged it for about a DAY and plugged it back in and everything worked fine. GOOD LUCK

[swingbozo]

Had a problem myself with frost. The inlet for the ice cube tray froze! Same fix though, take out stuff and let the fridge defrost for a day. Once I figured it out a few minutes with a hair dryer fixed it the next time it froze up.

In all seriousness though, if your fridge is over 5 years old junk it and get a new one. Old fridges are power wasting monsters.

[Night_Predator]

But what’s the underlying cause of it freezing up?



Had a problem myself with frost. The inlet for the ice cube tray froze! Same fix though, take out stuff and let the fridge defrost for a day. Once I figured it out a few minutes with a hair dryer fixed it the next time it froze up.

In all seriousness though, if your fridge is over 5 years old junk it and get a new one. Old fridges are power wasting monsters.

[Pollypurabred]

Seems like with all these heating/defrost elements being undersized, that you guys should file a class action suit.

[spotbeams]

One thing often over looked on all Models of Fridge and freezers ? Make sure the coils are clean ! Dirty coils will cause all kinds of cooling problems . I almost had to replace my icemaker on my Kenmore last month .My last option was the best and saved me the money of a new icemaker,I searched on You Tube and found lots of great info on the problems I was having. Now the ice maker is working fine thanks to the info I found.

[tvrepairs]

usually if the fan doesnot run then the fridge will not get cold. you may hve an issue with the defrost thermistat.

[phantombeyond]

Another problem is that the flap between the freezer and regular side could be stuck. Most of the refrigeration comes from the freezer side and then the vent opens to cool the other side.

If it was stuck open, both sides would freeze. Check the vent and fan that moves cold air across. Vent might be stuck or broken.