Last updated: 2026-10-30 · By Fix It or Replace editorial team

Kenmore Refrigerator Not Cooling? Model Prefix (106 / 253 / 795), Settings, 24-Hour Wait, Vents, Condenser, Door Seals, Fans, Defrost — Fixes, Costs, Repair vs Replace (2026)

Verdict at a glance

Safety check before any DIY (30 seconds)

Stop and don't start the DIY steps below if any of these is true:

• Unplug the refrigerator before you remove the base grille, a rear panel, or any cover inside the freezer.
• Burning smell, smoke, or a hot spot at the back. Unplug it. A 2005 recall covered condenser fan motors in some Kenmore Elite Trio (795) refrigerators that could short and overheat (see "Recalls").
• Never puncture refrigerant tubing or use a sharp tool on ice around the evaporator. Sealed-system work is for a certified technician.
• No extension cords or plug adapters. Both Kenmore guides say not to use them.
• Food safety first. If the fridge has been above 40°F for more than a couple of hours, check perishables before you start troubleshooting (FoodSafety.gov guidance, source 13).
• In year 1? Kenmore's warranty covers free repair; call before you open panels.
• Recall check: search your model on the CPSC recall site before paying for a repair.

If none of these apply, the free checks below are safe for most owners.

Fix order at a glance (cheapest first)

DIY tiers: Easy (no tools) · Moderate (unplugged, basic tools) · Advanced (panels off, multimeter) · Pro only (boards, sealed system, or still under warranty).

Which Kenmore refrigerator do you have?

Find the model and serial number on the label (usually inside the fresh food section, on a side wall or under a crisper). Kenmore's warranty won't pay if the model and serial plate is missing or altered.

Labeling note: Kenmore's US website publishes warranties and manuals, but not model-by-model cooling troubleshooting. The prefix-to-maker mapping comes from parts retailers (source 5), not an official Kenmore table, so we don't state brand ownership beyond what those charts and CPSC say. LG and Frigidaire facts on this page come from LG's and Frigidaire's own support pages for their own refrigerators. Your Kenmore manual (Kenmore's manual lookup is linked below) always wins.

Five-minute checks before you call anyone

1. Model prefix: 106, 253, 795, or something else?
2. Thermometer: put a fridge thermometer in a glass of water on a middle shelf; read it after several hours. Kenmore's 106 guide sets 37°F for the fridge and 0°F for the freezer.
3. Cooling off? If the lights work but nothing runs, look for a cooling-off indicator or check the manual for your panel (on the 106 guide: TEMP + FILTER, 3 seconds).
4. Listen at the back: a humming compressor and a running fan mean it's trying to cool. A click every few minutes with no hum often points to the start relay or compressor.
5. Freezer back wall: an even sheet of frost behind the freezer panel points to a defrost fault.
6. Fan in the freezer: with the freezer door switch pressed in, you should hear (or feel) air from the freezer vents.
7. Base grille: look for lint and pet hair, then vacuum.

How to know it's fixed: after 24 hours, the thermometer reads near your setting and stays there.

What the makers say vs. each other (Kenmore 106 guide, Kenmore 253 guide, LG, Frigidaire)

Because a Kenmore can be built by different companies, the guidance in their manuals doesn't line up:

Our take: follow your own Kenmore manual and the column for your prefix. The GFCI advice really conflicts: the Kenmore 253 guide says don't use one, while Frigidaire's own article tells owners who have one to check it. If yours is on a GFCI and it keeps tripping, that's a job for an electrician, not a reason to use an extension cord. If you don't know your prefix, 37°F / 0°F and a 24-hour wait fit every column.

Kenmore cooling signs and what they point to

Kenmore displays and codes vary by maker and model. Your manual lists the codes for your panel.

Which part each symptom points at:

Kenmore checks from the two Kenmore use-and-care guides (sources 2 and 3). LG and Frigidaire rows come from those makers' own pages for their own refrigerators (sources 6 and 7) and apply to Kenmore models built on those platforms. The part mapping is our own from these guides and the Sears PartsDirect catalog.

Diagnose by symptom → likely part

1. Freezer cold, fridge warm, no fan sound

Likely cause: a failed evaporator fan motor in the freezer. The fan pushes cold air from the freezer coil into the fresh food section.

DIY difficulty: Moderate → Advanced.

2. Frost sheet on the freezer back wall

Likely cause: a defrost fault. The defrost heater, defrost thermostat, or the board that runs defrost has failed, and ice is blocking the airflow. A manual defrost (unplugged, doors open, towels down) can get you running for a few days, but if the frost comes back, a part has failed.

DIY difficulty: Advanced.

3. Back of the fridge hot, condenser fan still

Likely cause: a failed condenser fan motor (on models with a fan by the compressor) or a clogged condenser. Check the 2005 Kenmore Elite Trio recall first if your model starts with 795 (see "Recalls").

DIY difficulty: Moderate → Advanced.

4. Clicking at the back, compressor won't stay on

Likely cause: a failed start relay or overload. If a new relay doesn't help, the compressor itself may have failed, which is sealed-system work.

DIY difficulty: Advanced.

5. Fan runs, freezer fine, fridge still warm

Likely cause: a stuck air damper (the flap that lets freezer air into the fridge) or a bad temperature sensor.

DIY difficulty: Advanced.

6. Nothing runs, or everything runs and nothing cools

Likely cause: the control board, or the sealed system (compressor or refrigerant leak). Both are technician jobs.

DIY difficulty: Pro only.

Recalls

We checked the CPSC site on 2026-10-30 and found two recalls that name Kenmore refrigerators:

• June 29, 2005 — condenser fan motor fire hazard (LG-made): about 20,000 three-door bottom-freezer refrigerators sold as LG and Kenmore Elite Trio. The condenser fan motor capacitor can short and overheat. Kenmore models listed include 795.7519240, 795.7519340, 795.7519440, 795.7519640, 795.7519940, 795.7554240, 795.7554340, 795.7554440, 795.7554640, 795.7554940, 795.7555240, 795.7555340, 795.7555440, 795.7555640, and 795.7555940, serials 405KR to 410KR (not every unit is affected). Remedy: free in-home repair. Kenmore contact through Transform: (800) 659-7026. This one is directly about a cooling part.
• April 7, 2003 — shock hazard (announced by Maytag Corporation): about 6,000 Kenmore Elite TRIO refrigerators, models 596.73502, 596.73503, 596.73504, and 596.73509 series. A screw could pierce the wire harness. Remedy: test and repair free. Same Transform number (as listed in the recall notice).

These are older recalls; most affected units are long out of service. If your model and serial match, use the recall remedy, not a paid repair. Search your exact model at cpsc.gov/Recalls.

Prevent it next time

• Keep the base grille clear and vacuum the condenser if your kitchen is dusty, greasy, or has pets (every 2–3 months, per the 106 guide).
• Don't block vents, and don't load a lot of warm food at once.
• Clean the gaskets with mild soap and water; worn gaskets make it run longer (253 guide).
• Plug it straight into a grounded outlet, no extension cord or adapter.
• Change settings one step at a time, then wait 24 hours.

Related guides: Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling · Frigidaire refrigerator not cooling · LG refrigerator not cooling · GE refrigerator not cooling · Kenmore washer not draining

What Kenmore's warranty covers on a refrigerator

Per the Kenmore warranty information page on kenmore.com (Refrigerators; the warrantor is Transform SR Brands Management LLC, and your refrigerator's use-and-care guide has the version that applies to your purchase):

What this means for a refrigerator that won't cool: a failed fan, defrost part, relay, board, or compressor in year 1 is a free repair. After year 1, the sealed-system and compressor terms apply only to the Kenmore PRO lines named on that page. Kenmore excludes service calls for cleaning or maintenance and to instruct you, expendable parts such as filters and bulbs, and problems with house fuses, circuit breakers, wiring, or plumbing. You need proof of original sale.

→ Kenmore: warranty information · Kenmore: manuals · Kenmore warranty line 1-844-553-6667

Before you pay for any repair: a 4-point check

1. Warranty: year 1; Kenmore PRO sealed-system or compressor coverage; retailer or credit-card extended protection.
2. Recalls: check the 2005 Kenmore Elite Trio (795) and 2003 Kenmore Elite TRIO (596) recalls, then search cpsc.gov/Recalls.
3. Free fixes done: settings, cooling not off, power, vents, 24-hour wait, gaskets, condenser.
4. Written quote: ask for part, labor, and trip fee separately, and which part tested bad.

What it costs: repair parts and pro service (2026)

Part prices checked 2026-10-30 on Sears PartsDirect public search pages (S1–S8). Pro-cost cells tagged [GUIDE] from G1 (Fixr) and G2 (HomeGuide), re-read 2026-10-30; [GUIDE] figures are national averages, not Kenmore-specific quotes. Prices change; confirm with your model number.

Tip: tell the tech your full model number (with the prefix), what the thermometer reads in each section, whether you hear the compressor and fans, and whether there's frost on the freezer back wall.

Repair vs. replace calculator

1. What's the all-in repair cost? → R = trip/diagnostic fee + part + labor + tax, minus anything Kenmore's warranty (or a recall) covers
2. What does a comparable new refrigerator cost, all-in? → N = unit + delivery + installation + haul-away
3. How old is your refrigerator, and how long should it last? → Age and Life (Fixr says the average is 13 years; HomeGuide says 10–20 years; use 13 if you don't know)
4. How much have you spent on repairs in the last 2 years? → Past

Step A — Cost ratio: R ÷ N
Step B — Life used: Age ÷ Life
Step C — Repeat-repair check: (R + Past) ÷ N

Repeat-repair rule: if Step C is over 50%, lean toward replacing. Fixr's own rule is to never spend more than half the price of a new model on repairs, and it says a fridge more than 10 years old may benefit from replacement. If the part is no longer available for your model, replace.

Worked example 1 (illustrative numbers): A Kenmore 106 side-by-side is warm after the owner turned the fridge to its coldest setting "to catch up." The panel shows cooling switched off. They turn cooling back on, set 37°F / 0°F, and wait 24 hours. R = $0.
→ Not a repair.

Worked example 2 (illustrative numbers): A 6-year-old Kenmore 795 bottom-freezer has a cold freezer and a warm fridge; no fan sound. A tech replaces the evaporator fan: R = $300; N = $1,800.
300 ÷ 1,800 = 17%; life used 6 ÷ 13 = 46% → Repair.

Worked example 3 (illustrative numbers): A 12-year-old Kenmore 253 top-freezer needs a compressor ($1,000 quote) a year after a defrost heater ($250): N = $1,700.
1,000 ÷ 1,700 = 59% (inside the 50–60% second-quote zone); life used 12 ÷ 13 = 92%; repeat check (1,000 + 250) ÷ 1,700 = 74% → Replace.

Tips toward replacing: a sealed-system repair on an older fridge, repeat repairs, or parts no longer sold for your model.
Tips toward repairing: it's a fan, defrost part, relay, damper, or sensor; the fridge is under about 8 years old; or it's in year 1.

Why 50%? It's the common rule of thumb for appliances, and Fixr uses it for refrigerators. Some technician checklists draw the line a little higher, at about 60% of a new refrigerator's price, so treat a repair that costs 50–60% of new as a second-quote zone, not an automatic replace.

Who services Kenmore refrigerators near you

1. Kenmore (warranty). Call the Kenmore warranty line at 1-844-553-6667. Have your model and serial number and proof of sale ready.
→ Kenmore: warranty information

2. A partner appliance pro (out of warranty).
Our call line connects you with an independent appliance repair provider in your area. Tell them the full model number (so they know the maker), the thermometer readings, and what you've already tried.

Questions to ask any technician:

• Did you check the evaporator fan, defrost parts, and condenser before quoting the sealed system?
• Is the part a Whirlpool, Frigidaire, or LG number that matches my model prefix?
• Is my model in the 2005 or 2003 Kenmore Elite Trio recall?
• Are you certified for refrigerant work, and can you split the quote into part, labor, and trip fee?

Optional: is an appliance warranty worth it?

A home warranty (service contract) can cover repairs for a yearly fee plus a per-visit service fee. Read the exclusions carefully: plans often cap sealed-system and refrigerant repairs, exclude food loss unless listed, and exclude pre-existing problems.

FAQ

Why is my Kenmore refrigerator not cooling?
Kenmore's 106-series guide lists blocked vents, doors opened often, a large load of food, and controls set wrong for the surroundings. It also has a cooling-off mode that leaves the lights on. If those are fine, the usual parts are the evaporator fan, a defrost part, the condenser fan, or the start relay.

Who made my Kenmore refrigerator?
Parts retailers list 106 = Whirlpool, 253 = Frigidaire (Gibson), and 795 = LG, from the first three digits of the model number. Kenmore doesn't publish an official table.

What temperature should my Kenmore fridge be?
The 106-series guide's factory settings are 37°F for the refrigerator and 0°F for the freezer.

How long does a Kenmore refrigerator take to cool?
Kenmore says to wait 24 hours after installing it before adding food, and 24 hours between setting changes. The 253 guide says it takes 24 hours to cool after being disconnected.

Why is my Kenmore freezer cold but the fridge warm?
Cold air isn't reaching the fridge. Clear the vents first; then the evaporator fan, a frosted-over coil (defrost fault), or the air damper are the usual causes.

Can I plug my Kenmore refrigerator into an extension cord or GFCI?
Both Kenmore guides say no extension cord or adapter. The 253 guide says GFCI receptacles aren't recommended.

How much does it cost to fix a Kenmore refrigerator that isn't cooling?
Often nothing. When we checked Sears PartsDirect on 2026-10-30, Kenmore-listed evaporator fan motors ran about $49 to $205 depending on the maker. Fixr puts fan repair at $120 to $200; HomeGuide puts an evaporator fan replacement at $250 to $400.

About the author

Fix It or Replace editorial team — We research appliance repairs using manufacturer documentation, parts-supplier data, and current US cost guides, and we cite every source below. We are not appliance technicians; for refrigerant, electrical, or board repairs, call a qualified pro.
Last updated: 2026-10-30.

Sources

1. Kenmore US: "Warranty Information" (revised January 10, 2024; warrantor Transform SR Brands Management LLC; refrigerators: one year free repair or replacement if it can't be repaired, from the date of original sale; Kenmore PRO refrigerators/freezers: 5-year sealed system and 10-year linear compressor, part only after year 1; 90 days for non-household use; exclusions incl. cleaning or maintenance visits, instruction, expendable parts such as filters and bulbs, house fuses, circuit breakers, wiring and plumbing, missing or altered serial plate; proof of original sale; 1-844-553-6667). https://www.kenmore.com/warranty-information (accessed 2026-10-30)
2. Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator use-and-care guide, "Model number 106." (W10192868A), hosted by Sears PartsDirect (factory settings 37°F / 0°F; ranges 33–45°F and -5 to 5°F; wait at least 24 hours between adjustments; colder settings won't cool faster; cooling off/on: hold TEMP and FILTER 3 seconds; check vents first; wait 24 hours before adding food; may run up to 100% of the time; grounded 3-prong outlet, no adapter or extension cord; fuse or breaker; condenser cleaning not routinely needed, every 2–3 months if greasy, dusty or heavy pet traffic, vacuum the base grille; clean gaskets with mild soap and water; too warm: vents blocked, doors opened often, large food load, controls set for surroundings; small or hollow cubes: low water pressure). https://c.searspartsdirect.com/doc/L0809078 (accessed 2026-10-30)
3. Kenmore Pro all-refrigerator use-and-care guide, "Model Number: 253." (part 297226300, January 2008), hosted by Sears PartsDirect (own grounded receptacle, 15 A time-delay fuse or breaker; GFCI receptacles not recommended; no extension cord or adapter; voltage variance of 10% or more affects performance; room 40–110°F; 3/8 in side clearance; control 7 = coldest, 0 = off; several hours to stabilize between adjustments; 24 hours to cool after being disconnected; dirty or worn gaskets make it run longer). https://c.searspartsdirect.com/doc/L0804292 (accessed 2026-10-30)
4. Kenmore US: manuals lookup. https://www.kenmore.com/manuals (accessed 2026-10-30)
5. Parts Dr: "Who Made My Sears Kenmore Appliance? Model Number Prefix Guide" (106 = Whirlpool; 253 = Gibson (Frigidaire); 795 = LG Electronics (refrigeration); 363 = GE; 596 = Amana). Retailer source, not Kenmore; other retailers list 596 differently. https://partsdr.com/blog/who-made-my-sears-kenmore-appliance/ (accessed 2026-10-30)
6. LG platform (labeled; LG's own page for LG refrigerators): LG USA Support "If Your LG Refrigerator Is Not Cold Enough" (set 34–37°F; no more than 70% full; clear vents; doors fully closed; two to three days after install or repair; hold Lock/Unlock 3 seconds). https://www.lg.com/us/support/help-library/if-your-lg-refrigerator-is-not-cold-enough--20155457094933 · "LG Refrigerator – How to Disable Demo Mode" (O F F on the panel = Demo/Display Mode, all cooling disabled; button steps differ for 2018-and-prior and 2019-and-newer models) https://www.lg.com/us/support/help-library/lg-refrigerator-how-to-disable-demo-mode--1337637756594 (accessed 2026-10-30)
7. Frigidaire platform (labeled; Frigidaire's own page for Frigidaire refrigerators): "Refrigerators - Not Cooling" (dedicated grounded outlet on a 15 or 20 amp breaker or time-delay fuse; 24 hours to stabilize; check the GFI outlet; after an outage flip the refrigerator's breaker off; not below 55°F; 37°F / 0°F, acceptable 33–47°F; blocked vents; dollar-bill seal test). https://owner.frigidaire.com/support-articles/article/1898299-refrigerators-not-cooling · "Refrigerator Error Codes and Alarms Guide" (77 77 Demo Mode, unplug 5 minutes). https://owner.frigidaire.com/support-articles/article/1847088-refrigerators-error-codes-and-alarms (accessed 2026-10-30)
8. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: "CPSC, LG Electronics and Sears, Roebuck and Co. Announce Recall to Repair Refrigerators" (June 29, 2005; recall 05-213; about 20,000 LG and Kenmore Elite Trio three-door bottom-freezer refrigerators; condenser fan motor capacitor can short and overheat; Kenmore models 795.7519240 through 795.7555940 as listed, serials 405KR–410KR; free in-home repair; Kenmore (800) 659-7026). https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2005/cpsc-lg-electronics-and-sears-roebuck-and-co-announce-recall-to-repair-refrigerators (accessed 2026-10-30)
9. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: "CPSC, Maytag Corporation Announce Recall of Kenmore Elite Brand TRIO Model Refrigerators" (April 7, 2003; about 6,000; models 596.73502, 596.73503, 596.73504, 596.73509 series; screw could pierce the wire harness; free test and repair; (800) 659-7026). https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2003/cpsc-maytag-corporation-announce-recall-of-kenmore-elite-brand-trio-model-refrigerators (accessed 2026-10-30 via search-index text)
10. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: recalls search. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls (accessed 2026-10-30)
11. Federal Trade Commission: endorsement and affiliate disclosure guidance. https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/ftcs-endorsement-guides-what-people-are-asking
12. Part prices (Sears PartsDirect, S-list) and repair cost guides (Fixr G1, HomeGuide G2), see lists below (accessed 2026-10-30).
13. FoodSafety.gov (USDA/FDA): food safety during a power outage. https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/food-safety-during-power-outage

Part price sources (Sears PartsDirect public search results for "kenmore refrigerator …", USD, accessed 2026-10-30; grouped by maker; prices change, confirm with your model number):

• S1. Search "kenmore refrigerator evaporator fan motor": LG EAU63103203 $100.59, 4681JB1027C $121.80; Frigidaire 5303918549 $49.24, 809069220 $100.71, 5304513783 (fan motor assembly) $205.46 (Samsung DA97, unlabeled RF- and 3015924900 catalog numbers, brackets, grommets, covers, and mounting plates excluded). https://www.searspartsdirect.com/search?q=kenmore%20refrigerator%20evaporator%20fan%20motor
• S2. Search "kenmore refrigerator defrost heater": LG MEE62105206 $109.53, 5300JK1005Z (Kenmore Elite) $111.39, 5300JB1100T $163.14; Frigidaire 242044113 $74.25, 240356221 $90.31, 215425300 $196.36; GE WR51X444 $71.71, WR51X464 $142.73, WR51X465 $153.04, WR51X466 $263.93. https://www.searspartsdirect.com/search?q=kenmore%20refrigerator%20defrost%20heater
• S3. Search "kenmore refrigerator defrost thermostat": Frigidaire 297216600 $19.87, 5303918214 $26.24, 216731001 $62.08; Whirlpool-family WP67006387 $71.31; GE WR50X60 $16.93, WR50X55 $17.84, WR50X10068 $24.47, WR50X129 $25.74, WR50X10010 $33.29, WR50X134 $39.79, WR50X124 $49.31, WR50X122 $55.37, WR50X133 $64.49. https://www.searspartsdirect.com/search?q=kenmore%20refrigerator%20defrost%20thermostat
• S4. Search "kenmore refrigerator condenser fan motor": LG 4680JB1026H $89.38, EAU65058312 $99.20, EAU63923602 $100.50, EAU63103207 $115.31, EAU63103305 $135.38, EAU61644105 $172.17; Whirlpool-family W11613295 $68.73 (Samsung DA97 and DA63, dampers, bracket, 833697, and 4681JB1029V at $17.96 excluded as an outlier). https://www.searspartsdirect.com/search?q=kenmore%20refrigerator%20condenser%20fan%20motor
• S5. Search "kenmore refrigerator start relay": Frigidaire 241707709 $70.96, 241707712 $66.86, 297259505 (Kenmore Elite) $55.83; LG EBG61486613 $78.90, EBG60663230 $89.94, EBG62325702 $133.89, EBG60663207 $72.23 (from the "kenmore refrigerator thermistor" search); Whirlpool-family 8201799 $56.13, WPW10189190 $75.87, WP10097204 $79.39; GE WR07X10057 $83.90 (Samsung DA34, covers, overload-only parts, and run capacitor excluded). https://www.searspartsdirect.com/search?q=kenmore%20refrigerator%20start%20relay
• S6. Search "kenmore refrigerator damper": Whirlpool-family WPW10196393 $91.00, W11164593 $124.86, WP67003903 $140.01, WP2301101 $174.45, WP2209751 $246.19; Frigidaire 5303918899 $55.30, 241600906 $74.31, 241510301 $94.82; LG 5209JJ1013B $152.83 (Samsung DA63, covers, gaskets, knobs, clips, and ducts excluded). https://www.searspartsdirect.com/search?q=kenmore%20refrigerator%20damper
• S7. Search "kenmore refrigerator thermistor": Whirlpool-family WP67003924 $6.63, WP2188819 $29.21, W11690896 $49.21, W10316760 (kit) $53.91, W11168403 $65.33; Frigidaire 241608501 $48.14, 5303918645 $68.31 (12002355, harness assemblies, and relay/overload parts excluded). https://www.searspartsdirect.com/search?q=kenmore%20refrigerator%20thermistor
• S8. Search "kenmore refrigerator control board": LG EBR80757406 $285.18, EBR80757412 $285.18, EBR83806911 (Kenmore Elite) $347.73, EBR74796430 $371.36, EBR67348017 $382.02, EBR85624974 $481.79, EBR87145135 $486.57; Frigidaire 5304513797 $287.51 (display, dispenser, and power boards, 6871JB1215J, and unlabeled RF- and 40301- catalog numbers excluded). https://www.searspartsdirect.com/search?q=kenmore%20refrigerator%20control%20board

Pro-cost guide sources [GUIDE] (US national averages, parts + labor, not brand-specific quotes; the guide pages carry 2023–2025 dates, so local quotes may differ):

• G1. Fixr, "How much does it cost to repair a refrigerator?" (updated August 29, 2025): national average $350–$500; coil cleaning $60–$100; fan $120–$200; thermostat replacement $100–$260; fridge seal $60–$100; control board $500–$1,000; compressor $500–$1,000; sealed system $800–$1,200; service call $70–$120; labor $100–$250 per hour; replacement $1,000–$3,000; average life 13 years; a fridge more than 10 years old may benefit from replacement; never spend more than half the price of a new model on repairs. https://www.fixr.com/costs/refrigerator-repair (accessed 2026-10-30)
• G2. HomeGuide, "How Much Does Refrigerator Repair Cost? (2026)" (byline April 5, 2023): evaporator fan motor $250–$400 (part $30–$150); condenser fan motor $200–$350; cleaning coils $70–$130; defrost heater $120–$400; thermostat $100–$400; door seal $100–$300; control board $400–$750; compressor $700–$1,250; entire sealed system $600–$1,400; $50–$125 per hour with minimum call-out fees of $70–$130; replacement $675–$2,500; refrigerators last 10–20 years. https://homeguide.com/costs/refrigerator-repair-cost (accessed 2026-10-30)

Disclosure

Fix It or Replace is an independent site. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Kenmore, Transformco, Sears, Whirlpool, LG, Frigidaire, GE, or Maytag. "Kenmore" is a trademark of its owner and is used here only to describe the products we cover.

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• Call line: Phone numbers labeled "partner pro" are operated by a third-party lead service that routes your call to an independent repair provider in your area. We may be paid for calls. We don't employ the technicians, and we don't guarantee their work, pricing, or availability. Confirm licensing, insurance, and quotes directly with the provider.
• Prices are estimates and change often. Always get a written quote.
• Safety: Unplug the refrigerator before removing the base grille or any panel. Refrigerant work requires a certified technician.

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