Whirlpool Refrigerator Cooling Off — What It Means & How to Fix It
Also shown as COOLING OFF on some models.
COOLING OFF means the cooling function has been switched off, so neither the refrigerator nor the freezer will cool — on many models, pressing and holding LOCK and MEASURED FILL together for 3 seconds turns it back on.
What this code means
Whirlpool says the refrigerator and freezer will not cool when cooling is turned off, and COOLING OFF appears on the display. Some refrigerators need to be turned back on manually after a power outage or surge, and cooling can be switched off by accident during cleaning. The common method to toggle it is holding LOCK and MEASURED FILL at the same time for 3 seconds.
The button combination varies by model and refrigerator type; Whirlpool tells you to check the owner's manual for yours.
Most likely causes
| Cause | How likely | DIY-fixable? |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling switched off by accident while cleaning the panel | Common | Yes — no tools |
| Refrigerator did not resume cooling after a power outage or surge | Common | Yes — no tools |
| Left in a showroom or off state after delivery | Occasional | Yes — no tools |
What you can try yourself
- Press and hold LOCK and MEASURED FILL at exactly the same time for 3 seconds.
- Check that COOLING OFF disappears from the display.
- If your model has different buttons, follow the cooling on/off steps in the owner's manual.
- Keep the doors closed and allow several hours for temperatures to recover; check any food that has warmed.
When to call a technician
- COOLING OFF is cleared but the refrigerator is still warm the next day.
- The message returns by itself.
- The buttons do not respond.
Typical professional repair cost: No cost — this is a setting.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my Whirlpool refrigerator say COOLING OFF?
The cooling function has been turned off. The refrigerator and freezer will not cool until it is turned back on.
How do I turn cooling back on?
A common method is to press and hold LOCK and MEASURED FILL together for 3 seconds. It varies by model, so check your owner's manual.
How did cooling get turned off?
Whirlpool notes it can happen accidentally during routine cleaning, and that some refrigerators need to be manually turned back on after a power outage or surge.
Sources checked
- Whirlpool Product Help: Cooling Off Indicator Light - Refrigerator
- Whirlpool Product Help: Cooling Off Indicator Light - Side by Side Refrigerator
Error meanings can vary by model. This guide was checked against the documentation above; use the manual for the model number on your own appliance when it differs.
Related Whirlpool codes
- Whirlpool Refrigerator PO PO on a Whirlpool refrigerator means a power outage occurred and the freezer reached about 18°F or warmer — a food-safety notice, not a component fault. Check contents, clear the code, and only investigate if it keeps returning.
- Whirlpool Refrigerator Temperature Alarm The temperature alarm means the refrigerator rose above 48°F (9°C) or the freezer above 15°F (-9°C) for more than an hour — press Alarm to acknowledge it and check why the compartment warmed up.
- Whirlpool Refrigerator Door Ajar The Door Ajar alarm sounds when a refrigerator door or freezer drawer has been open for 2 to 5 minutes — close all doors to reset it, and check for items or leveling problems if it keeps sounding.
- Whirlpool Refrigerator CL CL or LO on a Whirlpool beverage center indicates the internal temperature is too low — check the door is closed, allow time after restocking or a power cut, and reset power for one minute.
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