Last updated on August 14th, 2022 at 01:27 pm
Being the heart of the entire refrigerator system, your Kenmore compressor distributes refrigerants to the whole system and supplies pressure to the warm part of the circuit.
But, when there is a malfunctioning compressor, how do you reset it? If it needs replacement, how much does it cost? Please follow up as we will discuss this and so much more in this article.
When you are experiencing poor refrigeration, you can effectively reset the refrigerator compressor. You can achieve this by carrying out the four steps of unplugging the refrigerator, switching off the fridge and freezer via the control panel, resetting the temperature of the refrigerator and freezer, and giving time for the temperature of the fridge to become stable.
How to reset Kenmore Refrigerator Compressor?
#1. Unplug refrigerator
To begin resetting, endeavor to detach the refrigerator from its power source at the wall.
The moment this is done, if you are observant enough, you will hear a knocking or breathy sound, which you should expect.
Then leave your refrigerator in its unplugged state for 15 to 20 minutes to ensure the reset’s success.
#2. Switching off freezer and refrigerator via the control panel
After successfully unplugging the fridge, use the control panel to switch off the fridge and freezer.
You can achieve this either by switching it off entirely or by setting the controls at zero, at which point you can plug your refrigerator back into its power source.
#3. Resetting temperature of fridge and freezer
To achieve temperature reset, you should use temperature controls that vary based on the make and model of your refrigerator.
But I will advise you to set your refrigerator between 37 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and your freezer at zero degrees Fahrenheit.
#4. Give time for the temperature of the fridge to stabilize
You can wait as long as you want for the temperature of your refrigerator to stabilize. But take note that the fridge needs at least 24 hours to attain stability.
Does Refrigerator Compressor Have a Reset Button?
You can find various reset buttons at different locations based on the problem you are dealing with.
These buttons include buttons for resetting the thermostat, resetting the air filter, and resetting the water filter. But your Kenmore refrigerator compressor does not have a reset button.
Apart from the hard reset already discussed above, which involves cutting off the refrigerator power supply, other Kenmore elite refrigerator models can be reset through the general reset button.
You can find the button’s location on the right side of the icemaker.
You can use this rectangular rubber-like button for a Kenmore refrigerator reset. This is very easy to do; all you need to do is press and hold it for a few seconds then the refrigerator will reset automatically.
Note that this refrigerator reset button is used for the general reset of the entire refrigerator and not just the compressor alone since that compressor itself does not have a reset button.
Additionally, you can completely reset the entire refrigerator by simultaneously holding down the home and ultra-ice buttons.
You will need to hold and press for about five seconds for the controls to turn off. Then you would disconnect from the power source and wait for about a minute before turning it back on.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Compressor on a Kenmore Refrigerator?
In replacing a Kenmore Refrigerator Compressor, you would either be going for a new or a reconditioned compressor.
A refurbished unit usually costs about $35, while a new one will cost $100, whereas labor costs are generally $300 or even more.
Considering all of the factors mentioned in the paragraph above, we can say that the cost of item and labor should amount to between $300 and $550.
But if you can repair the fault, you may decide to shift to fix rather than replacement which is cheaper at $50 to $200.
Nevertheless, I will tell you that it is not advisable to repair or replace a Kenmore refrigerator that is 10 to 15 years old. This is because a new Compressor will cost about half of an entirely new Kenmore refrigerator.
So, it is better to spend a little more to get a new refrigerator accompanied by a new compressor than a new compressor working in an old refrigerator.
Another reason for replacing a compressor is when it is burnt out. Here, much effort is involved not just from the technician who is coming to it but also from you.
It would help if you cleaned up your Kenmore refrigerator before the technician’s arrival, who will then install the new compressor.
Failure to clean up the fridge at the earliest will result in the new compressor not lasting long enough.
How to Reset Kenmore Refrigerator After Power Outage?
When resetting the Kenmore refrigerator back to its normal functions after a power outage, it is wise and of utmost importance that you follow these steps:
- First, find your refrigerator breaker, which is located in the service panel.
- Please turn off the breaker or remove it from the power source (wall socket) for about ten seconds.
- Supply power back to the Refrigerator to complete the Kenmore refrigerator reset.
But suppose after following the outlined steps above, you still discover that the problem has not been solved and your refrigerator’s cooling is not standard.
In that case, you can still analyze and provide solutions by doing the following:
- First, confirm if the power cord is in any way damaged.
- Then, check the circuit breaker box in your house and make sure that the breaker for your refrigerator is on.
- If the refrigerator light is on, but there is no cooling, it is most likely that the compressor relay is at fault. This compressor start relay has its location at the side of the refrigerator and supplies power aids its running efficiency.
- Then check the start capacitor, which could have failed. This start capacitor functions as a battery that gives additional power to the compressor.
If there is a failure on either the relay or capacitor, the compressor will fail to run efficiently and cause a poor supply of cold air in the refrigerator, thereby resulting in food spoilage.
Other factors that may result in the Kenmore refrigerator not functioning well could be a result of a failed compressor, a temperature control thermostat not working, dirty or clogged condenser coils, or when the Main Control Board is defective.
In a situation where the fault or problem is pointing to a condenser fan motor, you will find out that you are not hearing the fan blowing.
This condenser fan motor is also called the blower fan in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
We have gained complete clarity that the resetting of the Kenmore refrigerator compressor can be carried out in four steps.
And that although the compressor does not have its reset button, there is a button for the general reset of the entire refrigerator system.
You have also seen that replacing a compressor is between $300and $550. Meanwhile, you have also seen the three steps to reset a Kenmore refrigerator after a power outage.