Whirlpool Fridge Not Cooling or Freezer Warm? Evaporator W11578026 – Fix Cooling Failure Fast

If your Whirlpool refrigerator is not cooling, the freezer is warm, or you have excessive frost buildup on the back wall of the freezer compartment, the evaporator coil is the most likely cause. In most Whirlpool refrigerators, the evaporator absorbs heat from the freezer and fresh food compartments — when the coil develops a refrigerant leak, becomes blocked with ice, or fails structurally, the entire cooling system loses efficiency and both compartments warm up. ⚡ Common failure point in Whirlpool-built refrigerators. Part W11578026 is the genuine OEM replacement evaporator that restores full refrigerant heat exchange and returns both compartments to correct operating temperature.

❓ Is This the Right Part?

This is the correct fix if ALL of the following are true:

• ✔ Refrigerator compressor runs and condenser fan operates normally
• ✔ Defrost heater and defrost thermostat have been confirmed working
• ✔ Evaporator fan motor is confirmed operational
• ✔ Refrigerant charge has been verified or a leak has been identified at the evaporator coil
• ✔ ONLY problem is insufficient cooling, warm compartments, or heavy frost accumulation on the evaporator

Not sure? Send us your model number — we’ll confirm before you order.

🔧 Common Symptoms

• Refrigerator not cooling — fresh food compartment warm despite compressor running
• Freezer not reaching temperature — ice cream soft or melting
• Excessive frost or ice buildup on the back wall of the freezer compartment
• Evaporator fan running but no cold air circulating into the fresh food section
• Hissing or gurgling noise from the freezer area — refrigerant leak at the coil
• Refrigerator cycling constantly but never reaching set temperature

✔ If these symptoms match, this is the most likely failed component in the system.

✔ In most cases, replacing this evaporator restores full cooling performance to both compartments.

📦 Part Details

• Part Number: W11578026
• Type: Refrigerator Evaporator Coil Assembly
• Fit: OEM direct-fit replacement (no modification required)
• Brands: Whirlpool, and related brands built on the same platform (Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana — confirm with model number)

⚙️ Installation

Skill Level: Advanced — requires EPA 608 certification for refrigerant handling. Disconnect power before beginning. Evaporator replacement involves recovering the refrigerant charge, removing the freezer liner panels to access the evaporator, brazing or flaring the new coil into the refrigerant circuit, installing a new filter-drier, evacuating the system to deep vacuum, and recharging with the correct refrigerant type and weight. This repair must be performed by a licensed HVAC/R technician — do not attempt without proper equipment and certification.

✓ Compatible Models

Confirmed compatible with Whirlpool refrigerator models using the W11578026 evaporator assembly. Contact us to verify your model number before ordering.

💡 Pro Tip

✓ Model-Specific Repair Pages