How to fix a Kenmore refrigerator that's not cooling

So, your Kenmore® fridge isn’t cooling. That could be inconvenient or worse, you could soon have a bunch of spoiled food to throw out. Who’s got time or money for that? 

Asurion Experts know all about how to make the most of your tech and appliances. We’ve got easy fixes for you to try when your Kenmore fridge is too warm.  

Kenmore refrigerator troubleshooting

Here are some DIY solutions for you to try when your fridge isn’t cooling properly:

Remove anything blocking the circulation vents

Make sure that nothing is blocking any of the circulation vents and that air is freely circulating inside your Kenmore fridge. 

Check the thermostat

If your Kenmore refrigerator isn’t cooling, first check the thermostat. An ideal range is between 30 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If your fridge is too warm, adjust the temperature settings and give it 24 hours to adjust. 

Keep your fridge stocked

Your fridge should be at least partly full—¾ full is ideal—to keep it cool. If it’s empty, fill some space with jugs of water to help maintain the cold. 

Test the door seals

The door seal, or gasket, is the flexible strip around the edges of your refrigerator door that helps keep your appliance insulated. Over time, door seals can become dry and cracked, allowing hot air to seep into the fridge and prevent it from cooling properly. Check out our guide on how to maintain your fridge’s door seal.

Check and clean the condenser coils

If your Kenmore fridge still isn’t cooling, check your condenser coils. If they’re dirty, your fridge won’t cool the way it’s supposed to. For a detailed how-to, check out our guide on how to clean your refrigerator coils.

Inspect the evaporator fan motor

If the evaporator fan isn’t working properly, cold air won’t circulate inside the refrigerator and your appliance will be too warm. You also may notice improper ice production.

Check your owner’s manual to locate the fan, then unplug your appliance. Remove the fan cover and check for clogs caused by debris or ice buildup. Manually spin the fan to see if the motor shaft turns properly. If the fan looks damaged, contact an appliance repair pro to replace it. 

Check the condenser fan motor 

With your Kenmore fridge unplugged, find the condenser fan motor, usually located at the bottom back of the appliance. Remove the access panel. Remove any debris around the fan blades and check for damage. If the motor is broken, you’ll need to replace it. 

If you’re trained in electrical work, you can also check the condenser fan motor for electric supply issues using a multimeter. If you’re unfamiliar with this type of repair, we recommend contacting a professional repair pro for help.  Got the opposite problem? Check out our guide on what to do if your fridge is too cold.