Our 11 year old Sears Kenmore side-by-side fridge stopped working (the freezer defrosted, and the fridge part does not get cold with any setting). There was still light when you open the door, but the fridge no longer got cold, no matter where the controls were set.
We cleaned up the bottom of the fridge. We found that indeed the entire circuitry underneath was covered with dust. After cleaning, and plugging the fridge back on, it started working. The motor kicked on, the temperatures in both the freezer and the fridge chambers started to drop (get cold) and it seemed that the problem was solved.
So we proceeded to disconnect the fridge from the power to give the fridge a good clean up inside, in order to put the food back in. After cleaning the shelves, we plugged the fridge back in again. This time the motor did not kick on. The fridge still has light when you open the door, so the power outlet to the fridge is working. There’s no obvious shorts or disconnections that we can see.
This is a Sears Kenmore 25’ side-by-side fridge, model 596.57587791, about 11 years old. The compressor area looks clean (no obvious damage or anything out of place).
Can you hear a clicking noise from the compressor or it is completely silent?
Gene.
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After being plugged-in for about 25 mins, suddenly it starts to work, the compressor makes humming noises. I placed 2 thermometers inside, one in the fridge part and one in the freezer part. Now I get 45F in fridge and 20F in freezer. Do you think it’s working, how long will I know that indeed it’s working? What caused it not to kick in after 25 mins instead of kicking in right after I plugged it in the second time?
Thank you so much Gene for answering this so soon. Tuxi.
Sorry to bother you again, thank you for your suggestions above. Here are the new developments:
I unplugged the fridge again, then replugged it in. This time it started to hum right away (no delay like the first time- why?)
I have let the fridge run on empty overnight, I placed a thermometer in each portion (freezer and fridge). In the freezer, I have a bottle of water, and in the fridge I also have a bottle of water and some food (not a lot). However, this morning, I noticed that the freezer only got up to 40F, and the fridge got up to 55F (at a setting of 5 for each, about 2/3 of max setting on the dials). Is this a new problem, do you think?
Based on these new developments, could you re-evaluate?
Thank you so much for your help.
Just wanted to give an update. The fridge is now working fine. Freezer 15F and Fridge 45F with control settings for both at mid-range, after 24 hours. I am keeping my fingers crossed. Thank you!
15°F in the freezer and 45°F in the refrigerator after 24 hours is not a good temperature. It suppose to be about 0°F in the freezer and between 36°F to 40°F (depends on level) in the refrigerator. I’m afraid there is something wrong with the sealed system. It has to be checked by a certified refrigeration tech.
Is there a good company for refrigeration repair that you can recommend in the Southern Maryland area – even in MD/DC/northern VA? thank you. And thanks for following up with me. Really appreciate it.