What are the malfunctions of Whirlpool refrigerators?

A refrigerator is a household appliance that has a rather complex structure. All functional units are combined into one system filled with special gas. If the system is intact, the device performs all its functions and operates without failures or breakdowns. But you can always encounter problems, so we will consider possible malfunctions in Whirlpool refrigerators and options for solving them in some cases on your own. After all, you don’t want to take your favorite device to a workshop when you can fix some problems yourself.

Malfunctions of the Whirlpool refrigerator - the refrigerator compartment does not work

The main purpose of refrigerators is to create the desired temperature in the refrigerator and freezer. If the temperature in the positive cabinet is such that food freezes or is higher than the set temperature, you need to find the reason. To do this, all nodes participating in the process are checked:

• operation of the control unit;
• serviceability of the temperature sensor and thermal relay;
• tightness of the cooling circuit;
• compressor condition – duration of switching cycles, extraneous noise;
• The presence and amount of isobutane in the system is determined:
• correct operation of condensate drainage circuits.

All these factors can disrupt the operation of the cold chamber.

The electronic control unit is the most vulnerable part when the network voltage is unstable. You can find the fault first if there is no response to commands, error codes appear chaotically, and the panel does not respond to the shutdown button.

A faulty temperature sensor will not give a signal to start the compressor or stop it at a given temperature. The cabinet heats up to room temperature or freezes. It depends on what position the compressor was in before the sensor failed.

The gearmotor may not turn on if the start relay is faulty or the motor is faulty. The unit may make a loud noise if the compressor is jammed, but if it overheats, it will shut down.

A lack of freon will cause the compressor to work non-stop, but there is not enough cold, the temperature rises. It also increases when the cold wall in the closet becomes covered with a coat of snow - the condensate defrosting system is faulty, the evaporator sensor or heater has failed. But a “fur coat” accompanied by swelling of the cabinet walls also indicates a refrigerant leak.

There are many reasons, even the incandescent light bulb inside may not turn off, adding heat to the chamber. Following the instructions, you need to exclude all factors that depend on the user. Diagnostics should be entrusted to a service center specialist.

DIY Whirlpool refrigerator repair

Some malfunctions of the Whirlpool ARC 4208 IX refrigerator

In the life of any Master Cog, sometimes interesting stories related to the repair of household appliances happen.
I recently had the following incident: I was invited by an acquaintance on the occasion of a refrigerator failure; the refrigeration workers who had previously come to respond to a call somehow reacted coolly to the problem and retreated. In fact, if you change everything without understanding the reason, the cost will be such that the client will clearly not be delighted. But I was given carte blanche (French Carte blanche, lit. “white/blank card”), in the sense of doing what you want, and if you don’t fix it, we’ll throw away the electrical appliance?

To repair a refrigerator you will need:

• Screwdrivers.
• Wrenches.
• Pliers.
• Knife.
• Tester.
• Laboratory power supply.
• Soldering iron.

Description of the operation of refrigerator electronics

Now to the point. The refrigerator is controlled via a display remote control on the freezer door. It was interesting to understand that the display does not show the current temperature value, which would be logical, but the set one. The temperature in the refrigerator compartment is also set. There, all sorts of interesting modes are turned on and there are indicators of various malfunctions and modes.

So, the compressor worked properly, successfully froze ice on the freezer coil using the No Frost system, and in the freezer and refrigerator the temperatures did not drop or even increase. All signals are sent to a processor board installed next to the compressor in the “basement” of the cabinet. All electronics are powered from a switching source on the same board. In general, what is called “complete stuffing”.

First problem. Fan.

All the forums on the Internet boiled down to one thing: dig the defrost circuits, change the fan, change the controller board, call a repairman. But I wrote about the masters above; I had to figure it out myself.

I started dealing with the problem with the freezer. I opened the fan panel. The 3610KL-05W-B50 fan twitches as if the supply voltage is insufficient, but the measurement showed a nominal 24 volts. In fact, you can buy such a fan, it has some common roots with computer coolers, the Internet even offers options for replacement.

But it’s more interesting to try to repair the unit. I had to take the fan home.

The design, frankly speaking, is hardly repairable. To get to the board, I had to very carefully heat the magnetic circuit with a soldering iron - the plastic structural elements are glued into it. Deformation from overheating - and the fan can be thrown away. I’ll say right away if anyone has the goal of repairing an electrical appliance as quickly as possible - buy a new fan.

But I was interested in getting to the bottom of the reason for the refusal. I peeled off the compound (sorry that there is no photo, I regret that I didn’t take a photo), I found a microcircuit, winding switching transistors and other surface-mounted parts. The windings were in good working order, the transistors also transmitted signals from the microcircuit. The microcircuit, if I'm not mistaken, was F6406. It gave out a start signal, but apparently didn’t see the rotor position sensor. I found the datasheet and figured out the purpose of the pins. The real scheme was a little more complicated.

One of the resistors in the Hall sensor circuits turned out to be faulty, the resistance of which was very different from that indicated on the marking. Fortunately, there was enough space on the board to install a regular resistor. I filled it with sealant, waited for it to dry, assembled it, connected it to the laboratory power supply - the fan started up confidently and spun up.

After installing the fan and the entire panel, the freezer started working. It became possible to set the required temperature, the owner was pleased!

Second malfunction. Valve.

But several days passed and it turned out that no cold was entering the refrigerator compartment. Again some miracles. I was hoping to find an answer on the Internet, but there was no information. I had to disassemble the stubborn box further.

Having moved to the refrigerator compartment, I hoped to find some kind of jammed damper with a motor drive (some refrigerators have a manual one, but since everything here is electronic, it probably should be with a motor). And I found another fan there.

Now I understood the logic of maintaining the temperature: when it was too warm in the refrigerator, this fan turned on and sucked the cold from the freezer. And here’s the mystery – the fan was working properly, it created a vacuum, but there was no pressure…. I had to dig further...

The air duct itself is made in the form of a plastic box with a foam insert, in which channels are molded that distribute cold air to the cabinet compartments. The foam insert was removed and the culprit of the problem was immediately found: it turns out that a silicone petal valve was installed behind the fan. When the fan was running, the pressure caused the valve to open. In our case, it was dirty and just stuck together.

A minute to wash, five minutes to assemble, and the electrical appliance finally worked as it should!

Malfunctions of the Whirlpool refrigerator - does not freeze

The freezer is designed to maintain cold for a long time in autonomous mode. If it shows signs of defrosting, the circuit has not been working for several hours. To find the reason, you need to completely defrost the camera and dry it. If after switching on the cold does not accumulate and the compressor is running, there is no freon in the system. A leak has occurred due to depressurization of the circuit. Another reason for defrosting may be:

• failure of the electronic control module;
• sensor failure;
• Compressor malfunction - insufficient gas compression.

If it gets cold and the chamber freezes, you need to make sure that the condensate removal system is working correctly. There is no melting of frost, the evaporator begins to freeze, poor heat dissipation. A specialist will help you find the reason why the Whirlpool refrigerator does not produce enough cold for the freezer.

The refrigerator does not turn on - the compressor is broken

Almost always, if a household appliance often “clicks” and the light inside is on, but the refrigerator does not turn on, the cause of the malfunction lies in the compressor. It is very difficult to carry out diagnostics on your own; for this you will need a special device - an ohmmeter. If you do not have the proper experience, do not hesitate to entrust diagnostics and repairs to specialists.

Three malfunctions can occur in the motor:

1. the winding is broken;
2. an interturn short circuit has occurred;
3. a short circuit has occurred, usually to the refrigerator body.

All three problems are detected using an ohmmeter. If the contacts or winding “do not ring” and the device shows a voltage of less than 20 Ohms, then you will have to replace the motor-compressor with a new one.

Repair due to a compressor breakdown is the most expensive: just purchasing a new part will cost at least 5,000 rubles, not counting the services of a specialist.

If the diagnostics did not reveal all the problems described above, it is very likely that there is a problem with the control module - the “inner brain” of the refrigerator. This happens even with new household appliances, for example, during power surges or when the lights are turned off. There are two ways to solve the problem - completely reflashing the control module or replacing it.

If you are “lucky” and the refrigerator does not turn on due to a lack of power or a failure of the thermostat, then the repair will not be ruinous and will be within the capabilities of a person even more or less familiar with technology. In other cases, we would not advise you to take risks and undertake repairs yourself - the refrigerator can easily be completely broken, and even the most experienced technician will not be able to help you.

Whirlpool refrigerator malfunctions - water dripping

A typical malfunction of an overseas refrigerator is considered to be a failure of the cold cabinet defrosting system. The No Frost system detects a malfunction with one of the following symptoms:

• the compressor works constantly, which means there is no defrost interval, the walls of the chamber freeze over;
• there is not enough cold in the plus section, drops of water flow down the back wall of the freezer;
• There is an emergency signal and a sound notification on the display.

In the refrigerator compartment with a drip defrosting system, condensation does not drain; the hole is clogged. If the cause is not eliminated, ice will begin to freeze at the bottom of the chamber and the defrosting system will become unusable. Sometimes the water does not drain because the drainage pipe is clogged or frozen. Then the water will flow down, forming ice in the freezer.

Reminder for proper operation of refrigerators

• The device must be transported exclusively vertically. Since in a horizontal position, vibrations from movement can negatively affect the operation of the unit
• It is necessary to fix the refrigerator in a stable position during installation. To do this, use special legs that come with the device.
• Before connecting to the mains, it is important to remember that if power surges occur periodically, a stabilizer is needed. It will ensure uninterrupted operation of the device.
• Before loading food, the refrigerator must be washed with soap and water or a special product.
• Do not neglect periodic defrosting, according to the instruction manual. Even if the No Frost system is installed. This will reduce the load on the compressor

IMPORTANT! It is strictly forbidden to place the device near a stove or heating appliances.

In conclusion, we can say that Whirlpool refrigerators are a complex system that is aimed at ensuring the comfort and safety of the consumer. It is difficult to say for what reason certain breakdowns occur. It is possible that some individual parts may not be of adequate quality. However, you should not blame the manufacturer for everything; if you approach the operation of the device responsibly, do not neglect the rules and recommendations specified in the user manual, and prevent malfunctions of Whirlpool refrigerators in a timely manner, they can last a very, very long time, providing the owner with fresh food and drinks.

Whirlpool refrigerator malfunctions - leaking from under the refrigerator

A puddle that has formed under the refrigerator indicates a malfunction of the drainage system. The condensate is discharged through a tube with a rubber cuff. It is directed into a tray installed on the compressor. During operation, the energy unit is hot, the liquid evaporates. But a crack may appear in the tube, the bowl may move out of place or tilt. All the water will end up under the refrigerator.

You can fix the vessel yourself. The tube must be installed correctly using the cuff. In this case, you need to inspect the system to see if there is any other damage. A technician will be needed if you are unable to fix the condensate leak.

Malfunctions of the Whirlpool 5360 refrigerator

Single-compressor refrigerator with bottom freezer and electronic control. The temperature is maintained by a mechanical regulator. The green LED indicates that it is connected to the network. Red – the temperature in the freezer is increasing. The orange LED lights up when the freezer is set to the hard freeze mode. Under the control panel cover there are manual thermostats for the cameras.

A typical malfunction of this model is freon leakage. A high-pressure tube is laid in the foamed part between the chambers. When the refrigerator drain becomes clogged, water penetrates the foam and the tube corrodes. As a result of the repair, the circuit is removed from the foamed part, and the system is filled with isobutane (R600a).

Serious reasons if the refrigerator beeps when the door is completely closed

Alarm is an alarm signal. It can manifest itself in the form of a light indication, and the sound of a cricket or an unpleasant squeak, which is difficult not to notice. With such signals, household appliances often notify about violations, and in order to prevent breakdowns, it is necessary to pay attention to the operation of the system.

If the refrigerator beeps for 5-10 minutes non-stop, then this may be a manifestation of serious violations that will quickly damage the unit beyond the possibility of repair and you will have to purchase a new one. To avoid an unplanned expensive purchase, you can find out the reason yourself and when you call a specialist, you already know how much the repair will cost.

Temperature sensor is broken

The thermometer is installed in the freezer compartment and the general compartment of the unit. It regulates the compressor when to turn on and off. A faulty sensor transmits incorrect information, which leads to the failure of all systems. This is manifested by too long operation and short-term shutdown of the unit, or an increase in temperature in the compartments.

A sound signal notifies, and the indicator on the refrigerator shows error F2.

In case of this breakdown, you need to turn off the unit for 5-10 minutes and try to turn it on again. If the operation of the system has not changed, call a technician to install a new sensor.

Leakage of working fluid

Often occurs when the refrigerator is transported incorrectly or due to mechanical impact when moving the tubes carrying the refrigerant. The leak manifests itself in insufficient freezing and increased temperature in the compartments. The unit operates constantly with short breaks.

You can find the place where there is a violation of integrity yourself. To do this, unfold the refrigerator to gain access to the back wall and coat the tubes with soap foam; if there is a leak, a soap bubble will swell at the point where the refrigerant passes through.

To fix the problem, you need to call a specialist to solder the damaged area and pump in refrigerant.

Failures in the circulation system

The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator. If the device does not cope with its function, then the temperature in the main compartment rises, and the system works non-stop. At the same time, the engine overheats, which threatens serious damage to household appliances. If the compressor is not working properly, you need to turn off the unit from the network and call a technician.

The control board is faulty

Incorrect operation often occurs during power surges, which can completely destroy electronics. If the indicator light on the refrigerator displays error F2 or shows strange signs, then the electronic board is faulty. Before calling a technician, you need to disconnect the unit from the electricity and turn it on again after 5 minutes. If the operation of the indication has returned to normal, then the problem is due to voltage surges, which often occur in private homes and a technician is not needed.

To avoid repeating the situation when the refrigerator makes a sound and displays an error, you need to purchase a voltage stabilizer. The device will protect household appliances from breakdowns.

Leave a request and receive a 15% discount on your first repair!

Submit your application

Improper drainage

The refrigerator's defrosting system forms a thin crust of ice on the back wall of the compartment, and when there is too much of it, it turns on the evaporator. The accumulated frozen moisture thaws and is removed from the main compartment through a tube into a container located near the compressor. Often, water drainage is difficult due to food or dirt getting into the receiving groove and its opening. As a result, the refrigerator beeps continuously, and a puddle of water forms in the lower section.

You need to remove the liquid and carefully clean the drainage hole. You can do this yourself without calling a repairman.

Violation of tightness

Insufficient adherence of the rubber seals to the body often causes temperature failures and the unit begins to give a signal. The leakage of the seal is checked with a napkin pressed between the door and the body. If the rubber seal is elastic and good, it will be impossible to get it out without breaking. If the napkin is easily pulled out, then the door does not fit tightly and warm air enters the compartments of the unit.

Causes of leakage:

1. Dirty rubber band. Dirt has accumulated in the seal, which prevents it from properly adhering to the body. To fix the problem, you need to clean, rinse all rubber parts with warm soapy water and dry. To do this, you will have to turn off and defrost the unit so as not to damage the compressor.
2. The seal has lost its elasticity. This often occurs in older appliances. If there are no obvious defects or torn parts in the seal, the working function of the rubber can be restored. You need to carefully remove the seal from the doors, wash it in a soapy solution and put it in hot water at a temperature of 80-90 degrees for 1-2 minutes. Next, dry and secure the elastic in place with silicone-based glue.
3. Incorrect installation. If the unit is not leveled horizontally, the doors become skewed, which disrupts the fit of the seal to the body. You need to adjust the legs and set the refrigerator as level as possible.

Attention. If the rubber seal has defects or tears, it must be replaced. This spare part is sold at repair and maintenance service centers. When ordering, you need to know the manufacturer and brand of the refrigerator. The seal can be easily changed independently, without the involvement of specialists.

Minor problems

During operation, the units constantly maintain high humidity in order to preserve food for a long time. Often the problem lies in oxidized contacts. This may activate the beeping sound or disable it completely, but the freezing system will function normally. When contacts are oxidized, you cannot do without a specialist.

Clogged mechanical controls can also cause noise. To solve this problem, you need to wash the buttons and control relays.

Malfunctions in the two-chamber refrigerator Whirlpool APC 4190 x

Two-chamber refrigerator with one compressor and a freezer compartment with a capacity of 110 liters. The body is made of stainless steel. No Frost system is used in the freezer. Electromechanical control.

Typical malfunctions of the Whirlpool ARC 4190 ix refrigerator include:

• problems with the defrost and condensate removal system;
• failure of the evaporator heater or defrost timer;
• control board failure.

The refrigerator has one evaporator installed in the freezer. During defrosting, water flows into the drain located behind the decorative panel. If there are problems with condensate removal, it is necessary to clean the hole and tube.

There is snow in the freezer - you need to check whether the heater is working when the compressor is resting. This cycle depends on the defrost sensor, which gives the command to turn on the heating element when there is a build-up on the evaporator tubes up to 0.5 cm thick. Sometimes defrosting and drying the refrigerator during the day will help eliminate leakage.

As a result of a power surge or moisture entering the panel, the electronic control unit may fail. Therefore, you cannot place fresh flowers on the refrigerator - you may accidentally spill water.

Error codes during troubleshooting

Whirlpool are quite reliable units, the quality of which has long been noticed by consumers and specialists. This is the justification that, despite the high cost of refrigeration equipment, people tend to buy new models from this manufacturer. Despite the fact that repairing Whirlpool refrigeration equipment is not difficult for craftsmen, the failure of significant components is always a sudden nuisance. Whirlpool refrigeration equipment currently produced allows you to perform initial diagnostics without the direct participation of a specialist. To do this, just look at the error code that is displayed on the display. Before searching for the causes of the problems, perform a reboot of the equipment, for which you need to perform the following manipulations:

• turn off the unit from the power supply.
• wait 15 minutes;
• Allow the unit to turn on.

When nothing changes, and the symbols are still displayed on the display, you can determine the exact malfunction by the code by checking the table.

Whirlpool ARC 4020 ix refrigerator - faults

The refrigerator is two-chamber with a small freezer located on top. Freon refrigerant, electronic control. Both cameras use the No Frost defrosting system.

Malfunctions that may occur during operation of the refrigerator are reflected in the “Troubleshooting Guide” section of the instructions. The developers advise that you first check the reasons for the failure yourself using step-by-step instructions.

Electronic self-diagnosis of faults will help to draw attention to the problem. So, if a Whirlpool refrigerator beeps, this is a signal of a violation of the temperature regime inside the chamber, caused by depressurization of the circuit. If the door is closed, the seal is not worn out, the connection is good, you should examine the door opening sensor and the capacitor. They are located inside the control panel.

If the Whirlpool refrigerator does not work, malfunctions are possible in any component, but the most common cause is freon leakage, damage to the electronic unit and failure of the No Frost system.

Features of Whirlpool refrigeration equipment

The Whirlpool brand is a fairly reliable manufacturer that assembles highly reliable household appliances. Many consumers have chosen this manufacturer as one that is trustworthy, and their equipment, including refrigeration equipment, is reliable and has a long period of operation without sudden breakdowns. During the production of Whirlpool refrigerators, modern technologies are used that allow the units to consume little electricity and at the same time have many functions that are valued by consumers.

But even such reliable refrigeration equipment, which is manufactured by Whirlpool, may experience breakdowns and malfunctions. Experts identify several of the most common types of malfunctions that occur with Whirlpool refrigeration equipment:

• breakdown of the electronic unit responsible for control;
• failure of the freezer compressor;
• failures in temperature conditions leading to the formation of moisture or ice;
• wear of the rubber seal;
• misalignment of the valves, leading to their loose fit.

Also, Whirlpool refrigerators will stop freezing when they leak freon due to a leak in the cooling circuit. This problem is characteristic not only of the refrigeration equipment of the described manufacturer, but in general - of all units of this category of any company, brand and model.

Whirlpool ARC 4178 ix refrigerator - faults

Two-door, two-chamber refrigerator with top freezer and No Frost defrosting system. Electromechanical control system. Opening and incomplete closing of the door is accompanied by a sound signal.

The problem is if the regime is broken. This is due to various reasons. This model has a problem starting the compressor. In this case, attempts to turn on are accompanied by relay clicks. The cause may be a faulty start relay or a burnt-out motor winding. This is evidenced by the fact that when starting up, the compressor turns off without working even for 30 seconds.

Failure of the control module is a real cause of voltage surges in the network and operation without a stabilizer. But isobutane may leak or the capillary tube may become clogged.

All refrigerators with the No Frost system have problems with defrosting and condensate removal. If there are any comments about the operation of the device, you need to empty the chambers of food, defrost, dry and try to start again. If the mode is not restored, contact the service center.

Why is the refrigerator beeping?

Control systems for household appliances are very sensitive and are designed in such a way that the slightest deviation from the operating mode is accompanied by a warning. The characteristic squeak is complemented by a light indication. This may be a manifestation of a minor disorder that can be corrected on your own.

Why does the refrigerator beep:

1. A saucepan or other utensil is too close to the door. Visually it is completely closed, but there is a small gap that does not allow the seals to completely adhere to the body.
2. Inserting hot pots into the main compartment. The indicator recognizes this as an open door and emits a sound signal. To avoid serious damage, cooked foods must first be cooled.
3. Overloaded with products, the unit cannot cope with the temperature drop in a short period. A sound signal occurs when 3.0-3.5 kg of warm products are loaded into the chamber. To turn off the signal, you need to partially empty the freezer and allow the refrigerator to reach the desired temperature.
4. The unit has not been defrosted for a long time, this is especially true in models with drip defrosting. The reason may be that the pans are close to the walls. Insufficient air circulation disrupts the operation of the system and a thick layer of ice forms on the surface.
5. When purchasing a new refrigerator and installing it in place, you do not need to immediately plug it into the outlet. It is necessary that it stands for at least 24 hours, so the refrigerant will spread evenly throughout the system, which will eliminate the appearance of a signal.
6. In a new unit, a sound can notify you that the set temperature has been reached during the first 5-10 minutes. When you turn it on for the first time, you need to wait a day before you start loading products. This way, the refrigerator is guaranteed to enter operating mode and operate without failures or breakdowns.

Important! When a sound signal occurs, you need to immediately react and find out the cause. This will help avoid serious malfunctions. Call a specialist.

Malfunctions of the Whirlpool ARC 8140 refrigerator

Single-compressor combined refrigerator, freezer below, No Frost system installed and electronic control with a display placed on the external panel. The model refers to those where self-diagnosis and maintenance of a constant “6th sense” mode are established. Error codes are listed in the operating instructions, in the troubleshooting section for the Whirlpool ARC 8140 refrigerator. If you need to reset any of the errors, press the “OK” button and hold for at least 5 seconds.

Often the problems with this model are a malfunction of the control module, absence or insufficient refrigerant. In the defrosting system, the evaporator defrost heating element fails and the fan breaks.

Conclusion

Having become acquainted with the listed models, the conclusion suggests itself - Whirlpool refrigerators have a prestigious appearance and good functionality, but the models are vulnerable when connected directly to the network. Their energy unit may break down and leaks may appear in the refrigerant circuit. When used correctly, Whirlpool household refrigerators last a long time. Troubleshooting is carried out by service center technicians. Spare parts are expensive.

We invite you to watch a video on the topic.

Whirlpool refrigerator malfunctions