What to Do for a Jenn-Air Refrigerator That Is Not Cooling

Lou Jenn, the namesake and founder of the Jenn-Air Corporation, introduced a revolutionary downdraft cooktop in the 1960s, which was the first of the Jenn-Air line of luxury kitchen appliances. Including its built-in, freestanding and under-counter refrigerator models, Jenn-Air offers a variety of state-of-the-art appliances. But even the best-built appliances may experience performance hiccups from time to time. For a Jenn-Air refrigerator not cooling properly, tick off items on your troubleshooting list to find the source of the problem and its solution.

Jenn-Air's online product assistance lists three quick and easy troubleshooting tips that should be at the top of your list when diagnosing a Jenn-Air refrigerator that is not cooling properly. All of these tips are pointed in the direction of a refrigerator's controls.

For a Jenn-Air refrigerator not cooling, check to see:

• If the refrigerator is turned on. Although this tip seems to be overstating the obvious, your fridge may need to be manually turned back on after a power outage or power surge.
• If the cooling function is on. A new refrigerator may still be on a "Showroom" or "Demo" setting from the store where you bought it. This setting allows the interior light to work so that potential customers can clearly see inside the appliance, but the setting shuts off the cooling mode.
• If the controls are properly set for surrounding conditions. You may simply need to change the temperature to a cooler setting. But instead of making a drastic change to the existing setting, adjust the control to the next-lower setting. Wait 24 hours to see if your refrigerator has reached your desired temperature; if not, adjust the control to the next-lower setting. Continue this process until the temperature is cool enough.

Another Jenn-Air refrigerator temperature problem can be resolved with an easy fix. Condenser coils, which are found underneath the refrigerator, get rid of excess heat as the refrigerant flows through them. But if the condenser coils are dirty, they cannot remove this heat and the refrigerator has to work harder to maintain its interior cool temperature. If you have a pet, the condenser coils on your Jenn-Air may trap pet hair and become blocked.

Jenn-Air recommends cleaning your condenser coils by first unplugging your refrigerator. Remove the grill at the base of your fridge by opening both refrigerator doors and pushing in on the top of the grill while pulling up on the bottom. Use a vacuum cleaner hose with the brush attachment to clean the coils. Replace the grill by lining up the grill support tabs with the metal clips and pushing to snap the grill back into place.

Jenn-Air notes two potential reasons for a Jenn-Air refrigerator not cooling, although these problems are less common.

1. Jenn-Air refrigerator compressor not running. The pump that compresses refrigerant and circulates it through the evaporator and condenser coils is the compressor. If the compressor isn't working, a refrigerator will not cool properly. You can use a multimeter to check the compressor, or you can call a licensed technician to check this for you. If, however, the compressor is not working, a technician will have to replace it for you.
2. Jenn-Air refrigerator control panel not working. If the main control board in a Jenn-Air refrigerator has malfunctioned, it needs replacing. This is another fix that must be determined by a licensed technician, who will also have to replace this part for you.