Kenmore Refrigerator Running Constantly - Causes & Fix

Kenmore Refrigerator Running Constantly — What’s Happening

When your Kenmore refrigerator runs constantly, the compressor and fans stay on longer than normal because the unit is not reaching set temperature or the control system is not cycling off correctly. In normal operation, run time varies with load and ambient conditions, but a unit that truly runs nonstop points to an airflow, defrost, sensing, door-seal, fan, or control issue rather than a single universal Kenmore code.

The thermostat or electronic control is failing to end the cooling call, or the refrigerator is unable to satisfy the cooling demand because heat is not being removed efficiently. Commonly involved subsystems are the defrost system, evaporator fan, condenser fan, temperature sensing and control, and compressor start and control components.

Jump to Fix

Most Likely Causes

• Defrost failure with iced evaporator A bad defrost heater, defrost thermostat, defrost timer, or control board allows frost buildup that blocks airflow and makes the unit run continuously.
• Evaporator fan motor failure If the fan does not move air across the evaporator, the refrigerator compartment warms and the compressor keeps running.
• Condenser fan failure or dirty condenser coils Poor heat rejection raises system temperature and extends compressor run time.
• Faulty thermostat, thermistor, or temperature control board The control may think the cabinet is still warm and keep calling for cooling.
• Door gasket or door seal leakage Warm air infiltration from torn or poorly sealing gaskets increases duty cycle.
• Compressor relay, start device, or main control board issues On electronically controlled Kenmore models, a failed relay or board can cause erratic running or improper compressor cycling.

How to Diagnose and Fix

1. Verify the complaint by confirming that the compressor, evaporator fan, and condenser fan are actually running continuously, and determine whether the refrigerator is warm, too cold, or frosted over.
2. Check basics first including power supply, plug, breaker or GFCI, cabinet lights, and visible error indicators if the model has a display.
3. Remove the freezer evaporator cover and inspect for heavy frost or ice buildup on the coils.
4. If the evaporator is iced over, test the defrost heater for continuity, check the defrost thermostat for proper switching, and inspect the defrost timer or control board for proper defrost cycling.
5. If the evaporator is not iced over, verify the evaporator fan is running and moving air, and check the condenser fan for operation and the condenser coils for dust or debris.
6. On mechanically controlled units, test the cold control thermostat for proper switching, or on electronically controlled units, inspect the thermistor and control board outputs.
7. Check the door gasket for tears, gaps, or poor sealing, and confirm no food packages or ice are blocking vents between compartments.
8. Inspect the compressor start relay, overload, and board connections if the compressor is not being controlled correctly.

Parts You Might Need

Related Error Codes

If your appliance also shows a code on the display, these match this problem:

• Kenmore Refrigerator Er 1F error code
• Kenmore Refrigerator Er Dh error code
• Kenmore Refrigerator Er Ff error code

When to Call a Pro

Call a technician if you are not comfortable working with live voltage, if the defrost system or control board diagnostics require multimeter testing, or if the compressor relay and start components need replacement. Refrigerant system work and control board replacement on electronically controlled models are best handled by a qualified appliance repair professional.