If you have a Whirlpool fridge, you may have noticed that some of your food items are freezing even though they are not in the freezer compartment. This can be frustrating and wasteful, as frozen food can lose its texture, flavor, and quality. Why is your Whirlpool fridge freezing everything and how can you fix it? In this post, we will explain some of the possible causes of this problem and how to troubleshoot them. We will also answer some common questions about Whirlpool fridge freezing issues and their solutions.
The most common reason why your Whirlpool fridge is freezing everything is that the temperature setting is too low. Other possible causes include blocked air vents, leaky door seals, faulty thermistor, or defective control board.
To fix this problem, you need to adjust the temperature setting, clear the air vents, replace the door seals, test the thermistor, or replace the control board.
How To Adjust The Temperature Setting Of Your Whirlpool Fridge
The optimum refrigerator temperature range for storing fresh food is between 38 – 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If your temperature setting is too low, your Whirlpool fridge may freeze everything. To adjust the temperature setting of your Whirlpool fridge, follow these steps:
- Locate the temperature control knob or panel. The temperature control knob or panel is usually located near the top of your Whirlpool fridge’s interior. It may have numbers from 1 to 5 or 7, or letters from A to E.
- Turn the knob or press the button to increase the temperature setting. Depending on your model, you may need to turn the knob clockwise or counterclockwise, or press the button repeatedly until you reach the desired temperature setting. A higher number or letter means a higher temperature.
- Wait for 24 hours for the temperature to stabilize. It may take some time for your Whirlpool fridge to adjust to the new temperature setting and stop freezing everything. Check the food items after 24 hours and see if they are still frozen.
- Repeat the process if necessary. If your food items are still frozen after 24 hours, you may need to increase the temperature setting further until you find the optimal level.
How To Clear The Air Vents Of Your Whirlpool Fridge
Your Whirlpool fridge uses air vents to circulate cold air and ensure a consistent temperature throughout the storage area. If these air vents are blocked by food items or ice buildup, they may prevent cold air from reaching some areas of your fridge and cause others to freeze. To clear the air vents of your Whirlpool fridge, follow these steps:
- Open the refrigerator door and locate the air vents. The air vents are usually located on the back wall or ceiling of your Whirlpool fridge. They may look like small holes or grilles.
- Remove any food items that are touching or blocking the air vents. You may need to rearrange your food items to create more space and allow proper air flow between the freezer and refrigerator compartments.
- Defrost any ice buildup that is blocking the air vents. If you notice any ice buildup on or around the air vents, you may need to defrost it manually or use a hair dryer to melt it. Be careful not to damage the air vents or any other components with heat or sharp objects.
- Clean any dust or debris that is blocking the air vents. If you notice any dust or debris on or around the air vents, you may need to clean it with a soft brush or cloth. Be careful not to damage the air vents or any other components with water or chemicals.
How To Replace The Door Seals Of Your Whirlpool Fridge
The door seals of your Whirlpool fridge are rubber gaskets that create an airtight seal between the door and the fridge body. They prevent warm air from entering and cold air from escaping your fridge. If these door seals are leaky, torn, or worn out, they may cause your Whirlpool fridge to freeze everything by making it work harder to maintain the temperature. To replace the door seals of your Whirlpool fridge, follow these steps:
- Unplug your Whirlpool fridge from the power outlet. This will prevent any electric shocks or accidents while you are replacing the door seals.
- Open the refrigerator door and locate the door seal. The door seal is usually attached to a metal frame around the edge of the door.
- Remove the old door seal from the metal frame. Depending on your model, you may need to peel off, pry off, unscrew, or unclip the old door seal from the metal frame.
- Clean any dirt or residue from the metal frame. You may need to use a mild soap and water solution or a vinegar and water solution to clean the metal frame. Make sure to dry it thoroughly before installing the new door seal.
- Install the new door seal on the metal frame. Depending on your model, you may need to press on, snap on, screw on, or clip on the new door seal on the metal frame. Make sure it is aligned and secured properly.
- Close the refrigerator door and check for any gaps or leaks. You may need to adjust the door hinges or level the fridge to ensure a tight seal. You can also test the seal by inserting a dollar bill between the door and the fridge and pulling it out. If there is resistance, the seal is good. If not, you may need to replace the door seal again.
- Plug in your Whirlpool fridge to the power outlet and check if it is still freezing everything. If not, you have successfully replaced the door seal of your Whirlpool fridge.
How To Test The Thermistor Of Your Whirlpool Fridge
The thermistor of your Whirlpool fridge is a sensor that monitors the air temperature and sends the reading to the control board. The control board then regulates the power to the compressor and fan motors based on the thermistor readings. If the thermistor is defective, it may cause your Whirlpool fridge to freeze everything by sending incorrect readings to the control board. To test the thermistor of your Whirlpool fridge, follow these steps:
- Unplug your Whirlpool fridge from the power outlet. This will prevent any electric shocks or accidents while you are testing the thermistor.
- Open the refrigerator door and locate the thermistor. The thermistor is usually located on the back wall or ceiling of your Whirlpool fridge. It may look like a small metal or plastic device with two wires attached to it.
- Remove the thermistor from its holder. Depending on your model, you may need to unscrew, unclip, or unplug the thermistor from its holder.
- Use a multimeter to test the resistance of the thermistor. Set your multimeter to measure resistance in ohms and touch the probes to the wires of the thermistor. The resistance should change in conjunction with the temperature of your fridge. You can check the user manual of your Whirlpool fridge for the correct resistance values at different temperatures.
- Replace the thermistor if it is defective. If the resistance does not change or does not match the expected values, you may need to replace the thermistor with a new one. You can order a replacement thermistor from Whirlpool or an authorized dealer.
How To Replace The Control Board Of Your Whirlpool Fridge
The control board of your Whirlpool fridge is the main component that controls its functions and settings. It provides voltage to the compressor and fan motors, as well as other components such as lights, ice maker, and water dispenser. If the control board is faulty, it may send continuous voltage to these components and cause your Whirlpool fridge to freeze everything. To replace the control board of your Whirlpool fridge, follow these steps:
- Unplug your Whirlpool fridge from the power outlet. This will prevent any electric shocks or accidents while you are replacing the control board.
- Open the refrigerator door and locate the control board. The control board is usually located behind a panel on the ceiling or back wall of your Whirlpool fridge. It may look like a rectangular circuit board with wires attached to it.
- Remove the panel and disconnect the wires from the control board. Depending on your model, you may need to unscrew, unclip, or unlatch the panel from its place. Then, disconnect the wires from their terminals on the control board by pulling them gently or using a small flathead screwdriver.
- Remove the old control board from its holder. Depending on your model, you may need to unscrew, unclip, or unlatch the old control board from its holder.
- Install the new control board on its holder. Depending on your model, you may need to screw on, clip on, or latch on the new control board on its holder. Make sure it is aligned and secured properly.
- Reconnect the wires to their terminals on the control board. Depending on your model, you may need to push them in gently or use a small flathead screwdriver.
- Replace the panel and close the refrigerator door. Depending on your model, you may need to screw on, clip on, or latch on the panel back in its place.
- Plug in your Whirlpool fridge to the power outlet and check if it is still freezing everything. If not, you have successfully replaced the control board of your Whirlpool fridge.
