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Whirlpool Refrigerator COOLING OFF: What It Means and How to Fix It
Does your Whirlpool refrigerator display say COOLING OFF while the lights still work? Here is what Whirlpool says it means, how to turn cooling back on, and when to call a technician.
What Does COOLING OFF Mean on a Whirlpool Refrigerator?
Whirlpool says COOLING OFF means the cooling function has been switched off, so neither the refrigerator nor the freezer will cool even though the display and lights work. It can be turned off by accident while cleaning the controls, and some models need cooling turned back on after a power outage or surge. Source: Whirlpool COOLING OFF support page (opens in a new tab).
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Common Signs With COOLING OFF
You may notice one or more of these along with the message.
What Causes COOLING OFF?
These are the causes Whirlpool lists and what a technician checks.
How to Turn Cooling Back On
Button combinations differ by model, so check your Use & Care Guide. These are the steps Whirlpool describes.
Turn cooling on
On many models, press and hold Lock and Measured Fill together for 3 seconds. Your model may use a different pair of buttons.
Rule out demo mode
In demo or showroom mode the display works but nothing cools. Whirlpool lists model-specific button combinations to exit it.
Reset the power
If a flashing F code appears, unplug the refrigerator or switch off its breaker for 1 minute, restore power and make sure cooling is on.
When to Call a Technician
Schedule a repair if:
- Cooling won’t turn back on
- A flashing F code returns
- It is on but still warm after 24 hours
- The compressor never starts
Related Whirlpool Refrigerator Pages
Whirlpool refrigerator repairMore help, including other Whirlpool codes:
Refrigerator not cooling guideWhirlpool ice maker repairWhirlpool washer F9E1 error codeWhirlpool dryer AF / F4E3 error codeAll Whirlpool appliance repairWhirlpool demo mode support pageWritten estimate first
Refrigerator Still Not Cooling?
ALAS technicians diagnose Whirlpool refrigerators that won’t cool and give you a written estimate before any repair.
- Diagnostic fee credited toward the repair
- 90-day warranty, 6 months for members
- Open daily, 8 AM–8 PM
Whirlpool Refrigerator COOLING OFF FAQs
Whirlpool says it means the cooling function is switched off. It is often turned off by accident while wiping the controls, or needs to be turned back on after a power outage. Hold the button pair your model uses, often Lock and Measured Fill, for 3 seconds.
Give it up to 24 hours to reach normal temperature, as Whirlpool advises for setting changes. Keep the doors closed and move the most perishable food to a cooler in the meantime.
Whirlpool says a flashing F code such as F3E1, F4E1 or F8E1 means the refrigerator should be reset: power off for 1 minute, restore power and make sure cooling is on. Whirlpool doesn’t name a failed part, so if the code returns, a technician needs to test the system.
Food safety guidance says perishable food in a refrigerator above 40°F for more than 4 hours should be thrown out. When in doubt, see FoodSafety.gov’s outage guidance (opens in a new tab).
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