A Homeworth customer called about their Whirlpool refrigerator not staying cold while the freezer worked fine. We found a sticking compressor relay that was preventing proper defrost cycles, warming the fresh food compartment.
The Problem
The customer reported their refrigerator compartment was running warm while the bottom freezer section maintained proper temperatures. Food in the fresh food section was spoiling faster than normal, and drinks weren’t getting cold.
Diagnosis
During our inspection, we discovered the compressor relay was sticking and preventing proper defrost cycles. This malfunction disrupted the cooling cycle in the refrigerator section while leaving the freezer compartment unaffected. The control board was sending incorrect signals to the defrost system.
The Repair
- Parts replaced: WPW10503278 — control board
- Work performed: Replaced the control board and ran a manual defrost cycle
- Result: Refrigerator returned to proper cooling temperatures across both compartments
Is It Worth Repairing?
This Whirlpool GX5SHDXVQ02 is a solid side-by-side unit that typically runs 12-15 years with proper maintenance. A control board replacement on a refrigerator this age makes good financial sense, especially when the compressor and other major components are still functioning properly.
Maintenance Tips for Whirlpool Refrigerators
- Clean the condenser coils every 6 months — Whirlpool side-by-side models are particularly sensitive to restricted airflow
- Replace the water filter every 6 months to prevent ice maker and dispenser issues common in these models
- Keep door seals clean and check for proper closure — side-by-side configurations work harder when seals fail
Appliance Repair in Homeworth, OH
Homeworth is in Columbiana County — an area we cover regularly from our base in Louisville, OH. We also serve Salem, Carrollton, and East Palestine. Louisville Appliance Repair is owned and operated by Samuel Willhite, a master-certified technician with Bosch and Speed Queen factory authorizations. If your refrigerator needs service, schedule online or call (330) 693-9163. You can also find us on Google and read verified reviews from customers across Columbiana County and surrounding areas.
Louisville Appliance Repair serves Columbiana County and surrounding areas.
Schedule your repair online,
call (330) 693-9163,
or see our reviews on Google.