A Kenmore Elite Refrigerator Is Overheating

Stuck Cubes

• In some instances, should your Kenmore feature an extractor, which is common in most models that have ice machines, chances are an ice cube has become errantly logged in the extracting mechanism. This forces the motor to run continuously and thus overtime causes a buildup in heat that the fridge can’t cool. This in turn causes the unit to overheat by constantly battling the rising temperature. It’s a vicious cycle, and since the ice remains cold, it will never melt unless you turn off the fridge, empty the freezer, pull out the ice cream shelf, and locate the ice cube. Melt it with a hairdryer set on high to remove it and see if that solves the problem.

Compressor

• If an ice cube isn’t the issue, check out the compressor coils. Sometimes called condenser coils, these are generally located on the underside or backside of the unit. Check the manual that came with your particular model to determine the exact location. Because it is close to the floor or wall and the fact that a fan blows on them several times a day, dust buildup occurs. This buildup won’t allow air to circulate properly, causing the coils to overheat since they can’t cool off.

Cleaning the Coils

• The best approach to addressing dirty coils is to clean them off, but first you’ll want to unplug the fridge for safety’s sake and remove everything from the fridge and freezer sections. Pull the unit away from the wall and tilt it backwards to gain better access to the unit’s underside if the coils are on the underside. Wait several minutes to allow some air to circulate around the coils to cool them down before taking a clean damp cloth and wiping the coils until they’re clean. Wrap the cloth around the end of a ruler and insert it into the spokes of the fan or use canned air to blast dust away before back-peddling and turning the fridge on.

Faulty Wiring

• Unfortunately, there are some instances that aren’t DIY and should be addressed by a licensed refrigerator repair technician. One major instance is when a malfunction in the circuit main causes the interior light bulb to burn constantly. Normally, the light shuts off when you close the door, but a short in the switch causes the light to stay on, which creates internal heat the temperature control can’t effectively handle. Consult the manual for warranty information or repair contact information.