A properly maintained Whirlpool refrigerator can provide trouble-free service for many years, but when things go wrong, it is important to get them fixed as quickly as possible. When your refrigerator stops running, you could call in an appliance repair person, but that can be quite an expensive option. A better option is to troubleshoot and repair the problem on your own.

Refrigerator Will Not Run

If your refrigerator is not running at all, with no lights and no cold air, it is important to take a look at each possible problem and eliminate them one by one: The first thing to check is the power coming to the receptacle where the Whirlpool refrigerator is plugged in. Simply unplug the refrigerator and plug in another appliance to make sure electricity is flowing to the receptacle. If no power is flowing there, could be a problem with the circuit breaker, so be sure to check the main board to see if the breaker has been tripped. If power is flowing to the receptacle, the next thing to check is the temperature control. If the temperature control is working properly and the power is flowing, you will most likely need the help of a repair person to get your Whirlpool refrigerator back in service.

Strange Noises

If strange noises are coming from your Whirlpool refrigerator, it is important to check for loose coils and loose rollers. Many models of Whirlpool refrigerators were known to have problems with faulty rollers, so be sure to check the rollers carefully. Loose parts can cause all sorts of strange noises, including rattling sounds, so be sure to check the refrigerator carefully when these problems appear. Rattling noises can also be caused by a refrigerator that is not sitting level with the floor, so it is a good idea to grab a level and check that as well. This is particularly important if your refrigerator is equipped with those rollers that make moving the appliance easier. These rollers have a habit of working their way loose, especially if you move the refrigerator frequently.

Problems with Defrosting

If your Whirlpool refrigerator is of reasonably recent vintage, it is no doubt a frost-free model, meaning that it will automatically defrost itself after a set number of hours. This prevents the buildup of frost on the coils and allows the fridge to keep working as intended. Sometimes, however, the defrost mechanism will not work properly, and when that happens, it is important to isolate the problem and resolve it as quickly as possible. The best way to test the defrost mechanism is to locate the mechanism and trigger it. The location will vary from model to model, but in many cases the mechanism will be located on the ceiling of the fresh food compartment. Look for a black box and turn the knob until it clicks. This should trigger the defrost mechanism -- if it fails to start, the unit is faulty and you will need to contact an appliance repair person to replace it.

Source:

Refrigerator troubleshooting

Whirlpool refrigerator guide