KitchenAid KSSS36FKX00

Questions and Answers

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Brian BaldwinAug 20, 2025
Why is my KitchenAid KSSS36FKX00 compartment too cold?
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  Lynn ParkerAug 20, 2025
  If your KitchenAid Refrigerator compartment is too cold, here are some possible causes: * The refrigerator control may be set too cold. Try setting it to a higher temperature. * The refrigerator thermistor could be malfunctioning. Check the wires and connectors. Run diagnostics, and if a defective thermistor is indicated, confirm with an ohms test. * The air door might be stuck open or inoperative. Look for ice or other blockages in the air door. Run a diagnostics test to operate the air door. Check for proper DC input voltage. If the voltage is normal and the door still won't operate, replace the air door. * The air door seal might be missing or damaged. Repair or replace the seal. * There could be an issue with the main PC board. Run a diagnostics test to operate the air door.
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john43Aug 25, 2025
Why is my KitchenAid KSSS36FKX00 Refrigerator freezer too cold?
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  Emily CarterAug 25, 2025
  If your KitchenAid Refrigerator's freezer compartment is too cold: * The freezer control may be set too cold. Set it to a higher temperature. * The refrigerator may be operating in Max Cool or Automatic Max Ice Mode. This is normal operation. * The freezer thermistor might be faulty. Check the wires and connectors. Run diagnostics, and if a defective thermistor is indicated, confirm with an ohms test. * There might be no evaporator fan motor feedback. The fan motor will run at 3000 rpm.
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Gabriel CoxAug 27, 2025
What to do if the 'Call Service' icon lights up on my KitchenAid KSSS36FKX00 Refrigerator?
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  Beth FranklinAug 27, 2025
  If the "Call Service" icon lights up and/or the alarm is activated on your KitchenAid Refrigerator, it could be due to several reasons: * The main control board may be overheating, possibly due to blocked condenser airflow or a malfunctioning condenser fan motor. Check these components. * The refrigerator temperature might be above 48°F or the freezer above 15°F for more than 3 hours. In this case, run diagnostics to test all components. * Both thermistors might have failed. Run diagnostics and test the thermistors and their leads. * There might be no feedback from the evaporator fan motor. Run diagnostics and test the fan motor and its wiring.
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Jeffrey ColemanAug 31, 2025
What to do if the condenser fan runs but the compressor won't start on my KitchenAid KSSS36FKX00?
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  markwalkerAug 31, 2025
  If the condenser fan runs but the compressor won't start on your KitchenAid Refrigerator, the following could be the issue: * There may be no DC control voltage from the main PCB to the inverter board. * The control voltage wires may be loose or reversed. Check the connections and repair as needed. * There may be an issue with the compressor. * There may be an issue with the inverter board.
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Steven ChanSep 4, 2025
Why does my KitchenAid KSSS36FKX00 Refrigerator run too long?
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  Tyler WilkinsSep 4, 2025
  It is normal for your KitchenAid Refrigerator to run for extended periods. It is designed to run almost constantly at the lowest possible compressor speed because starting and stopping the compressor uses more power than continuous low rpm operation.
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wgreenSep 8, 2025
How to fix no temperature display and no interior lights on my KitchenAid KSSS36FKX00?
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  Diana HallSep 8, 2025
  If there is no temperature display and no interior lights on your KitchenAid Refrigerator, consider these possibilities: * The unit may be set to Holiday Mode. Press the Holiday Mode key to cancel this operation. * Either door may have been open for over 10 minutes. Close the door and/or check the door switches.
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Mark JohnsonNov 11, 2025
Why is my KitchenAid Refrigerator compartment too warm?
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  Brian DuncanNov 12, 2025
  If your KitchenAid Refrigerator compartment is too warm, there are several potential causes: * The refrigerator control might be set too warm. Try setting it to a lower temperature. * There might be an issue with the refrigerator thermistor. Check the wires and connectors. Run diagnostics, and if the thermistor is indicated as defective, confirm with an ohms test. * The air door could be stuck closed or inoperative. Look for ice or other blockages. Run a diagnostics test to operate the air door. * The evaporator fan motor may not be running. Run a diagnostics test to operate the evaporator fan motor. Check for a blocked fan blade and repair if necessary. Check for 5-17vdc from pin P7-9 to P7-10; if the voltage is correct, replace the motor. * There could be blocked airflow. Chec...
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John RossNov 15, 2025
Why is my KitchenAid KSSS36FKX00 freezer compartment too warm?
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  Jason RichardsonNov 15, 2025
  If your KitchenAid Refrigerator's freezer compartment is too warm, consider the following: * The freezer control might be set too warm. Set it to a lower temperature. * The freezer thermistor may be faulty. Check the wires and connectors. Run diagnostics, and if a defective thermistor is indicated, confirm with an ohms test. * The evaporator fan motor might not be running. Run a diagnostics test to operate the evaporator fan motor. Check for a blocked fan blade and repair as necessary. Check for 5-17vdc from pin P7-9 to P7-10; if the voltage is correct, replace the motor. * The condenser fan motor may not be running. Check for a blocked fan blade and repair as necessary. * Frost may be blocking the evaporator. Run diagnostics to operate the defrost system, and test the defrost h...

Summary

General Information and Safety Precautions

Safety First

Guidance on safety precautions for using the appliance and following safety messages.

Electrical Power Supply and Grounding

Information on safe electrical connections and grounding for the appliance.

Anti-Tip Requirements

Instructions to prevent the refrigerator from tipping over during installation and use.

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Sensitive Electronics

Precautions to protect electronic components from ESD damage during handling.

Model and Serial Number Information

Model & Serial Number Designations

Explanation of the structure and meaning of model and serial numbers.

Model & Serial Number Label Locations

Visual guide to the locations of the model/serial number label and tech sheets.

Product Specifications and Warranty

Specifications

Detailed technical specifications for various refrigerator models.

KitchenAid Built-In Refrigerator Warranty

Details of the warranty coverage, limitations, and service contact information.

Installation Information and Procedures

Product Dimensions

Key dimensions for refrigerator installation, including side, front, and top views.

Installation Openings

Requirements for cabinet openings, wall studs, electrical outlets, and plumbing for installation.

Water Supply Requirements

Instructions for connecting the water supply to the ice maker and water dispenser.

Anti-Tip Boards Installation

Procedure for installing anti-tip boards to secure the refrigerator during installation.

Leveling Legs and Door Adjustment

Steps for adjusting leveling legs, checking refrigerator levelness, and aligning doors.

Theory of Operation

Electronic Temperature Control Panel

Overview of the electronic control panel, its displays, and buttons for temperature management.

Temperature Control Logic

Explanation of how the electronic control manages refrigerator and freezer temperatures.

Compressor and Air Door Operation

Details on compressor speed control, inverter, and air door function in temperature regulation.

Defrost and Failure Modes

Description of adaptive defrost, pulsed defrost, and system default behaviors.

Special Operating Modes

Explanation of Max Cool, Automatic Max Ice, and Holiday Modes.

Alarms and Troubleshooting Indicators

Information on over-temperature, call service, and door open alarms.

Air Circulation

Explanation of how air flows between refrigerator and freezer compartments for temperature regulation.

Sealed System Schematic

Diagram illustrating the components and flow of the refrigerator's sealed refrigeration system.

Component Access and Removal

Component Locations

Visual identification and location of major components within the refrigerator.

Removing the Unit Compartment Cover

Procedure for removing the unit compartment cover using different methods.

Removing Electrical and Control Components

Steps to remove door switch, power switch, inverter, and main control board.

Removing Fan Motors

Detailed steps for safely removing and replacing the condenser and evaporator fan motors.

Removing Compressor and Filter;Drier

Procedure for accessing, disconnecting, and removing the compressor and filter/drier.

Removing Defrost System Components

Instructions for removing the bimetal, defrost heater, and evaporator.

Removing Display and Air Door Components

Steps to remove the touch/display board and the motorized air door.

Removing Ice Maker and Auger Motor

Procedure for removing the ice maker, auger motor, and crush/cube solenoid.

Removing Thermistor and Light Socket

Instructions for locating and removing the refrigerator/freezer thermistors and light sockets.

Removing Water Reservoir and Valve

Steps to access and remove the water reservoir and water valve assembly.

Removing Water & Ice Dispenser

Procedure for removing the water & ice dispenser front panel and unit.

Removing Door Gasket

Instructions for removing and replacing the door gasket to ensure a proper seal.

Removing Freezer or Refrigerator Door

Procedure for safely removing the freezer or refrigerator door, including dispenser models.

Component Testing Procedures

Thermistor Testing

Tests for checking thermistor resistance and voltage to diagnose temperature sensing issues.

Evaporator and Condenser Fan Motor Testing

Procedure for testing the evaporator and condenser fan motors' resistance and voltage.

Compressor and Inverter Testing

Tests for the compressor windings resistance and inverter board voltage output.

Motorized Air Door and Defrost System Testing

Tests for the motorized air door motor and defrost heater/bimetal continuity.

Main Control Board Testing

Testing specifications and procedures for the main control board's inputs and outputs.

Solenoid and Auger Motor Testing

Resistance tests for solenoids and the ice maker auger motor.

Water Valve Solenoid and Door Switch Testing

Resistance tests for water valve solenoids and door switch continuity.

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting

Diagnostic Mode Overview

Procedure for entering and operating the refrigerator's diagnostic mode for testing components.

Diagnostic Charts and Tests

Table detailing diagnostic steps, expected results, and specific tests like WFI.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Guide to identifying and resolving common refrigerator problems and their causes.

Wiring Diagrams and Strip Circuits

Wiring Diagram - Bottom Mount

Schematic illustrating the wiring connections for bottom mount refrigerator models.

Wiring Diagram - Side-by-Side Models

Schematic illustrating the wiring connections for side-by-side refrigerator models.

Strip Circuits - Cooling and Fan Motors

Strip circuit diagrams for compressor, inverter, and condenser fan motor controls.

Strip Circuits - Defrost and Ice Maker

Strip circuit diagrams for defrost heater, evaporator fan, and ice maker circuits.

Strip Circuits - Interior Lights

Strip circuit diagrams for the refrigerator and freezer interior lights.

Product Specifications and Contact Information

KitchenAid KSSS36FKX00 Specifications

General

Brand	KitchenAid
Model	KSSS36FKX00
Category	Refrigerator
Type	Side-by-Side
Total Capacity	36 cu. ft.
Ice Maker	Yes
Water Dispenser	Yes
Finish	Stainless Steel
Counter Depth	No
Energy Star Certified	Yes
Width	36 inches