Kenmore (whirlpool) Fridge is freezing in fresh food compartment (#106.74202400) - The Kitchen Appliance Repair Forum - Do-It-Yourself Appliance Repair Help - ApplianceGuru.com: The Samurai Appliance Repair Forums

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Kenmore (whirlpool) Fridge is freezing in fresh food compartment (#106.74202400)

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Posted: Mon Apr 23rd, 2007 11:12 pm

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1^st Post

TheChamferedSphere
Senior Apprentice Appliantologist

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Hiya, First Post, be gentle

So, my first home came with a Kenmore Elite Fridge (model #106.74202400), it's been mostly troublefree, but a couple days ago, the water dispenser stopped working, and then a day later, it started to freeze up the liquids in the fresh food section. Now, the fridge is as cold as the freezer and everything in there freezes up (I cant even keep my beer cold in case it makes em explode) This is a newer fridge, so it looks like it's all electronically controlled and there is no seperate mechanical baffle. So, is the problem in the electronic control unit (from the sears site CONTROL, ELECTRONIC: #2304146 (2304070))
or are there any other avenues I should explore before I buy a 180 dollar part to fix it? (and any advice for replacing the part, looks like it's simply opening it up, and swapping the part?) I'm decently handy, but not an appliance expert, so hopefully it's something I can takle myself.

Thanks again, this seems like a very helpfull forum, and I look forward to some sage advice!

Last edited on Mon Apr 23rd, 2007 11:45 pm by TheChamferedSphere

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Posted: Tue Apr 24th, 2007 02:41 am

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2^nd Post

Poobah
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Joined:	Wed Jan 18th, 2006
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with all the freezing up it is pretty evident that after the proper cooling temp. is achieved the box isn't shutting down or the temps. are off.you very well might end up changing the controller but there is also a thermistor that is located in the ref. section (part #5 on the liner breakdown/ Sears) also(part #32 is located in the freezer section) these newer boxes don't use the old style cold controls anymore they have these thermistors to control the cooling process, and they are prone for going bad......I don't have the chart for this model as to what the OHM's should read at any perticular temp. .so you will have to access the tech sheet and hope that it is on there, it should be located underneath possibly on the side rail...good.luck.check back

I was also looking for a damper control (where the air comes in) but the diagram didn't show one so you might want to check the air opening to make sure it isn't broken or jammed up

Last edited on Tue Apr 24th, 2007 02:48 am by Poobah

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Posted: Tue Apr 24th, 2007 03:11 am

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TheChamferedSphere
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Thanks!

so, possibly, replacing both thermosistors first (~30 bucks) and seeing of that works, and then if not then replacing the main controller board (~180)would be a good Cource of action? Didnt follow OHMs reading under the side rail bit... (possibly a chart inside the actual fridge that has the resistance ratings I need?)I have a multitester, but without any ratings, I'm not sure I can get any useful info myself either.

I looked for some sort of air flow baffle or dampner for the freezer to fridge, and didnt see one (looks like it's all driven by fans), but airflow is totally unblocked from what I can tell from a terciary inspection of the airways on the fridge.

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Posted: Tue Apr 24th, 2007 07:50 am

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That Guy

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There is a motorized air damper http://www.repairclinic.com/0080.asp

It could be stuck open. That would freeze everything. Or it could be the control.

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Posted: Tue Apr 24th, 2007 09:16 am

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Budget Appliance Repair
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Joined:	Sat Apr 2nd, 2005
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Your water dispenser stopping was your first sign of a problem, (refrig section too cold which froze the water in the coil of water tubing - hence water can't be dispensed).

Solve the refrig section freezing problem and the dispenser problem should be solved also.

The air damper/baffle that "That Guy" speaks of is at the bottom of the refrig section, listed in the "Liner Parts" breakdown, ref# 40 Part# 2315515 CLICK HERE to order -- no pictures of actual part online
and it appears to be on backorder everywhere

I'm not familar with this newer style of refrigerator but I think you will find your problem is one of these 3 things.

1) refrig thermistor
2) air baffle
3) main electronic control

The tech sheet that may have the temp/resistance values should be stuck under or around the condenser coils somewhere behind the kickplate.

____________________
William Burk (Willie)
Willie's Budget Appliance Repair
Eureka, CA 95501

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Posted: Tue Apr 24th, 2007 10:43 pm

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TheChamferedSphere
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So I found the air baffle, there was some ice on it, I dunno if that is normal or it could have been the cuase of the problem. How can I test to see if the air baffle part is functioning properly? There was tech sheet anywhere on the fridge (unless it was on the bottom and I am supposed to turn it upsidedown

) I also noticed a large amount of ice in the stryofoam airways in the liner unit. It was plugging some of the holes, and I was suprised at the amount (I have no idea if that is normal or not) There was also a decent amount of water (frozen) at the bottom of the frirdge as well. now I am worried I have either some sort of leak (from the water dispensor), more then simple condensation. I removed the ice off everthing and plugged it back in for now, to see if maybe it's fixed... But barring that wishful thinking, how can I see of the air baffle motor is operating properly, and without any hard values for resistance on the thermosistor, what can I do to test the refridgerator thermosister?

Thanks again for all your help guys.

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Posted: Wed Apr 25th, 2007 08:33 pm

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7^th Post

TheChamferedSphere
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OK, to follow up, actually, just deicing everything fixed it! after 24 hours it isnt freezing in the refridge compartment anymore. The only thing not up to snuff is the water dispenser, it seems to be blocked, maybe iced up somewhere still, or maybe with my sticking my nose in there kinked it in the back.. I will look at that this weekend. it still makes ice, just no more cold water.

thanks again for the help, I appreciate it.

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Posted: Thu Apr 26th, 2007 12:44 am

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Poobah
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water line prob. frozen up coming from the resevoir to the door, pretty common thing..........sounds as if your on the right track though.....good luck.....let us know how you fair

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Posted: Tue May 1st, 2007 12:46 am

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9^th Post

TheChamferedSphere
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Hmmm, so, yeah, the line defrosted and water dispensor came back...

now 5 days later, I noticed a wee bit o water on the top shelf, wiggled my finger through it, and of course, felt some ice forming... also once again, there was a large pool of water at the bottom of the liner. I'll wait and see if there a massive freeze over, but until then any more advice on things to look for to help pinpoint the problem? Could water be leaking from the icemaker or water dispensor? is it a defrosting problem? could I have a problem with one of my door seals?

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Posted: Tue May 1st, 2007 01:28 am

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10^th Post

Poobah
Fellow, Academy of Sublime Masters of Appliantology

Joined:	Wed Jan 18th, 2006
Location:	Toler, Kentucky USA
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I would check the drain line for an abstruction, or to see if it's frozen over.....this will let the water go down into the fridge compartment and could cause the damper to ice over.......start here and post back

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This is the DAY that the LORD has made, REJOICE and be glad in it.....

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