Kenmore Coldspot Refrigerator Model 106 Troubleshooting

The Kenmore Coldspot Refrigerator Model 106 is a common sight in American kitchens. Its reputation for reliability doesn't mean it's immune to the occasional problem. If your Coldspot 106 is acting up, knowing where to start can save you money and frustration. This guide covers the most frequent issues, what causes them, and step-by-step solutions you can try at home.

Refrigerator Not Cooling Properly

One of the most common complaints with the Kenmore Coldspot 106 is poor cooling in either the fridge or freezer compartment. Start by checking temperature settings. The recommended temperature for the fridge is around 37°F and 0°F for the freezer. If the settings look right but things still feel warm, check for blocked vents inside both compartments. Overfilled shelves or packages pressed against the back wall can restrict airflow, which is crucial for even cooling.

If adjusting items doesn’t help, inspect the condenser coils. Dusty or dirty coils force the compressor to work harder, often resulting in poor cooling. The coils are usually at the back or underneath the refrigerator. Unplug the unit and use a coil brush or vacuum to remove dirt. Also listen for the compressor running. If it’s silent or clicking on and off rapidly, you may have a problem with the start relay or compressor itself. Both require some technical skill to replace, so if you’re hesitant, call a professional.

Freezer Works, Fridge is Warm

If the freezer section stays cold but the fridge doesn’t, the problem often lies with restricted airflow. A failed evaporator fan motor or a faulty damper control can prevent cold air from reaching the refrigerator side. Open the freezer and listen for a small fan running when the door switch is pressed. No sound means the evaporator fan isn’t working and should be replaced.

Another common culprit is a frosted-over evaporator coil, usually caused by a defrost system failure. Remove the back panel from inside the freezer. If you see a solid wall of frost, the defrost timer, defrost heater, or defrost thermostat could be faulty. Defrost the coils manually by unplugging the fridge for several hours, but you’ll still need to address the underlying cause to prevent recurrence.

Ice Maker Not Working

Kenmore Coldspot 106 models with built-in ice makers can develop issues ranging from no ice production to broken cubes. If your ice maker isn’t making ice, make sure the metal shutoff arm is down and the water supply line behind the fridge isn’t kinked or blocked. Also check that the fill tube inside the freezer isn’t frozen.

If those quick checks don’t solve it, try ejecting the ice maker assembly (usually just a couple of screws and a wiring harness). Look for visible ice jams, broken plastic gears, or a cracked mold. If water isn’t filling the tray at all, the water inlet valve may have failed. Replacing the valve requires some tools but is a straightforward DIY job for most homeowners.

Strange Noises

Refrigerators make some noise, but loud buzzing, clicking, or knocking from your Coldspot 106 signals a problem. A constant clicking usually means the start relay on the compressor is failing. Buzzing or rattling might come from loose parts or a fan blade hitting something inside. To diagnose, pull the fridge away from the wall and listen closely. The condenser fan (behind a panel near the bottom back) should spin freely and quietly; replace it if it grinds, squeals, or doesn't move.

A loud humming from inside the freezer often comes from the evaporator fan. Open the freezer and press the door switch to see if the noise changes or stops. Replacing a noisy evaporator fan is a common repair for this model. Always unplug the unit before touching internal components.

Water Leaks Under the Fridge

If you find water pooling under your Kenmore Coldspot 106, the most likely cause is a blocked defrost drain. During normal operation, meltwater from the auto-defrost cycle runs through a small drain hole into a pan under the fridge, where it evaporates. Food debris or ice can block this drain. Check for water or ice inside the bottom of the freezer compartment. Use a turkey baster filled with hot water to flush the drain hole clear.

Leaking can also come from a loose or cracked water supply line, especially if you have an ice maker or water dispenser. Inspect the plastic tubing at the back of the fridge, tightening any fittings and replacing damaged lines. Finally, make sure the fridge is level - if it tilts forward, water may not flow into the drain pan properly.

Frost Buildup in Freezer

Frost build-up on freezer walls or food packaging is usually caused by excess humidity entering the compartment. Check that the door gasket forms a tight seal all the way around. Gaps or cracks in the gasket allow warm, moist air to get in, leading to frost. Clean the gasket with warm soapy water and inspect it for damage. If it’s warped or torn, it’s best to replace it.

Frequent door openings or storing hot food inside will also cause more frost. Try to open the door only as needed and let hot leftovers cool to room temperature before refrigeration. If the frost is heavy and recurring, the defrost timer, heater, or thermostat might be malfunctioning - all common points of failure in older Coldspot 106 units.

Interior Lights Not Working

If the fridge or freezer interior lights don’t come on, check the bulbs first. Most Coldspot 106 models use standard appliance bulbs, accessible via a clear plastic cover. Unplug the fridge, remove the cover, and swap in a new bulb of the same wattage. If the light still won’t come on, the door switch could be stuck or broken. Press the switch with your finger - if the bulb flickers, replace the switch. This is a quick repair requiring just a screwdriver and a few minutes.

Faulty wiring is rare but possible, especially if the fridge has been moved or bumped hard. If both the bulb and switch are good but the light doesn’t work, you may want to check the wiring harness behind the switch panel, or call a technician for a deeper inspection.

Frequently asked questions