Kitchenaid Side By Side Freezer Not Freezing

Introduction

Discovering that your KitchenAid side-by-side freezer isn’t freezing properly can be a major headache. It threatens food spoilage and potentially leads to costly replacements. This issue often crops up after power outages, when the freezer is overloaded, or simply over time due to wear and tear. Addressing this promptly is crucial to preserve your food and avoid unnecessary expenses. This guide will walk you through troubleshooting steps, even if you’re a complete beginner.

Common Causes of KitchenAid Side by Side Freezer Not Freezing

Here are some common reasons why your KitchenAid freezer might not be freezing:

• Overpacked Freezer: Too much food restricts airflow, preventing proper cooling.
• Dirty Condenser Coils: Dust and debris on the coils reduce their ability to release heat.
• Door Seal Issues: A worn or damaged seal lets warm air in, compromising freezing.
• Incorrect Temperature Settings: The freezer thermostat might be set too high (less cold).
• Blocked Air Vents: Obstructions inside the freezer can restrict airflow to different compartments.
• Faulty Door Switch: A malfunctioning switch could leave the freezer light on, generating unwanted heat.
• Defrost System Malfunction: If the defrost system isn’t working correctly, ice buildup can insulate the cooling coils.
• Fan Motor Problems: The evaporator fan or condenser fan might not be running, hindering airflow.

Symptoms Checklist

Check if any of these describe your freezer’s behavior:

• Food is soft or partially thawed.
• Ice cream is melting or soft.
• The freezer feels warmer than usual.
• Excessive frost buildup on the walls or food packages.
• The freezer runs constantly without reaching the set temperature.
• You hear unusual noises (clicking, buzzing) coming from the freezer.
• The freezer light stays on even when the door is closed.

How to Fix KitchenAid Side by Side Freezer Not Freezing Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to troubleshoot your freezer:

1. Check the Temperature Setting: Ensure the thermostat is set to the recommended temperature (usually around 0F or -18C).
2. Unplug the Freezer: Always unplug the freezer before performing any maintenance or repairs.
3. Inspect the Door Seal: Examine the door seal for tears, cracks, or gaps. Clean the seal with warm, soapy water. You can test the seal by closing the door on a dollar bill; if you can easily pull it out, the seal needs attention.
4. Clear Air Vents: Make sure air vents inside the freezer are not blocked by food containers.
5. Clean the Condenser Coils: Locate the condenser coils (usually on the back or bottom of the freezer). Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust and debris.
6. Check the Freezer Light Switch: Ensure the freezer light turns off when the door is closed. If not, the switch might be faulty.
7. Defrost the Freezer Manually: If there’s excessive frost buildup, manually defrost the freezer by unplugging it and leaving the door open for several hours (or overnight). Place towels to catch water.
8. Inspect the Evaporator Fan: After defrosting, listen to see if the evaporator fan (inside the freezer) is running when the freezer is turned back on. If not, the fan motor might be the issue.
9. Check the Condenser Fan: The condenser fan (near the compressor) should also be running. Listen for it when the freezer is running.
10. Reduce Freezer Load: Remove any excess food items to improve airflow.
11. Power Cycle: After any troubleshooting step, unplug the freezer for 30 minutes, then plug it back in to reset the system.
12. Level the Freezer: Ensure the freezer is level, as this can affect door seal and overall operation. Adjust the leveling feet as needed.

Fix the Issue Without Buying Parts

Often, you can resolve the problem without replacing anything:

• Reset the Freezer: Unplugging the freezer for 30 minutes can sometimes reset the control board and resolve minor issues.
• Deep Cleaning: A thorough cleaning of the interior and exterior, including the door seal and condenser coils, can significantly improve performance.
• Recalibration (if applicable): Some KitchenAid models have a recalibration feature in the control panel. Check your user manual for instructions.
• Regular Inspection: Routinely inspect the door seal and condenser coils to prevent problems before they start.
• Proper Loading: Avoid overpacking the freezer and ensure proper spacing between items for good airflow.

When Replacement Might Be Necessary

If the troubleshooting steps don’t work, a component might need replacing. Estimated costs are:

• Door Seal: $50 – $150
• Evaporator Fan Motor: $80 – $200
• Condenser Fan Motor: $50 – $150
• Defrost Heater: $60 – $180
• Defrost Timer/Control Board: $100 – $300

Commonly failing parts include the door seal (due to wear), the evaporator fan motor (due to burnout), and the defrost heater (due to electrical failure). For more related activities, check out our Lg Bottom Freezer Ice Maker Not Dumping Ice.

Safety Warning

• Always unplug the freezer before performing any maintenance or repairs.
• Avoid working on electrical components with wet hands or in damp conditions.
• Be careful when handling sharp tools or components.
• If you’re unsure about any step, consult a qualified appliance repair technician.

Tools You May Need

• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
• Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment
• Warm water and mild detergent
• Towel
• Multimeter (for testing electrical components – optional)

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions:

• Q: My freezer is running constantly, but not freezing. What could be wrong?
  A: This could be due to dirty condenser coils, a faulty door seal, or a problem with the defrost system.
• Q: How often should I clean the condenser coils?
  A: Ideally, clean them every 6 months or at least once a year.
• Q: How do I know if my door seal is bad?
  A: Check for visible damage and perform the dollar bill test. If the bill slides out easily, the seal needs replacement.
• Q: The inside of my freezer is very icy. What should I do?
  A: Manually defrost the freezer to remove the ice buildup. Ensure the door seal is intact afterwards.
• Q: What temperature should I set my freezer to?
  A: 0F (-18C) is the recommended temperature for most freezers.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting a KitchenAid side-by-side freezer that isn’t freezing can seem daunting, but by following these steps, you can often identify and resolve the issue yourself. Remember to start with the simplest solutions, like checking the temperature settings and cleaning the condenser coils. If you’re comfortable with it, proceed with the more involved steps. If you’ve exhausted these troubleshooting steps and the problem persists, it’s best to call a qualified appliance repair technician to avoid further damage or potential injury. Good luck!

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