Refrigerator Not Cooling or Freezing Up? Evaporator Assembly W11579351 – Fix It Fast

If your refrigerator isn't cooling properly, is building up excessive frost, or the freezer section is warm, a failed evaporator assembly is the most likely cause. In most Whirlpool-built refrigerators, the evaporator coil assembly is the core heat-exchange component in the sealed cooling system — when it develops a leak, becomes blocked with ice, or the coil itself fails, the entire refrigerator loses its ability to maintain temperature. When it fails, food spoils, the compressor runs continuously, and frost accumulates in abnormal patterns. ⚡ Common failure point in Whirlpool, Maytag, and KitchenAid French door and side-by-side refrigerators. Part W11579351 is the genuine OEM replacement evaporator assembly that restores full cooling capacity with a direct-fit installation — no modification required.

❓ Is This the Right Part?

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

• ✔ The refrigerator has power and the compressor is running
• ✔ The condenser fan and evaporator fan motors are confirmed operational
• ✔ The defrost heater and defrost thermostat have been ruled out as the sole failure
• ✔ The refrigerant charge and sealed system have been assessed by a technician
• ✔ ONLY problem is inadequate cooling, excessive frost buildup, or confirmed evaporator coil damage/leak

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

🔧 Common Symptoms

• Refrigerator not cooling — fresh food section warm despite compressor running
• Freezer section not reaching set temperature
• Excessive frost or ice buildup on the back wall of the freezer
• Compressor running constantly without cycling off
• Unusual hissing or gurgling sounds from the back of the unit
• Visible frost or ice completely blocking the evaporator coil area

✔ If these symptoms match, the evaporator assembly is the most likely failed component in the cooling system.

✔ In most cases, replacing the evaporator assembly restores full refrigerator and freezer cooling immediately.

📦 Part Details

• Part Number: W11579351
• Type: Refrigerator Evaporator Assembly — complete coil and housing unit
• Replaces: OEM direct-fit evaporator assembly — supersedes earlier Whirlpool evaporator part numbers (no modification required)
• Brands: Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid

⚙️ Installation

Skill Level: ADVANCED — 60–90 minutes. Unplug the refrigerator and allow all frost to fully defrost before beginning — use a hair dryer on low to speed this up if needed. Remove freezer contents and shelving, unscrew the rear evaporator cover panel, disconnect the wiring harness and refrigerant lines (refrigerant work requires a certified technician), and install the new evaporator assembly in reverse order. Ensure all wiring connectors are fully seated and the cover panel is sealed before restoring power.

✓ Compatible Models

Confirmed compatible with select Whirlpool, Maytag, and KitchenAid French door, side-by-side, and bottom-freezer refrigerator models. Contact us to verify your model number before ordering.

💡 Pro Tip

✓ Model-Specific Repair Pages