Whirlpool side by side fridge freezer not cooling at all

[daddymango]

Hi All,

I have a Whirlpool S25DRBB33-A/G (858616815001) American side by side fridge freezer and it isn’t cooling at all in either the fridge or the freezer.

The compressor is running (and does get warm but not hot), the compressor fan and evaporator fan are working and I’ve replaced the capacitors on the rear control module. I’m guessing the thermostat isn’t faulty because I can hear the compressor running but I can’t be sure.

The display flashes “–” where it should display the freezer temp and it also beeps when turned on but the beeps can be stopped by pressing OK.

I’ve put the unit in test mode and it shows fault code 02 which indicates a fault with the air damper between the freezer and fridge. This makes sense as some of the veg in the salad drawers had started to freeze in recent weeks so the damper must have been stuck open. I’m not sure that this is the cause of the whole thing to stop cooling though as I would have thought the freezer would still be cold regardless of the air baffle being stuck open or closed.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I’m under a bit of pressure to get it fixed now,

Thanks,
Aidan

[daddymango]

Re: Whirlpool side by side fridge freezer not cooling at all

Update: I’ve sent the rear control module away to Quality Electronic Repairs who were able to tell me that it tests ok. That rules that out as a possible fault then.

Still no further forward on diagnosing the fault. Would the faulty damper stop the whole thing from working?

Thanks

[daddymango]

Re: Whirlpool side by side fridge freezer not cooling at all

I’ve let the compressor run for a while and it does get very warm to the touch after a short time. The evaporator doesn’t get cold at all even when the compressor has been running for hours.

I’m thinking wonky compressor or gas leak. Both of which render the fridge beyond economical repair by all accounts.

[SAMURI]

Re: Whirlpool side by side fridge freezer not cooling at all

Yes it would be a compressor or gas leak.

On the whirlpool American style the pipe work can rust and leak in the defrost drain tray.

This can be repaired but you will need someone F Gas registered to repair it if it has a leak and it is on R134a refrigerant.

Bob

[daddymango]

Re: Whirlpool side by side fridge freezer not cooling at all

Thanks for the reply Bob, I called a professional to have a look at it and he says there’s no gas at all left in the system.

In his words, “a repair might last 2 days, 2 months or 2 years. Best to get a new fridge”

On the plus side, everything electrical has been checked and found to be working so I’ll be stripping the parts off the fridge before we scrap it and sticking them on Ebay. If anyone needs any PCBs, fans, motors, sensors, drawers, hinges, handles, lights etc then let me know!

Thanks
Aidan

[SAMURI]

Re: Whirlpool side by side fridge freezer not cooling at all

The leak can normally be found on the pipe work in the defrost tray.

The pipe work can be repaired and then it can be re gassed

If you are buying a new American type to replace it I recommend Dawoo for reliability and spares cost.

Bob

[daddymango]

Re: Whirlpool side by side fridge freezer not cooling at all

That’s good advice Bob, I appreciate that. From what I’ve seen on these forums there seems to be a lot of hassles with Whirlpool fridge freezers so we were wondering what would be a good brand. Hadn’t even considered Daewoo so thanks for the steer

Aidan

[SAMURI]

Re: Whirlpool side by side fridge freezer not cooling at all

Bosch / Siemens American fridge freezers are just rebadged Daewoo but cost four times more.

And four times more for the parts but the working parts are the same and the working parts are even marked Daewoo.

Bob

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