Kenmore Elite Refrigerator Troubleshoot
Kenmore Elite is Sears' top of the line appliance brand. The Elite refrigerator is a side-by-side refrigerator/freezer combination with an exterior water dispenser and an ice maker that can supply cubed, crushed or shaved ice. Electronic controls on the door allow the user to make adjustments without having to open a door. The availability of advanced features and additional controls makes the ability to troubleshoot this refrigerator even more important. Knowing when you can take care of a problem yourself or when you should call for help can save time, money and your sanity.
Problems with Noise
Strange noises coming from your refrigerator can indicate a serious problem, so pay close attention to noises out of the ordinary and take immediate action. First, determine if the noise is originating from the refrigerator or the freezer. If the noise is coming from the freezer, check to make sure the drip pan is not loose, as that can cause a rattling noise. A piece of tape is all you need to repair this problem. More serious freezer noises include squealing, chirping or groaning and usually mean there is a problem with the evaporator fan motor. Open the freezer door and press the light switch. If the noise becomes louder with the freezer door open, the evaporator fan motor is shot. Do not attempt this repair on your own.
Strange noises coming from the refrigerator can indicate problems with the condenser or the defrosting unit. Tracing a noise problem to the condenser on the outside bottom of the refrigerator requires a call for help, as the compressor is self-contained and you cannot repair it. If the noise is originating from behind a thin panel on the back of the refrigerator, the problem is with the defrosting unit's condenser fan. Unplug the refrigerator and use a screwdriver to remove the panel. Inspect and clean any dirt or debris from the fan blades. If this does not solve the problem, the problem is with the fan motor and will require professional replacement. A noise coming from the bottom of the refrigerator, near the kick plate, indicates a problem with the motor inside the defrost timer. Because this is a self-contained unit, you will need professional assistance.
Problems with Temperature
If the refrigerator or freezer is not cooling properly, check temperature settings and air vents and ensure there is adequate room for proper airflow. Factory-recommended temperature settings are 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius) for the freezer; and 37 degrees Fahrenheit (3 degrees Celsius) for the refrigerator.
If you need to adjust the temperature, do it one degree at a time and wait 24 hours before making additional adjustments. Check the air vents and make sure nothing is blocking them. Finally, if your refrigerator or freezer is too full, there will not be adequate room for air to circulate and cool properly. If these all check out, the problem could be with one or more compressor components and will require professional repair.
Problems with Ice Maker/Water Dispenser
If you are not getting ice, make sure the water valve is open and the ice shutoff switch or arm is not in the Off position. Inspect the ice ejector arm for blockage and remove any trapped ice with a plastic spoon. If you recently emptied the ice container, remember that it takes your refrigerator up to 24 hours to produce ice.
Low water pressure is the major cause of problems with the water/ice door dispenser. Low water pressure can cause inadequate water flow and small or hollow ice cubes. Check the water line for kinks that may interfere with water flow and make sure the water valve is open. A dirty water filter can color the water and ice cubes, impede water flow or cause water to have an off taste so remove, clean and replace it.
If water is leaking from the door dispenser, make sure the water glass remains under the spout until the water shuts off completely. If you recently changed the water filter, air that was left in the line may cause water to spurt from the dispenser. To flush the water line, let water run from the dispenser for approximately three minutes or until you draw out 1.5 gallons of water. Try to find a container that will fit under the dispenser spout so you do not have to start and stop to empty the container.
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