Refrigerators - Troubleshooting/FAQ

My refrigerator is running, but it is not cool or cool enough

If your doors have been opened frequently

Doors have been opened for long periods of time, or your refrigerator was recently installed, wait 24-48 hours for the refrigerator to completely cool.



Temperature

Your refrigerator should not be placed where temperatures will exceed 110°F or drop below 55°F.



Adding a large amount of food warms the refrigerator

It could take several hours for the refrigerator to return to the normal temperature



If the refrigerator is in Defrost mode

The freezer compartment temperature will be less cold than usual. Wait approximately 20 minutes, and you should be able to feel cold air blowing in the bottom of the compartment.



For your convenience, your temperature controls are preset at the factory to "mid-settings,"

Which should be correct for normal household use. However, the controls may need to be adjusted. If so, adjust the temperature one setting colder and wait 24 hours for the temperature of the refrigerator or freezer and contents to cool. Repeat this procedure until the desired temperature is reached.



Make sure the air vents between the freezer and refrigerator compartments are not blocked

Cold air enters and exits the refrigerator compartment from the freezer compartment through vents near the top shelf and crisper drawer. If the vents are blocked by food items, airflow will decrease, which will cause temperature and moisture problems. Move any item that could be blocking one of the vents.



My refrigerator is too cold (Side by Side models)

If your doors have been opened frequently

Doors have been opened for long periods of time, or your refrigerator was recently installed, wait 24-48 hours for the refrigerator to completely cool.



Temperature

Your refrigerator should not be placed where temperatures will exceed 110°F or drop below 55°F.



Adding a large amount of food warms the refrigerator

It could take several hours for the refrigerator to return to the normal temperature



If the refrigerator is in Defrost mode

The freezer compartment temperature will be less cold than usual. Wait approximately 20 minutes, and you should be able to feel cold air blowing in the bottom of the compartment.



For your convenience, your temperature controls are preset at the factory to "mid-settings,"

Which should be correct for normal household use. However, the controls may need to be adjusted. If so, adjust the temperature one setting colder and wait 24 hours for the temperature of the refrigerator or freezer and contents to cool. Repeat this procedure until the desired temperature is reached.



Make sure the air vents between the freezer and refrigerator compartments are not blocked

Cold air enters and exits the refrigerator compartment from the freezer compartment through vents near the top shelf and crisper drawer. If the vents are blocked by food items, airflow will decrease, which will cause temperature and moisture problems. Move any item that could be blocking one of the vents.



My refrigerator is too cold (Freezer On Top Models)

First, check the controls

They should be set at "C" and "5" or "5" and "5". The proper fresh food temperature is between 38 and 42 degrees Fahrenheit. The freezer should be between 0 and 8 degrees Fahrenheit.



Since the cold air coming into the fresh food section originates in the freezer above

The rear of the top shelf will be the coldest spot in the fresh food area. Avoid placing delicate items that freeze easily on the back half of this shelf.



If food is freezing in the produce (fruits and vegetables) or meat pan

It may be that the temperature controls are not set high enough. Since cold air naturally falls, the pans can get too cold if the refrigerator is not running long enough to maintain good air circulation. Adjust both controls up one notch.



My dispenser is not dispensing water, or dispenses water slowly

If your doors have been opened frequently

Doors have been opened for long periods of time, or your refrigerator was recently installed, wait 24-48 hours for the refrigerator to completely cool.



Temperature

Your refrigerator should not be placed where temperatures will exceed 110°F or drop below 55°F.



Adding a large amount of food warms the refrigerator

It could take several hours for the refrigerator to return to the normal temperature



If the refrigerator is in Defrost mode

The freezer compartment temperature will be less cold than usual. Wait approximately 20 minutes, and you should be able to feel cold air blowing in the bottom of the compartment.



For your convenience, your temperature controls are preset at the factory to "mid-settings,"

Which should be correct for normal household use. However, the controls may need to be adjusted. If so, adjust the temperature one setting colder and wait 24 hours for the temperature of the refrigerator or freezer and contents to cool. Repeat this procedure until the desired temperature is reached.



Make sure the air vents between the freezer and refrigerator compartments are not blocked

Cold air enters and exits the refrigerator compartment from the freezer compartment through vents near the top shelf and crisper drawer. If the vents are blocked by food items, airflow will decrease, which will cause temperature and moisture problems. Move any item that could be blocking one of the vents.



How do I clean my refrigerator?

NOTE: Do not use abrasive or harsh cleaners such as window sprays, scouring cleansers, flammable fluids, cleaning waxes, concentrated detergents, bleaches or cleansers containing petroleum products on plastic parts, interior and door liners, or gaskets. Do not use paper towels, scouring pads, or other harsh cleaning tools.

• Unplug refrigerator or disconnect power. • Hand wash, rinse, and dry removable parts and interior surfaces thoroughly. Use a clean sponge or soft cloth and a mild detergent in warm water. • For painted metal surfaces wash with a clean sponge or soft cloth and a mild detergent in warm water. Do not use abrasive or harsh cleaners, or cleaners designed for stainless steel. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth. • To keep your painted appliance surfaces looking like new use appliance polish and cleaner regularly. This wax-based cleaner and polish goes on easy to remove unwanted grime and dirt and leaves behind a sparkling shine.​



I have frost accumulation on my freezer walls or floor

To minimize the possibility of electric shock, unplug this appliance from the power supply before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.

Causes of frost accumulation: • High humidity • Heavy door openings • Warm food load • Packages resting against the rear wall • Packages keeping the door open • After correcting these causes, the frost accumulation will go away in a few days. You may need service if the door gaskets are not sealing properly or are torn or split or if the fan in the freezer is not running.



My refrigerator never shuts off, it runs too much

If your doors have been opened frequently

Doors have been opened for long periods of time, or your refrigerator was recently installed, wait 24-48 hours for the refrigerator to completely cool.



Temperature

Your refrigerator should not be placed where temperatures will exceed 110°F or drop below 55°F.



Adding a large amount of food warms the refrigerator

It could take several hours for the refrigerator to return to the normal temperature



If the refrigerator is in Defrost mode

The freezer compartment temperature will be less cold than usual. Wait approximately 20 minutes, and you should be able to feel cold air blowing in the bottom of the compartment.



For your convenience, your temperature controls are preset at the factory to "mid-settings,"

Which should be correct for normal household use. However, the controls may need to be adjusted. If so, adjust the temperature one setting colder and wait 24 hours for the temperature of the refrigerator or freezer and contents to cool. Repeat this procedure until the desired temperature is reached.



Make sure the air vents between the freezer and refrigerator compartments are not blocked

Cold air enters and exits the refrigerator compartment from the freezer compartment through vents near the top shelf and crisper drawer. If the vents are blocked by food items, airflow will decrease, which will cause temperature and moisture problems. Move any item that could be blocking one of the vents.



Why is my ice dispenser not working? (Side by side refrigerator)

If your doors have been opened frequently

Doors have been opened for long periods of time, or your refrigerator was recently installed, wait 24-48 hours for the refrigerator to completely cool.



Temperature

Your refrigerator should not be placed where temperatures will exceed 110°F or drop below 55°F.



Adding a large amount of food warms the refrigerator

It could take several hours for the refrigerator to return to the normal temperature



If the refrigerator is in Defrost mode

The freezer compartment temperature will be less cold than usual. Wait approximately 20 minutes, and you should be able to feel cold air blowing in the bottom of the compartment.



For your convenience, your temperature controls are preset at the factory to "mid-settings,"

Which should be correct for normal household use. However, the controls may need to be adjusted. If so, adjust the temperature one setting colder and wait 24 hours for the temperature of the refrigerator or freezer and contents to cool. Repeat this procedure until the desired temperature is reached.



Make sure the air vents between the freezer and refrigerator compartments are not blocked

Cold air enters and exits the refrigerator compartment from the freezer compartment through vents near the top shelf and crisper drawer. If the vents are blocked by food items, airflow will decrease, which will cause temperature and moisture problems. Move any item that could be blocking one of the vents.



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My refrigerator is noisy. What noises are normal?

The normal operation of your refrigerator will cause some sound. The following list contains sounds that are normal.

• A change in fan speed as the refrigerator responds to changes in temperature due to door opening. • A clicking/tic toc noise can be heard when the defrost timer switches on and off. • A click can be heard when the temperature control unit turns the unit on and off. • A boiling, gurgling, or knocking sound can be heard when the unit is running. This is caused by the circulation of refrigerant. • Gurgling sound in the door. This sound can be heard just after the door is closed because of the water in drain tube trap area. It can last several seconds. • A drip may be heard when defrost water is dripping into the pan beneath the refrigerator. • A hum or click can be heard when the icemaker fills with water. This sound may be heard once or multiple times. • The icemaker will make a loud noise when cubes are dropped into the bucket. • Buzzing noises can be heard after getting water from the door dispenser. The noise should not last longer than 7 seconds. • A snapping sound will be heard about 4 seconds after removing a glass from a dispenser. This is the sound of the dispenser chute closing. • A clicking noise may be heard after a power shortage. This stems from the compressor trying to re-start itself. The noise could last for 3 to 5 minutes. • A hissing, sizzling, buzzing, or arching noise may be heard on self-defrost models. This is produced when water drips on defrost heaters.