Need some guidance with a KitchenAid Wine Cellar running very cold!!

[gman44116]

Well, about a year ago, I noticed the wine fridge was was too cold regardless of the thermostat setting.  Seems like it the compressor keeps running or something.

I would really like to replace any parts myself as I am sort of a 'shade tree' mechanic..

Can someone please help in regards to the diagnosis?

Is it the thermostat? If so, I know where to order it but would require installation instructions...

Any help here would be greatly appreciated....

Model KUWS24RSBS00

[AJ]

If the wine cellar is running all the time and is to cold then yes I would replace the thermostat.

If it was running all the time and not getting cold enough then you maybe looking at other problems, but that does not sound like the case here.

I looked up the thermostat (part# 4344863) at our affiliates sites, not cheap!

RepairClinic: $109.25

AppliancePartsPros: $86.58

Looks like it should be easy enough to replace.

You can download the service manual for your wine cellar at this URL.

http://appliancedigest.com/index.php?/files/file/367-whirlpool-kar-25-wine-cellar-service-manual/

[gman44116]

I pulled out the meter and checked the thermostat (the one that has the temp. adjustment knob in front) and it is showing less than 1.0 ohm (fridge unplugged).

Does this mean that my thermostat is bad or good???  confused...

thank you very much for the quick response...

[gman44116]

AJ, are you sure about the part #?

The attachment I have to this post reflects the model # I have and a different part #..  #4344859....

Also, the link you sent is not for my model...

[AJ]

I pulled out the meter and checked the thermostat (the one that has the temp. adjustment knob in front) and it is showing less than 1.0 ohm (fridge unplugged).

Does this mean that my thermostat is bad or good???  confused...

thank you very much for the quick response...

It means that your thermostat is closed.

When the thermostat is closed it will provide power to the compressor so it runs.

If the wine cellar is cold enough the thermostat should be open.

As with anything refrigerator unit with a thermostat/cold control such as your wine cellar you could check the probe on the end of the thermostat to see it if looks like it's in the correct place.

For example the thermostat probe looked like it fell out of the clips that hold it in place. I have never personally worked on a unit such as this, but if everything looks like it's in place the next step I would take is to replace the thermostat.

[gman44116]

AJ, thanks for the info on the 'closed' thermostat and bulb being out of place.  I take it that the bulb is on the far end of the copper thermostat wire.  This wire feeds to the back and up into the unit, behind the back metal cover which seems to be glued in.  There are two covers on the back. One on the bottom that just screws out to show the compressor etc. And the other which again seems to be glued in as it wont come off with just removing the screws...

Do you suggest I pull off this back metal cover and check the copper line and the bulb attachment?

[AJ]

AJ, are you sure about the part #?

The attachment I have to this post reflects the model # I have and a different part #..  #4344859....

Also, the link you sent is not for my model...

When I copied and pasted the model number you listed into a parts data base that is what I come up with for a part number. Best to look it up yourself just to make sure.

The service manual is not your exact model number, sorry about that. It's the closest thing I could find.
Thought it was the exact service manual when I first looked at the model number on the cover, guess it was not after a second look.

[AJ]

Do you suggest I pull off this back metal cover and check the copper line and the bulb attachment?

Can't hurt to take a look. Let us know what you find.

[gman44116]

Wow, AJ,

Is there actually two thermostats?  One that has the knob up front to adjust temp?  that is the part # I gave you.

The part# you gave me was for the thermostat in the rear.  

How do I know which one to replace?

thanks

[AJ]

Interesting, like I said I have never worked on one of these units myself. Just don't see them in this part of the country.

You say it has two thermostats?

If one thermostat checks open and the other one closed I would look at the one that is closed all the time as being the one that is keeping it running.

Maybe another tech with some experience with these units will jump in here with there advice.

[gman44116]

I checked both thermostats.  Both are reflecting less than 1 ohm so i guess their both closed?

I hope someone can shed some light on this.

Thermostat with temp adjustment knob in front of unit: part# 4344859
Thermostat in the rear of the unit:      part # 4344863

I attached a diagram of the unit for review....

[AJ]

#15 4344859 is the cycling thermostat that should be control the inside temperature.
 
I see part # 4344863 on page 5, illustration #32, but not sure just what it is doing off hand.

[gman44116]

AJ,

#32, part # 4344863 thermostat runs what looks like the only sensor inside.  It's copper and wrapped...

#15 part # 4344859 has a copper wrapped wire as well but it runs back and up somewhere.  I took off the backing and tore through some insulation but couldn't find it.  I do not know where this one leads....

But both are showing less than 1 ohm tested

[gman44116]

Just spoke with the technician who was coming out.  Turns out he doesn't have to as we discussed this issue about the temperature.

He stated that it is 99% the case that the thermostat part 4344859 needs to be replaced.

Part ordered and looking forward to it coming in..

Will post the end result.

thanks John

G

[AJ]

Thanks for the update, please do keep us posted.