Whirlpool Whirlpool WRT318FZDW 18 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator MECH-NOT-COOL Error Fix: Refrigerator Not Cooling

Error code MECH-NOT-COOL on the Whirlpool Whirlpool WRT318FZDW 18 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator means: Refrigerator Not Cooling. The refrigerator and/or freezer are not maintaining proper temperature. Systematic diagnosis: (1) Check that the compressor runs — listen for a low humming at the back. If silent, check the compressor start relay (plugged into the compressor terminals) — shake it; if it rattles, it is broken. Replace the start relay ($10-25). (2) Check the condenser coils underneath or behind the unit — if caked with dust, clean them with a coil brush. Dirty coils are the most common cause of poor cooling. (3) Check the evaporator fan inside the freezer — open the freezer door and listen. If the fan is not running, replace it. (4) Check for frost on the evaporator coils behind the freezer rear panel — if iced over, the defrost system has failed (see codes 1, 2, 3).

The most successful fix is "Replace Compressor Start Relay or Evaporator Fan Motor" (medium difficulty, ~60 minutes). Estimated DIY cost: $15-$30. HomeMD has 2 community-ranked fixes for this error.

This error is rated warning severity. It is generally not urgent and can often be resolved with a simple DIY fix.

Yes — the top-ranked community fix ("Replace Compressor Start Relay or Evaporator Fan Motor") is rated medium difficulty and takes about 60 minutes. Tools needed: T20 Torx screwdriver, Multimeter, Flashlight, Needle-nose pliers.

DIY cost: $15-$30. Professional repair typically costs $200-$350. Many homeowners save money by trying the top-ranked community fix first.

The Whirlpool Whirlpool WRT318FZDW 18 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator has 8 other known error codes, including: 1 (Defrost Bimetal/Thermostat Failure), 2 (Defrost Heater Failure), 3 (Defrost Timer/Board Failure), CF (Communication Fault), MECH-COMPRESSOR (Compressor Click-and-Buzz Failure), and 3 more.

Error code MECH-NOT-COOL also appears on 2 other Whirlpool models: Whirlpool WRF535SWHZ 25 cu. ft. French Door Refrigerator, Whirlpool WRS331SDHM 21 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator. The fix may vary by model, so check each model's specific page for tailored repair steps.