Official Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator parts

Common parts that need replacing in Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerators

• Compressor. A refrigerator compressor is often sold as part of a compressor motor kit. The compressor is a positive displacement pump rotated by an electric motor. The compressor receives low-pressure refrigerant gas from the evaporator and rotates to compress that refrigerant to a high-pressure gas that moves through the condenser. The refrigerant gets hot when compressed by the compressor pump. The condenser is a heat exchanger that removes heat from the refrigerant gas and condenses it into a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows through the expansion device and into the evaporator that's at low pressure. The high-pressure refrigerant expands and evaporates. It absorbs the latent heat of vaporization as it changes from a liquid to a gas, which causes the cooling action in the evaporator. The refrigerant flows through the evaporator and back to the compressor where the cycles starts over.
• Condenser fan. The condenser fan is located in the machine compartment of the refrigerator next to the compressor. It moves air across the condenser coils to help cool the hot refrigerant coming out of the compressor. The refrigerant is cooled before it moves through the expansion device and into the evaporator.
• Defrost bi-metal thermostat. The defrost bi-metal thermostat is a safety device attached to the evaporator coil. The defrost bi-metal thermostat shuts off the refrigerator defrost heater if the heater gets hot enough to damage the evaporator.
• Electronic control board. The refrigerator electronic control board controls the major electro-mechanical components in the refrigerator. When the electronic control board senses the compressor needs to run to cool the refrigerator, it sends voltage to the compressor and fans. It then receives input from temperature sensors to monitor the temperatures inside the refrigerator and freezer sections. With this information, the electronic control board controls cooling and the defrost cycle.

How to fix common Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator failures

• Won't run. If the refrigerator has electrical power—the inside light turns on—but the compressor won't run, possible causes include a failed control board , a wiring problem or a failed compressor. A failed compressor start relay also keeps the compressor from running. Follow the tips in our troubleshooting compressor problems video to figure out the problem with your Whirlpool refrigerator.
• Not cooling well. When the refrigerator's not cold enough, first check whether containers are blocking air flow at the vents; the owner's manual typically shows where the vents are. High refrigerator temperatures are also caused by a control system problem, a failure in the air control damper, low refrigerant charge or other malfunctions.
• Ice maker not making ice. Several problems can interfere with making ice—the ice maker could be jammed or broken, a dirty water filter or kinked water line could be blocking water flow, or the water inlet valve could be clogged or faulty. Check the ice maker for jammed cubes and clear any ice buildup that you find. Replace the ice maker assembly if the ice maker doesn’t cycle when activated. Replace the water inlet valve if it’s clogged or won’t fill the ice maker when activated. Replace any damaged or clogged water system tubing.
• Water dripping on the floor. It's common for a refrigerator to drip a little water on the floor after you replace the water filter—air trapped in the water dispenser system can make the water dispenser drip enough to overflow the drip tray below the dispenser. You can fix it by streaming a gallon or two of water through the dispenser to eliminate the trapped air.
  
  If water drips on the floor from the back of the refrigerator, a leaking water inlet valve or cracked water system tubing could be the cause. A clogged or cracked defrost drain tube could also cause the leak.
  
  Defrost condensate water collects in the drain pan at the bottom of the refrigerator so a cracked or overflowing drain pan can also cause water to drip on the floor behind the refrigerator. Check the drain pan for cracks and clean out any foreign objects that may be inside the drain pan.
  
  Excessive frost caused by a leaking door seal can also cause the defrost drain pan to overflow. Check the door gaskets and replace them if damaged.