Kenmore Elite refrigerators have plenty of value to offer to users. However, you’ll only get the most out of your unit when you understand how to troubleshoot and correctly manage its temperature settings. Don’t worry, though. This guide will show you everything you need to know.
A Kenmore Elite fridge temperature control that isn’t working is likely caused by a failed display board, faulty main control board, or failed door switch. Usually, a fridge temperature control should be set at 2 or 3 if the unit is moderately packed with food items. You should set it to 4, 5, or higher for heavier usage to keep food fresh and safe to consume.
Keep reading as we dive into troubleshooting steps for your Kenmore Elite fridge’s temperature control. Then, we’ll also explore the ideal temperature settings for both the fridge and freezer compartments.
How to Lower Temperature on Kenmore Elite Refrigerator?
The highest temperature is around 37 degrees Fahrenheit (3° C). This temperature is a preset temperature for the refrigerator; you have to know the highest temperature to lower your Kenmore’s temperature.
And to do that, you have to tap the button on the digital control panel continuously.
While tapping, the temperature number will either increase or decrease; when it’s dropping, the temperature reduces.
Also, the lowest number on the control is the lowest temperature, so don’t turn it down to zero; that is an off option.
What Number Is the Coldest Setting on a Kenmore Refrigerator?
The coldest settings on a Kenmore refrigerator are at the highest settings number on the control panel.
Also, the coldest settings on Kenmore differ with model and refrigerator type but are similar.
However, most Kenmore refrigerators have a temperature setting with a number reading option, which gets coldest on the highest number.
Some Kenmore refrigerators use a dial or knobs to control the settings.
At the same time, others have a digital control panel with button adjustment options to allow you to adjust your temperature settings.
This digital control displays the temperature in Fahrenheit or Celsius; for Celsius, 0° is the coldest.
But for some Kenmore refrigerators without a digital temperature display, it’s just the knob or dial.
So, if your Kenmore has a control dial with a set of buttons or a knob, from 1 – 9, to get the coldest, it’s advisable to set it to 7 or 8.
The lowest degree number is the coldest for the newer Kenmore’s that display the temperatures.
The generally known rule for every coldest temperature setting remains that the higher the number, the colder the temperature gets.
And the numbers on the dial indicate the refrigerant power.
In addition to knowing the coldest settings of your refrigerator, mini-fridges can be an exception to the general rule.
The dials can range from 1-7, and instead of 1 being the warmest, seven is, and the coldest is 1.
Failed Door Switch
What it is: The door switch senses when the fridge and freezer compartment doors are open or closed. There are two switches on the same component, one for the fridge and the one for the freezer.
When both doors are closed, they’ll keep the switches depressed and signal to the main control board that it should continue cooling the air inside.
However, opening either door will trigger the fridge to pause cooling to save power and prolong its lifespan.
How it fails: People usually open and close their fridge doors countless times a day. The door switch will be released and depressed repeatedly each time that happens. That repetitive use will cause the door switch to wear out and eventually fail in one of two ways:
How to fix: The solution to this problem is to replace the door switch. Before beginning, disconnect the fridge’s power supply and open its doors.
Firstly, locate the door switch on your Kenmore fridge. It’s not secured by any screws, so you can pry it open using a flat tool. When the switch is freed, you can then disconnect its wire harness.
Next, connect the new door switch’s wire harness before pushing it firmly into place.
FAQ
How do I set the temperature on my Kenmore refrigerator?
Where is the temperature control thermostat Kenmore refrigerator?
The ideal refrigerator temperature is at or below 40°F (4°C), and your freezer temperature should be 0°F (-18°C).
What temperature should my Kenmore refrigerator and freezer be set at?
Which is colder on a refrigerator 1 or 7?