OP, I had the same problem with the 15 yr old Whirlpool already in the condo when we moved in. After I opened up the inside back panels, I found the small fan that blew the inside air over the coils was not turning. Turns out it was just stuck from lack of use. A quick turn of my wrist on the blades freed it up.
After 5 years, same thing happened. This time, the failed part was the defrost timer. I knew it was that because I no longer heard the ticking sounds it used to make when defrost was ongoing. Couldn't find a replacement online nor from a few ref and acon parts suppliers, so I called the local Whirlpool tech repair office and they had the part. Tech came over after 2 days and replaced the timer. Seemed good, the ticking sound was back, but after 2 days still no joy. I opened up the old timer and the new timer, and found they did not have the same wiring pattern inside to the external pin system. Switched the new timer wires around to match the old part's, and now it works.
A week later, I noticed the compressor was not turning off. Looked under into the condenser coils and found them caked in hair, fluff and dirt. Access was not easy, but eventually I got 'em clean enough and the ref back to normal.
Two years ago, the replacement timer failed. It was a mechanical unit with a small motor inside, and I noticed I could start the defrost cycle with a Philips screwdriver into an access hole and rotating the timer wheel inside till I hear a click. It's only a 5-second chore, and now turn the timer geared wheel every 3 days to keep the evap coils frost free.
After 5 years, same thing happened. This time, the failed part was the defrost timer. I knew it was that because I no longer heard the ticking sounds it used to make when defrost was ongoing. Couldn't find a replacement online nor from a few ref and acon parts suppliers, so I called the local Whirlpool tech repair office and they had the part. Tech came over after 2 days and replaced the timer. Seemed good, the ticking sound was back, but after 2 days still no joy. I opened up the old timer and the new timer, and found they did not have the same wiring pattern inside to the external pin system. Switched the new timer wires around to match the old part's, and now it works.
A week later, I noticed the compressor was not turning off. Looked under into the condenser coils and found them caked in hair, fluff and dirt. Access was not easy, but eventually I got 'em clean enough and the ref back to normal.
Two years ago, the replacement timer failed. It was a mechanical unit with a small motor inside, and I noticed I could start the defrost cycle with a Philips screwdriver into an access hole and rotating the timer wheel inside till I hear a click. It's only a 5-second chore, and now turn the timer geared wheel every 3 days to keep the evap coils frost free.
