Kenmore Side by Side Refrigerator Older Models Not Cooling

Quick Answer

If your older Kenmore side by side isn't cooling, check the condenser coils under the fridge first. If they are covered in dust, the unit can't shed heat. If the coils are clean, listen for the fans; a silent freezer fan or a clicking sound from the compressor usually points to a failed motor or start relay.

I've fixed probably 200 of these older Kenmore side by sides over the years, and honestly they're some of the toughest machines ever built. When they stop cooling, it's almost never the compressor. Usually it's a $12 start relay or a pound of pet hair choking the condenser coils. Don't buy a new fridge until you've spent 30 minutes working through these steps.

KenmoreRefrigeratorSeverity: highDifficulty: intermediate88% DIY Success

Time to Fix

20–90 min

Difficulty

intermediate

Parts Cost

$15 – $85

Tools Needed

Phillips #2 screwdriver, 1/4 inch nut driver

Kenmore Side by Side Refrigerator Older Models Not Cooling

Don't run out and buy a new fridge just yet. These older Kenmore side by sides were built like tanks and they're way easier to fix than modern stuff. Usually we're talking a $20 part or just cleaning some coils. I've seen machines from the 90s come back to life with nothing but a coil brush and a new start relay. Way smarter than dropping $1,200 on something made overseas.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Dirty Condenser Coils35%

Evaporator Fan Motor Failure25%

Bad Start Relay or Capacitor20%

Defrost System Failure15%

Sealed System/Compressor Failure5%

Symptoms You May Notice

Freezer section stays cold enough for ice cream but the fresh food side is basically room temperature.
You hear a click every 2-3 minutes from the back of the fridge but the compressor never actually starts humming.
The fridge runs constantly, you can hear it going all day and all night, but it just won't get cold.
There's a solid sheet of frost covering the entire back panel inside the freezer compartment, sometimes an inch thick.
The strip between the two doors is noticeably hot to the touch, way hotter than it should be.

Can you reset a Kenmore refrigerator to clear the NOT-COOLING code?

There's no reset button on these older mechanical models. Just unplug it from the wall and leave it unplugged for at least 10 minutes. This lets the compressor pressures equalize so it can restart without fighting itself. If you've got a newer digital display version, try holding Filter Reset and Ice Plus together for 5 seconds. After you plug it back in, give it 2-4 hours before you decide if it's actually working.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriver1/4 inch nut driver5/16 inch nut driverCondenser coil cleaning brushVacuum with crevice attachmentFlathead screwdriverDigital multimeterWork gloves

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

ComponentComponent Under Test

Expected Range10–100 ohms

ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name	OEM Number	Estimated Price
Compressor Start Relay (Universal 3-in-1)RCO410 · $15–$35	RCO410	$15 – $35
Evaporator Fan MotorW10189703 · $45–$85	W10189703	$45 – $85

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my older Kenmore was made by Whirlpool or LG?

Check the model number tag on the inside wall of the fridge. If it starts with '106', Whirlpool built it. Starts with '795'? That's LG. Starts with '253'? That's Frigidaire. This matters a ton because parts don't cross over between manufacturers at all. Order a Whirlpool relay for an LG-built Kenmore and it won't fit. I've seen people waste $40 getting the wrong part because they didn't check this first. Always verify before you order anything.

Why is my Kenmore freezer cold but the refrigerator side is warm?

Almost always an airflow problem. Either the evaporator fan in the freezer died and isn't pushing cold air to the fresh food side, or the return air vents are blocked solid with ice because the defrost system failed. Check the back wall of your freezer. If there's a thick sheet of frost covering everything, it's a defrost issue. If the back wall looks clear but the fridge side is still warm, go check that evaporator fan motor. Those are your two most likely culprits.

Is it worth fixing a Kenmore refrigerator that's 15 years old?

Honestly? Yes, most of the time. These older units use simple mechanical defrost timers and proven compressor designs, not the complex computer boards in modern fridges. Parts are still widely available and most of them cost $15-50. A new side by side runs $1,200 to $2,500. If the compressor itself is dead, maybe think twice. But if it's anything else, fix it. I've got customers running Kenmore side by sides from 1998 that still work perfectly fine.

How often should I clean the coils on a side by side model?

Every 6 months if you've got pets. Once a year minimum if you don't. It takes maybe 15 minutes with a vacuum and a coil brush. Pull the bottom grille off and get in there. This single task is probably the biggest factor in how long your compressor lasts. I'm not exaggerating. I've seen units with clean coils run 25+ years, and units with filthy coils burn out the compressor before the 10-year mark.

What does it usually cost to fix an older Kenmore that stopped cooling?

Here's the honest breakdown. Start relay: $12-25, you can do it yourself in 5 minutes. Condenser fan motor: $30-60, intermediate DIY. Evaporator fan motor: $25-50, a bit more work to access. Defrost timer: $20-40, easy swap. Compressor itself? That's $300-600 in parts plus labor, and at that point you might want to think about a new fridge. But honestly, 7 out of 10 times I show up for a not-cooling call on one of these older Kenmores, it's one of the cheap fixes.

Same Fix on Other Brands

Whirlpool refrigeratorNOT-COOLING: Whirlpool Side by Side Not Cooling Troubleshooting Frigidaire refrigeratorNOT-COOLING: Frigidaire Side by Side Not Cooling Guide

Models Known to Experience NOT-COOLING Errors

This repair applies to most Kenmore refrigerators with this error code. Common model numbers include:

106.51132210, 253.56272401, 106.58902801, 795.71302.012, 106.50502990, 106.56974400, 253.54663400, 106.58039800

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on May 20, 2024