Repair Tips for a Kenmore Top Freezer Appliance

Familiarizing yourself with your top freezer refrigerator's normal operating sounds may prevent unecessary service calls.

Kenmore top freezer refrigerators and appliances offer convenient freezer and refrigerator storage, but on occasion, they may experience issues that prevent them from operating properly. While repairing your top freezer appliance on your own may seem like a daunting task, several of the most common problems can easily be repaired without contacting a repairman. Keep some basic tips in mind as you begin your repair, and your freezer will likely be working again in no time.

Identify Normal Operating Sounds

When you purchase a new top freezer Kenmore refrigerator, you may be unfamiliar with its normal operating sounds and assume that there is something wrong with your appliance due to the noises that it makes. To avoid the cost of an unnecessary service call, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with your refrigerator's operating sounds so you can detect when a repair is actually necessary. Your freezer top refrigerator may occasionally make a pulsating sound, but this is normal when the compressor or fans adjust themselves for optimal performance. The refrigerator may also make popping sounds during the initial cool-down when the inside walls contract and expand. You may also observe sounds of water running or dripping inside the refrigerator during the defrost cycle when the ice inside melts and hits the drain pan. In addition, rattling or hissing may occur as the water supply lines move or refrigerant flows through the appliance. All of these sounds are normal and do not require any repair work.

Check the Gasket if the Refrigerator's Door is Difficult to Open

When a Kenmore top freezer refrigerator's door is difficult to open, there is likely an issue with the door's gasket. Typically, the door is hard to open for approximately five to ten seconds after closing it because of the difference in pressure between the inside of the refrigerator and the outside. Waiting a few additional seconds typically makes the door easier to open. However, if you wait more than ten seconds and your refrigerator's door is still difficult to open, the gasket may be stuck. Clean the gasket and contact surfaces on the refrigerator with warm water and a mild, nonflammable cleanser. Be sure to rinse the area and wipe dry. In addition, spreading a thin layer of petroleum jelly along the gasket on the hinge side can help prevent the gasket from bending or sticking so the door is easier to open.

Examine the Water Supply Line if the Ice Maker Is Not Producing Ice

Some freezer top Kenmore refrigerators are equipped with an ice maker. If your ice maker is not operating, examine the water supply line to the refrigerator. Check that it is fully connected and that the water shut-off valve is open. A kinked, crushed or crimped water supply line may not allow water to flow to the refrigerator. If you observe any damage to the line, try to straighten it. If the line is permanently damaged, a replacement line may be purchased from Kenmore.

Check the Water Pressure if Ice Cubes Are Too Small or Hollow

A top freezer refrigerator's ice maker may occasionally produce ice that is too small or hollow. Typically, this indicates that there is an issue with the water pressure in the refrigerator's supply line. Make sure that the water shutoff valve has not been partially closed and that there are no kinks in the supply line that might reduce the water pressure. In addition, if your cold water supply is connected to a reverse osmosis water filtration system, the line's water pressure may be reduced. Examine the system's filter to see if it is dirty or clogged with sediment and replace if necessary. If there is a still an issue with the water pressure to your refrigerator, consult a licensed plumber.

References

• Manage My Life: Kenmore Top Mount Refrigerator
• Manage My Life: Kenmore Elite Top-Mount Refrigerator