Troubleshooting your Kelvinator top-mount refrigerator when it's not running
Check for electrical power by seeing if the interior light turns on when you open the refrigerator door.
If the interior light doesn't turn on, check the electrical outlet for power. Reset the house circuit breaker for the outlet if it's dead.
If the refrigerator has electrical power possible causes include a control board failure, a wiring problem or a failed compressor. A bad compressor start relay will also prevent the compressor from running. Follow the tips in our troubleshooting compressor problems video to figure out the problem with your refrigerator.
Parts that can fail in your Kelvinator top-mount refrigerator
- Condenser fan. The condenser fan is 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 your 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 the defrost cycle.
- Door gasket. The door gasket seals the gap between the door and cabinet to prevent warm air from leaking into the compartment.