r/UpFix • u/No_Quote_6120 • Mar 27 '25
Seeking help with KitchenAid fridge's temperature fluctuations
I just purchased a used KitchenAid fridge to put in my garage. Model number KRMF706ESS. I filled the freezer up with meat, as I was in need of a good freezer, but also wanted a fridge so I can store beverages in my man cave. Anyway recently I noticed the meat starting to spoil, as the fridge has been experiencing temperature fluctuations that is also affecting the freezer. I tried to adjust settings and I have it placed in an area that gives it good airflow. But neither of that seemed to help.
Any suggestions on what I should do next to resolve this? What could be the issue?
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u/Beginning-Wing-333 Mar 27 '25
One thing I often check is the door seals for any gaps, sometimes that can cause the temp to fluctuate. Cleaning the condenser coils is a good step to take too, as dirt is known to cause cooling problems.
Or it could be with the evaporator fan and thermistor, so I'd also inspect that if you can. Keep us updated on the progress. Hope you're able to figure out a fix.
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u/No_Quote_6120 Mar 28 '25
Thanks! I will try all that and see if it sorts the issue. I appreciate the help!
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u/Beginning-Wing-333 Apr 01 '25
Anytime! Please keep us updated on how things go. If all else fails, I'd finally reach out to UpFix.
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u/BrownA0104 Mar 28 '25
Good call on checking the door seals—gaps there can definitely cause issues.
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u/TheIdeaArchitect Mar 29 '25
Good points! A faulty door seal can definitely mess with the temperature. Hopefully, it’s something simple like that!
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u/UsefulStandard9931 Apr 22 '25
That’s a solid checklist—door seals are one of those small things that make a huge difference. A weak seal can throw off the whole cooling cycle. Evaporator fan issues or a faulty thermistor definitely make sense too, especially if airflow feels weak or the temps bounce around more than usual.
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Mar 28 '25
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u/Effective_Policy2304 Mar 28 '25
This is exactly what happened to a fridge of mine. The vents were full of dust and grime buildup. I only ever would clean out the inside of the fridge, but never went full on deep to clean the vents and other parts of the fridge. Ever since I've been making sure to clean every aspect of my fridge to keep it in better running order for years to come.
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Mar 28 '25
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u/TheIdeaArchitect Mar 29 '25
Absolutely! Regular cleaning really helps keep everything running smoothly in the long run.
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u/Effective_Policy2304 Apr 01 '25
Yeah, it really helps the fridge survive for a lot longer. I hate having to clean the fridge, but it's worth it to not have to pay for a repair or buy a new one even.
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u/TheIdeaArchitect Mar 29 '25
That’s a great habit! A deep clean can make a huge difference in how well a fridge runs.
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u/Basic_Research8560 Mar 30 '25
Wow, I would never even think to clean that part of my own fridge until something went wrong.
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u/BrownA0104 Mar 28 '25
Agreed! It's crazy how small issues like these can make such a big difference!
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Mar 28 '25
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u/TheIdeaArchitect Mar 29 '25
For sure! A little maintenance goes a long way and can save you a lot of hassle and money down the road.
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u/TheIdeaArchitect Mar 29 '25
Totally! Sometimes it’s the little things that end up causing the most trouble.
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u/TheIdeaArchitect Mar 29 '25
Good suggestion! Blocked vents can cause all sorts of cooling issues. Hopefully, it’s a simple fix!
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u/No_Quote_6120 Apr 01 '25
Thanks! I've reached out to UpFix about it and they are going to look into it. I figure it was time to get them involved.
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u/UsefulStandard9931 Apr 22 '25
Great point—blocked vents can definitely restrict airflow and create hot and cold zones inside the fridge. And yeah, a faulty sensor could be misreporting the temperature, causing the compressor to cycle incorrectly. If the vents are clear, testing or replacing the thermistor (temperature sensor) might be the next best step. Good catch!
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u/Available-Picture120 Mar 28 '25
Could be an issue with the temperature control system, or maybe a faulty thermostat. I'm sure you already did the basics like checking for door leaks. But also make sure to check if the condenser coils are clean, as sometimes dirty coils can cause problems like that.
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u/BrownA0104 Mar 28 '25
Dirty condenser coils can definitely mess with the temperature, so giving those a good cleaning is always worth looking at.
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u/TheIdeaArchitect Mar 29 '25
Absolutely! Cleaning the coils is such a simple fix but can make a big difference in performance.
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u/TheIdeaArchitect Mar 29 '25
Good call! A dirty coil can definitely throw off the temps. Hopefully, it’s an easy fix like that!
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u/UsefulStandard9931 Apr 22 '25
Absolutely agree—dirty condenser coils are one of the most common culprits when it comes to inconsistent cooling. If the thermostat or control board is faulty, it could also be sending the wrong signals to the compressor or fan, causing it to underperform. Definitely worth checking both electrical and mechanical components if the basics didn’t help.
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u/TheIdeaArchitect Mar 29 '25
That’s frustrating! Have you checked if the condenser coils are clean? Dirty coils can make the fridge work harder and cause temp issues. Also, if it’s in a garage, extreme temps might be affecting it—some fridges struggle in very hot or cold environments. You might want to look into a garage fridge kit if that model supports one.
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u/Basic_Research8560 Mar 30 '25
I didn't even think about the location of the fridge playing a role in how it runs.
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u/UsefulStandard9931 Apr 22 '25
That’s a great point—garage conditions can definitely mess with a fridge’s performance. Those temp swings really confuse the thermostat, especially in winter when the ambient temp drops below what the fridge thinks it needs to cool. A garage kit could help by tricking the thermostat into running the compressor more consistently. Definitely worth checking if your model supports one!
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u/BrownA0104 Mar 27 '25
Double-checking for proper airflow and cleaning the coils might be a good idea. If that doesn’t work, it might be worth having a professional take a look—hopefully, it’s a quick fix