[dalendolor]

The front edge of the panel separating the s/s freezer and the fridge is hot. The sides are cool. Why? Could this cause a defrost/drain problem? I am also having that plugged drain problem and have run a wire down the tube, and even left the unit off and open for a week to dry out but no luck there. Still a problem.

[dwhite999]

I have the same problem with my Kitchenaid side by side. Appears that Whirlpool makes the Kitchenaid. I had A&E come out for service and they said condenser fan is going out.

After waiting a week and no part, I started checking out the web and learned the fan motor part they were charging me $110 for is 39.00 on this site, and the labor ( for removing six screws inthe back of the freezer thatthey wer charging me 200 for , I could do my self for less than 1 hours of work. I just canceled the service order and am ordering the part and repair manal!

[woodchuck]

Is your condenser fan running when the compressor runs. Pull unit out from wall to see. Dirty condenser coils back there will also cause the heat.

Your drain tube must be stopped up with ice at the upper end because it drains too slow because it's stopped up at the lower end in the evaporator pan under the unit at the floor. It can get dust and mold in it. Once you get the ice out at the top a little air pressure will usually clear it out. Flush it out with hot water and clorox may help. Make sure it drains quick enough. The drain should be located below the evaporator coils on the lower back of the freezer.

[denman]

The heat between the doors is usually dirty condenser coils or a condenser fan
The coils are a pain to clean.
If possible remove the kick and back plates. Roll it to a door and blow the dust out of it with a compressor or as one fellow mentioned a leaf blower.
Also check/clean your fan.

The drain can also be blown out with compressed air or use a turkey baster to force water through it. The trick in both cases is getting a good seal on the tubing so you can build up some pressure. Also check it at the tray dust here can hold water, stuff grows and you end up with a plugged drain. Once clear run a 10% bleach solution through it to reduce the growth of crud in it.

[dalendolor]

Originally Posted by dwhite999

I have the same problem with my Kitchenaid side by side. Appears that Whirlpool makes the Kitchenaid. I had A&E come out for service and they said condenser fan is going out.

After waiting a week and no part, I started checking out the web and learned the fan motor part they were charging me $110 for is 39.00 on this site, and the labor ( for removing six screws inthe back of the freezer thatthey wer charging me 200 for , I could do my self for less than 1 hours of work. I just canceled the service order and am ordering the part and repair manal!

Thanks for the tips. I will try it and let you know. Again, many thanks!

[dalendolor]

Good advice. Thanks.

[dalendolor]

Originally Posted by denman

The heat between the doors is usually dirty condenser coils or a condenser fan
The coils are a pain to clean.
If possible remove the kick and back plates. Roll it to a door and blow the dust out of it with a compressor or as one fellow mentioned a leaf blower.
Also check/clean your fan.

The drain can also be blown out with compressed air or use a turkey baster to force water through it. The trick in both cases is getting a good seal on the tubing so you can build up some pressure. Also check it at the tray dust here can hold water, stuff grows and you end up with a plugged drain. Once clear run a 10% bleach solution through it to reduce the growth of crud in it.

Thanks for the good advice. I'll check out the coil and fan, and also the drain. I cleaned the drain once, but did'nt force air through it. It is a bugger to access under the coils. Not much room.