Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ (Side-by-Side) – Warm refrigerator compartment Repair Guide

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šŸ”§ Warm refrigerator compartment Repair Guide for Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ (Side-by-Side)

šŸ’” Donā€™t panic! Check evaporator fan; verify defrost system operation

šŸ“‹ What Youā€™ll Need

  • Evaporator fan motor
  • Defrost components

šŸ”§ Step-by-Step Repair Instructions

šŸ”§ Step 1: Test evaporator fan motor

  1. Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet or switch off the dedicated circuit breaker supplying power to the unit.
  2. Open the freezer door and remove all items from the freezer compartment to access the back panel.
  3. Locate the evaporator cover panel on the back wall of the freezer – it’s a white plastic panel measuring approximately 24 inches wide by 18 inches tall.
  4. Remove the 4 Phillips-head screws (using a #2 Phillips screwdriver) securing the evaporator cover: 2 screws at the top corners and 2 screws at the bottom corners.
  5. Lift the evaporator cover panel away from the freezer wall and set it aside, revealing the evaporator coils and fan assembly behind it.
  6. Locate the evaporator fan motor mounted on the left side of the evaporator coil assembly, approximately 8 inches from the bottom of the freezer compartment.
  7. Identify the wire harness connector attached to the fan motor – it’s a white plastic connector with 2 wires (typically red and black).
  8. Set your multimeter to the resistance (ohms) setting, using the lowest range (typically 200 ohms).
  9. Disconnect the wire harness from the fan motor by pressing the locking tab and pulling the connector straight out.
  10. Place one multimeter probe on each of the two metal terminals inside the fan motor’s connector (not the wire harness side).
  11. Read the multimeter display – a functioning evaporator fan motor will show resistance between 200-400 ohms.
  12. If the reading shows “OL” (open line) or infinite resistance, the motor is defective and requires replacement (part number W10128551).
  13. If the reading is within range, manually spin the fan blade attached to the motor shaft – it should rotate freely with minimal resistance and no grinding or clicking sounds.

šŸ› ļø Step 2: Check defrost system operation

  1. Locate the defrost timer on the back lower panel of the refrigerator, mounted 8 inches from the floor on the left side, secured with two Phillips-head screws.
  2. Remove the two #2 Phillips-head screws holding the cover panel and set them aside.
  3. Identify the white plastic defrost timer module, measuring approximately 3 inches square, with a flat-head screwdriver slot on the front dial.
  4. Insert a flat-head screwdriver (3/16-inch width) into the dial slot and turn clockwise slowly until you hear a distinct click – this advances the timer into defrost mode.
  5. Listen for the compressor to shut off within 30 seconds – you’ll hear the humming stop completely.
  6. Open the freezer compartment and remove all items from the top shelf.
  7. Locate the defrost heater beneath the evaporator cover panel at the back wall of the freezer – you’ll see a white plastic panel, 24 inches wide by 16 inches tall, secured with four 1/4-inch hex screws.
  8. Remove the four hex screws using a 1/4-inch nut driver, starting with the top two corners, then the bottom two.
  9. Lift the panel forward and down to unhook it from the top clips.
  10. Observe the aluminum evaporator coils and the defrost heater (a glass tube with metal caps on each end) mounted horizontally beneath the coils.
  11. Set your multimeter to continuity mode and touch the probes to each end of the defrost heater terminals – a working heater will show 0-50 ohms resistance and emit a beep.
  12. Wait 5 minutes after advancing the timer – the heater should become warm to touch, reaching approximately 150Ā°F.
  13. If the heater doesn’t warm up or shows infinite resistance, the defrost heater (part number W10823697) requires replacement.
  14. Return the defrost timer to normal operation by turning the dial clockwise until you hear another click and the compressor restarts.

āš™ļø Step 3: Inspect for ice buildup

  1. Open the freezer door and remove all food items from the top shelf and any items blocking the back wall.
  2. Locate the rear freezer panelā€”a white plastic cover measuring approximately 24 inches wide by 18 inches tall, positioned against the entire back wall of the freezer compartment.
  3. Look through the ventilation slots on this rear panel (you’ll see horizontal louvers spaced about 2 inches apart) and shine a flashlight to check for visible frost or ice accumulation behind the panel.
  4. Remove the rear freezer panel by unscrewing 2 Phillips-head screws at the top corners (use a #2 Phillips screwdriver) and 2 screws at the bottom corners.
  5. Lift the panel up approximately 1 inch to disengage the bottom tabs, then pull it forward to remove completely.
  6. Examine the evaporator coils now visibleā€”these are aluminum fins arranged in parallel rows covering an area roughly 20 inches wide by 14 inches tall.
  7. Check for ice thickness on the coils by pressing a finger against any visible frost or ice accumulation. Measure the thickness if ice is present.
  8. Normal condition: Light, uniform frost coating less than 1/8 inch thick across all coils.
  9. Problem condition: Ice buildup exceeding 1/4 inch thick, solid ice blocks between fins, or ice concentrated on one side (typically the left side where the defrost thermostat mounts).
  10. Inspect the drain trough located at the bottom center of the evaporator housingā€”a U-shaped channel approximately 3 inches wide. Look for ice blocking the drain hole, which is a 1/2-inch diameter opening at the lowest point of this trough.
  11. Check the defrost heater elementā€”a thin glass tube running horizontally beneath the evaporator coils. Note any ice directly covering this element.

šŸ”© Step 4: Verify air flow

  1. Open the fresh food compartment door and locate the vents at the back wall of the refrigerator section, approximately 12 inches from the top and centered horizontally.
  2. Hold your hand 2 inches away from each vent opening for 15 seconds to feel for cold air circulationā€”you should feel a steady, cool breeze coming from these openings.
  3. Move to the freezer compartment and open the door completely.
  4. Locate the evaporator cover on the back wall of the freezerā€”this is a white or off-white plastic panel measuring approximately 24 inches wide by 18 inches tall.
  5. Place your hand near the bottom edge of this panel where it meets the freezer floor to detect cold air discharge.
  6. Check the diffuser duct opening at the top of the fresh food section, positioned at the ceiling approximately 3 inches from the back wall and centered left to right.
  7. Hold a single tissue or thin piece of paper 1 inch from the diffuser openingā€”the tissue should flutter or be pulled slightly toward the vent, indicating proper suction.
  8. Inspect the vents for any visible obstructions such as ice buildup, food debris, or packaging materials blocking the openings.
  9. Remove any items stored within 3 inches of the rear vents in both compartments that could restrict airflow.
  10. Listen for the evaporator fan motor runningā€”you should hear a quiet humming sound coming from behind the evaporator cover in the freezer when the compressor is operating.
  11. If no airflow is detected at any vent location, or if the fan is silent when the compressor runs, this confirms an airflow problem requiring fan motor inspection or defrost system evaluation.

šŸ“‹ Step 5: Replace fan or defrost components

  1. Locate the evaporator fan motor mounted on the left side of the evaporator cover, approximately 18 inches from the bottom of the freezer compartment.
  2. Disconnect the white 3-wire connector plugged into the fan motor housing by pressing the locking tab on top and pulling straight back.
  3. Remove 3 Phillips-head screws (#2 driver) securing the fan motor bracket to the evaporator housing – one at top center, two at bottom corners spaced 4 inches apart.
  4. Lift the entire fan assembly straight up and out, clearing the mounting tabs.
  5. Remove the fan blade by holding the motor shaft with slip-joint pliers and turning the center plastic cap counterclockwise 1/4 turn until it releases.
  6. Install the new fan blade (part W10326469) onto the replacement motor shaft, pressing firmly until it seats against the shoulder, then rotate the cap clockwise 1/4 turn until it locks.
  7. Position the new motor assembly into the mounting brackets, aligning the 3 screw holes.
  8. Install the 3 mounting screws and tighten until snug – approximately 15 inch-pounds of torque.
  9. Reconnect the 3-wire white connector until you hear an audible click.
  10. The defrost heater is the aluminum tube running horizontally beneath the evaporator coils, spanning the full 28-inch width.
  11. Disconnect two black spade connectors on each end of the heater by pulling straight off.
  12. Remove 2 metal clips securing the heater to the evaporator fins by sliding them outward toward the ends.
  13. Lift the old heater straight out and install the replacement (part W10857606) into the same position.
  14. Reinstall both retaining clips by sliding inward until they grip the heater tube.
  15. Reconnect both spade connectors, pushing firmly until fully seated.
  16. The defrost thermostat (small cylindrical component, 1 inch diameter) is clipped to the evaporator coils on the right side, 12 inches from the bottom. Remove by squeezing the spring clip and pulling the thermostat away from the coil.

āš ļø Safety Reminders

  • Always unplug the refrigerator before beginning any repair work
  • Allow the unit to warm up if working with frozen components
  • Use proper tools and safety equipment
  • If youā€™re unsure about any step, consult a professional

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šŸ›’ Recommended Products

Here are the recommended products for this repair: