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Kenmore is a popular appliance brand commonly sold by Sears, but Sears does not manufacture any of the appliances themselves. Instead, they source that out and have other manufacturers make their appliances for them. Kenmore refrigerators are made by a variety of different manufacturers including LG, Electrolux, GE, and Whirlpool.

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Kenmore Elite 76572 Refrigerator Fridge and Freezer not cooling?

My Kenmore Elite 76572 refrigerator is not cooling properly. I set the freezer and fridge temperatures to 0 deg F and 37 deg F respectively, as recommended but they go back to 12/14 deg F and 50/52 deg F, needless to say it is not making ice. The light, compressor etc. are on. So far I tried shutting it off for over 5 minutes but in vain. I also saw some frost that I scrapped off and left the fridge disconnected from electricity and doors open for few minutes to get rid of all the frost but no improvement. Any suggestions?

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This is a great answer and I learned a lot, thanks!

And it helped stump me further.

Our fridge (this model) was freezing everything hard and then suddenly it wasn't, then it was then it wasn't. Now it really isn't.

I replaced the evaporator fan; it worked briefly but doesn't seem to be coming on now.

The condenser fan and condenser sound like they're working (I cleaned them and verified that they were working at least while I was looking at them).

The evaporator is crusted with frost at 30 F on the right side where the refrigerant comes in; on the left the evaporator is at 48 F.

Do I have a sensor or control problem, such that it's not starting the evaporator and fan? Or???

I would love to have your prognostications on this!

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If this is the same model as our the condenser failed due to the airflow is from the back not from the front like most models causing the frig to overheat and the condenser to quit. Had the condenser, compressor and coil replaced and works fine for now. Tech said it would happen again if we couldn't find a way to get more air flow to the back of the frig. It's a poor design!

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I have a question my fridge is doing the opposite the freezer is cold but the fridge part is not getting cold

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Your air flow fan for the fridge might be out.

Open ONE of the refrigerator doors and then push the button at the top of the door in to make the light go off. Put your hand in front of one of the holes in the back of the middle of the fridge and see if there is air flow.

You might have to pull everything out of the fridge, remove the shelves, unscrew and remove the back panel of the fridge and then push the button in to see if the fan is turning. While the panel is off, you will also see the evaporator (cooling) coil and fins. They should be at least half 'frosted'. You can shut the fridge doors for a few minutes and see if they're frosted. If they're frosted, and the fan isn't turning, that's your problem.

Those coils could also be iced over preventing air flow. That would be an issue as well.

No frosting or cooling of the fins at all means you may have a stuck refrigerant diversion valve (which switches refrigerant flow between freezer and fridge).

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Kenmore Elite Grab and go model 76572 original setting are 0/37 on front panel, replace your water filter CWMF041 replaces LT700P buy it at (Home Depot or Lowe’s) you will get plenty of ice water and ice dispensed. Replace the your 2X2 filter set inside top middle of frig. Use the blow dryer on cold and blow dryer to clean all the dust that accumulates in the back of the motor. Trash all your junk from frig and maintain it clean at all times. Irma

38 minutes ago by Barbie

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Condenser Coils are Dirty

If the refrigerator is not cold enough the condenser coils may be dirty. The condenser is like a radiator and must stay clean in order to dissipate the heat which was removed from the inside of the refrigerator. As the coils get dirtier the refrigerator becomes less efficient, which makes it work harder to cool down. If the coils are dirty enough, the unit will never be cold enough and will not be able to cool the inside of the refrigerator to the proper temperature.

Evaporator Fan Motor

If the refrigerator is not cold enough, the evaporator fan motor might have failed. Every refrigerator has a set of coils called an evaporator. The refrigerator may have one or more evaporator fan motor(s) depending on the model and evaporator locations. The evaporator fan motor circulates the cold air from the coils thru the compartment. If there is only one evaporator it is in the freezer side. If the fan is not working, no cold air will get to the refrigerator compartment. The freezer may still get cold.

Condenser Fan Motor

If the refrigerator is not cold enough there might be something caught in the condenser fan motor blade, or the condenser fan motor might be defective. The condenser fan motor draws air over the condenser coils to cool them. The condenser fan motor is located underneath the refrigerator near the back. Pull the refrigerator out from the wall and remove the access panel to access it.

Start Relay

If the refrigerator is not cold enough, the start relay may be defective. The start relay is a small device mounted to the side of the compressor. It provides power to the run winding along with the start winding for a split second at start-up to help get the compressor started. If the start relay is defective the compressor may run intermittently or not at all and the refrigerator will not get cold enough. The start relay should be replaced if defective.

Temperature Control Thermostat

If the refrigerator does not get cold enough the temperature control thermostat might be defective. The thermostat allows power to flow through to the compressor, evaporator fan and condenser fan. If the cooling system fans and compressor are running, but the refrigerator or freezer is not cooling correctly check for an airflow or defrost system problem.

Start Capacitor

If the refrigerator isn't cold enough the compressor might be having difficulty starting. The start capacitor serves as a battery to give the compressor a little boost during start-up. If the start capacitor is burned out the compressor might not be able to start and run as often as it should. Test the start capacitor first with a capacitance meter, they don't fail often. If it's defective, replace it.

Thermistor

If the refrigerator is not cold enough the thermistor might be defective. The thermistor is a sensor which monitors the air temperature. It is connected to the control board. If the thermistor is defective the refrigerator does not cool or may cool continuously.

Temperature Control Board

If the refrigerator is not cold enough the temperature control board might be defective. The temperature control board provides the voltage to the fan motors and compressor. These boards are often misdiagnosed. Check all other components to be certain this is the cause of the problem.

Compressor

If the refrigerator is not cold enough, the compressor might be defective. The compressor is a motor which compresses the refrigerant and circulates the refrigerant through the evaporator and condenser coils. There are several other components which are more likely to be defective if the compressor doesn't work. If the compressor itself is defective a licensed professional will need to replace it.

Main Control Board

If the refrigerator is not cold enough the main control board might be defective. This is not common. Check the defrost system, cooling fans, and cooling controls first.

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I thought your response to the question was the most accurate and helpful that I could find anywhere on the net.

i feel that I have narrowed down the problem with my 3 year old Kenmore side-by-side model 106.5118 because of your information. Now I am seeking more guidance in taking it to the next step of repair. Although I have extensive background in mechanical service, I have yet to disassemble a modern day refer. I am having slight difficulty locating a schematic for the location of the evaporator fan motor which I am confident is the problem.

If you should have any information about this unit, I would greatly appreciate getting back with me.

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this is certainly all good info, but as I was taking my drawer apart,to replace the evaporator fan - the evaporator fan started blowing for quite a few seconds then turned off (with the drawer still open) I am guessing thermistor problem? any seconds?

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How to clean coils

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I just had my 2011 Kenmore elite troubleshot by a technician for no cooling in both freezer and upper compartment. ( Model # 79572053.110) Compressor is running along with both condenser and evaporator fan motors. A technician is recommending to check the refrigerant levels? He does not think it is the thermistor or anything that was suggested in your recommendations? When compressor is running black wire reads 1.04 amps, red wire reads 1.14amp. Since this unit has an inverter not sure if this is the correct amperage? I have been looking on line for information and/or a repair manual that I can get my hands on however I cannot find one which is the same complaint other people have mentioned in their blogs. What's your thoughts? How would you rate a 31 - 36 CU Profile Refrigerator?

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I too have an elite kenmore fridge same problem Red and black wires reading 2.5 to 2.6 plus amps. Sears truck says it needs board ,drier, and condenser?? Why board if every thing is operating, but no cool. I just cannot understand why I need a board and a condenser? If board was defective I would assume nothing would work?

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I realize it's an old thread, but in case anyone else is searching for an answer just use a fast curing 2-part epoxy on the motor shaft and re-attach the fan. Should firm up in less than 5 minutes and it's not coming off again. Had this problem happen twice. First time I just snapped it back on. Second time it's not going anywhere.

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Yeah... If that's my case, America Home Insurance will deal with it. I'm not touching it. But I did find your post useful. Thanks! R.

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I have a sisde by side that was warming up, noticed the ice maker quit making ice first then everything else started feeling warmer. First thought was the coils. Pulled the fridge out removed the rear cover. Low and behold the condenser fan blade had literally fell off the motor. Has anyone else ever seen this before. It just presses into the shaft. I pressed it back on and will check the temp in the morning but the ice make is making ice again already. Any ideas as how to keep it from just falling off again?

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I also on a Kenmore double doors(side by side)stainless steel, after having for 4months, I had to call for service, ice and chips of plastic was coming out.they came , 10 months later, same problem, worser issue,now no ice comes down,only Nickle size pieces of plastic,, now the only thing they would do is offer,a warranty, which should have been offer at purchase, but was told instead ur appliances is covered, never mention a date line.. Very Unhappy Customer .

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I have Kenmore french doors stainless steel 73025 after having for 2 years, the Control Board is failed to defrost timer for refrigerator, I called for service he said need to replace the control board, it need to be order from the manufacturer in Korea, it takes many weeks no responses. and Sears warranty replace for another one from Sears Outlet, I don't know how long does it last ?? I am not happy for that

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We have all kenneth elite appliances and they are all $@$*, everything we have does not work the stainless steel 3 door refrigerator has had nothing but problems , the dishwasher we threw away it never properly worked, the oven has holes in the bottom at least it cooks I guess at this point I should be grateful my oven cooks. Just horrible I was so exited to buy all kenmore appliances and thought my grandchildren would be using them, it has been nothing except trouble I will NEVER buy anything kenmore ever again

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I'm going with unplugging it and try to reboot it factor reset the hole can kaboodle I'll let you know the outcome God bless ??

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in the star relay explanation

there is not start relay in the compressor a least in the new ones

everything is controlled ]by the electronic pcb (board)

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We have a Kenmore model 59672383411 with a drawer freezer below and two doors fridge (like french doors). Water and ice (cube/crushed) dispenser . Touch panel for controls.

searsPartsDirect.com is useful for some troubleshooting text and video. However, I have not found any method that works to cause the fridge to go to defrost mode. I am hoping there is a simple magic encantation of presses on the touch pad.

QUESTION: How can it be set manually to defrost mode ?

Thanks.

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I replaced the defrost control board on my French food refrigerator, last about six months but stopped working again

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@mac2121 need to go online with the model to learn how to use the control to bring test mode on

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My kenmore refrigerator everything is working good but not cold enough I put my thermometer to check temperature around 55f and the freezer around 50 I thinking a low Freon but is not I also replace a thermistor and the defrost sensor the results still the same you think what else I need to replace. Thank you

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Kenmore Elite Grab and go model 76572 original setting are 0/37 on front panel, replace your water filter CWMF041 replaces LT700P buy it at (Home Depot or Lowe’s) you will get plenty of ice water and ice dispensed. Replace the your 2X2 filter set inside top middle of frig. Use the blow dryer on cold and blow dryer to clean all the dust that accumulates in the back of the motor. Trash all your junk from frig and maintain it clean at all times. Irma

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