What is the first thing to check when a refrigerator stops cooling?
For your KitchenAid KRFC136RPS00 bottom-mount refrigerator, the first thing we check is power and airflow basics: confirm the unit has power, the temperature controls were not bumped warmer, and interior vents are not blocked. These quick checks solve many “not cooling” complaints.
Step 1 quick checks (do these first)
- Make sure the refrigerator is plugged in and the outlet has power (reset a tripped breaker if needed).
- Verify the temperature settings were not accidentally changed.
- Check that food packages are not blocking air vents in the fresh food section.
- Confirm both doors close fully and are not held open by bins or shelves.
- Listen for fan operation; a failed fan can stop cold air from circulating.
What to check next (most common causes)
If the basics look good, focus on the components that control temperature sensing and airflow.
| Symptom you notice | What it often points to | Example part for KRFC136RPS00 |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge warm, freezer cold or uneven temps | Airflow restriction or damper issue | Refrigerator electronic damper WPW10594329 |
| Temps swing, runs too long or not long enough | Temperature sensor (thermistor) issue | Refrigerator thermistor W10316760 |
| Door looks closed but light stays on, warm near door | Door switch not closing circuit | Refrigerator door switch W11396033 |
| Warm fridge and freezer, little to no air movement | Evaporator fan motor problem | Refrigerator evaporator motor W11024089 |
Why it matters
A refrigerator cools by moving air across the evaporator and distributing it through vents. If airflow is blocked, a door is not sealing, or a sensor is reading wrong, the sealed system may be fine but the refrigerator still will not cool correctly.
Helpful DIY guidance
- Use our how to fix your evaporator cooling fan guide to troubleshoot airflow and fan noise issues.
- If you need to order parts for KRFC136RPS00, start with the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common problem with KitchenAid refrigerators?
The most common issues we see on KitchenAid refrigerators like model KRFC136RPS00 are cooling problems (fresh food too warm or freezer too warm), ice maker and water dispensing troubles, and water leaks or frost buildup. These symptoms usually trace back to airflow, temperature sensing, or door sealing problems.
Most common symptoms and what they usually point to
- Fridge warm, freezer OK: restricted airflow or a damper issue (often the refrigerator electronic damper WPW10594329).
- Both sections warm: temperature sensing or control problems (often the refrigerator thermistor W10316760 or refrigerator electronic control board WPW10317076).
- Noisy fridge, weak cooling: evaporator fan issues (fan blade or motor such as the refrigerator evaporator fan blade WP2169142 or refrigerator evaporator motor W11024089).
- Frost, moisture, or warm spots near the door: door not sealing correctly (often a door gasket such as the whirlpool refrigerator door gasket (gray) W10443320).
- Lights act odd or door alarm problems: door switch issues (often the refrigerator door switch W11396033).
Quick checks we recommend before replacing parts
- Confirm temperature settings and give the unit 24 hours to stabilize after changes.
- Listen for the evaporator fan when the doors are closed; no fan sound often means an airflow problem.
- Check door sealing with the paper test (paper should drag when you pull it out).
- Look for ice or heavy frost on the back wall inside the freezer; that often signals an airflow or defrost-related issue.
- Clean condenser coils and make sure the grille and vents are not blocked.
Common problem-to-part map (KRFC136RPS00)
| Problem you notice | Most likely system | Parts that commonly fix it |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh food warm, freezer cold | Airflow/damper | Refrigerator electronic damper WPW10594329 |
| Temps swing up and down | Temperature sensing/control | Refrigerator thermistor W10316760, refrigerator electronic control board WPW10317076 |
| Buzzing or rattling, poor airflow | Evaporator fan | Refrigerator evaporator fan blade WP2169142, refrigerator evaporator motor W11024089 |
| Condensation or frost at door edge | Door seal | Whirlpool refrigerator door gasket (gray) W10443320 |
Why it matters
Cooling, ice maker, and leak complaints often share the same root causes: airflow balance, accurate temperature feedback, and tight door sealing. Fixing the underlying cause prevents food spoilage, excess frost, and compressor overwork.
If you need to order parts for KRFC136RPS00, start with the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How to clean drip pan in KitchenAid refrigerator?
On the KitchenAid KRFC136RPS00 bottom-mount refrigerator, the drip pan (drain pan) collects defrost water and typically evaporates it, so it only needs cleaning when you notice odor, residue, or overflow. Unplug the refrigerator, access the pan area, clean with mild soap and warm water, then reinstall it fully seated.
Where the drip pan is
Most bottom-mount refrigerators place the drip pan in the lower rear near the compressor and condenser area; some versions are not designed for easy removal.
Common signs it needs cleaning:
- Musty smell near the back or bottom of the refrigerator
- Visible slime, mold, or sticky residue
- Water on the floor not related to the water line
- Heavy dust buildup around the rear lower compartment
Safe cleaning steps
- Unplug the refrigerator (or switch off the breaker).
- Pull the refrigerator straight out to reach the lower rear.
- Remove the lower rear access cover if present.
- Slide the pan out slowly and keep it level.
- Wash with warm water and a small amount of dish soap.
- Rinse, dry completely, and reinstall so it sits flat.
| If the pan is... | Do this |
|---|---|
| Removable | Remove, wash, dry, reinstall |
| Fixed in place | Use a long brush, wipe with minimal water, dry thoroughly |
| Refilling quickly | Clear the defrost drain and check for ice buildup |
Why it matters
A dirty drip pan can cause odors and can contribute to dust buildup near the condenser area, which can reduce cooling efficiency.
Related DIY help and parts
For odor cleanup beyond the drip pan, use how to get rid of refrigerator smells. If you are also seeing temperature swings, a failing sensor can contribute; our parts list includes the refrigerator thermistor W10316760. You can order parts from the list for KRFC136RPS00, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Why is my KitchenAid refrigerator leaking water underneath?
On your KitchenAid KRFC136RPS00 bottom-mount refrigerator, water leaking underneath is most often caused by a clogged or frozen defrost drain; defrost water can’t reach the drain pan and spills onto the floor. A poor door seal and heavy condensation are also common causes.
Quick checks we recommend first
- Unplug the refrigerator or turn off power at the breaker.
- Pull the unit forward and look for water tracks from the center rear.
- Check for ice on the freezer floor or under the bottom freezer basket.
- Inspect door gaskets for gaps, tears, or sections not contacting the cabinet.
- Confirm the refrigerator is level (front slightly higher helps doors self-close).
Most common fix: clear the defrost drain
During defrost, water should flow through the drain hole and down to the drain pan near the compressor. If the drain is blocked by ice or debris, water backs up and leaks out.
- Thaw any ice with warm (not boiling) water and towels.
- Flush the drain hole with warm water until it drains freely.
- Clear the drain tube with a flexible plastic tube or pipe cleaner (avoid sharp tools).
Symptom-to-cause guide
| What you see | Most likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Ice sheet on freezer floor | Frozen/clogged defrost drain | Thaw and flush drain |
| Water after humid days or frequent openings | Door not sealing, condensation | Inspect gasket, level unit |
| Puddle near front corners | Door left ajar or misalignment | Check leveling and gasket contact |
When a door gasket is the culprit
If the gasket is torn, hardened, or warped, replacement stops warm air leaks that create excess frost and meltwater. For gasket options used on this model, see whirlpool refrigerator door gasket (gray) W10443320 and whirlpool refrigerator door gasket, right (gray) W10830162.
Why it matters
Stopping the leak prevents recurring ice buildup, temperature swings, and floor damage; it also helps KRFC136RPS00 run efficiently.
For prevention tips related to water and ice systems, use how to prevent water dispenser and ice maker problems. To order parts, use the parts list for KRFC136RPS00 or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





