Mini Fridge Repair Troubleshooting Tips
- Check the Power Supply. You might be rolling your eyes at the mere suggestion of this, but sometimes mini fridge repair is really this easy.
- Get Rid of the Extension Cord. It’s common to have your mini fridge plugged in alongside other appliances and chargers, thanks to an extension cord or power board, but ...
- Clean and Test the Gasket. A door seal or gasket is an integral part of a refrigerator and it could be the cause of your issue.
- Look at the Thermostat. If your fridge isn’t cooling as it should, it could be an issue with the thermostat. ...
- Check the Condenser Coils. The condenser coils remove the heat from the refrigerant and they’re an important part of your fridge.
- Clean Out the Vents. A fridge relies on cold air to work, so it’s not surprising that when this cold air can’t travel through, it causes issues.
- Perform a Defrost. A simple defrost can be the answer to your prayers when it comes to mini fridge repair. ...
- Check the Fans. There are a few fans at work inside of a mini fridge and any one of them having issues could lead to problems.
- Check the Start Relay. A start relay is what helps to start the compressor inside the fridge. ...
- Check the Compressor. The compressor plays an important role in the fridge and pushes the gas through the condenser coils.
Why is my mini fridge not working?
- Not Running. Warm food or a defrosting freezer are the obvious signs a refrigerator is malfunctioning.
- Compressor. Pull your refrigerator away from the wall.
- Frost Buildup.
- Condenser.
- Considerations.
Why would a mini refrigerator stop working?
There are a few things you can try before calling a repairperson:
- Turn down the freezer’s temperature setting to see if the fridge kicks on. ...
- Make sure there is sufficient airflow around the fridge. You should have at least 3 inches of air space at the back and 1 inch at the top to ...
- Clean the exterior coils, following the manufacturer’s instructions — this is also to prevent overheating.
Why is my Refrigerator not cooling?
- Be sure the fridge is plugged in and getting power. ...
- Check the thermostat to make sure it hasn’t been turned way down by mistake. ...
- Be sure the vents on the back of the freezer compartment aren’t blocked by boxes of ice cream or frozen vegetables—the vents have to be clear for cold air to ...
- Vacuum the coils under or behind the fridge. ...
What makes a fridge stop working?
What to do if your refrigerator suddenly stops working?
- Take out the food and put it in the fridge. When your refrigerator stops working and it is not an easy solution, remove the items as soon as possible and ...
- Call an expert to find out what’s wrong.
- Select Repair or Replace.
Can mini fridges be fixed?
You know nothing about mini fridge repair and you can't afford the call out charge of a refrigerator technician, but luckily these sturdy little appliances can be fixed with some simple troubleshooting and repair tips.
Why mini fridge stopped working?
Some of the many reasons a mini fridge may not be running properly could be due to an issue in the sealed system, a failed compressor, failed evaporator fan motor, condenser fan motor, or a thermostat. Other issues could range from evaporator coils, start relays, the control board, or a restriction in the drier filter.
How do you fix a mini fridge that won't get cold?
Mini-Fridge Not Cooling? 6 Quick Fixes to TryCheck the power cord and power outlet.Ensure that the circuit breaker hasn't tripped.Change the thermostat temperature.Check the door gaskets.Replace the starter relay/overload protector.Listen out for the compressor.
How do I get my mini fridge to work again?
0:032:36Fridge Stopped working, how to fix? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOkay unplug this and then you can clean the new one so we're gonna do that right now just make sureMoreOkay unplug this and then you can clean the new one so we're gonna do that right now just make sure to unplug your fridge don't have it clicks electricity obviously.
How do you reset a mini fridge?
1:132:36Refrigerator Troubleshooting, Hard Reset, and Liquid Temperature ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf the cause of your issue is still a mystery you'll want to try what is called a hard reset unplugMoreIf the cause of your issue is still a mystery you'll want to try what is called a hard reset unplug your unit from the wall for 30 to 45. Minutes then plug the unit back in this will reset the unit.
How long do mini fridges last?
Remember, mini-fridges last between 6-14 years, but probably should be replaced at the 10 year mark. Make sure that you clean and care for your fridge to ensure that you get the best investment.
Why is my mini fridge running but not cooling?
What Causes A Mini Fridge To Not Cool? Clogged air vents or a damaged door gasket can cause a refrigerator to stop cooling or not be cold enough. Check that the air vent is not clogged with pet hair or dust. Be sure the rubber door seal is not ripped or off center.
Why is my refrigerator running but not cooling?
The most common reason why a refrigerator is not cooling is a problem with the evaporator coils. Over time, evaporator coils can become covered with ice, which prevents the coils from working properly. If the coils are covered in ice, the ice will need to be defrosted to fix the problem.
What to check if fridge is not cooling?
Problem: Fridge Not Cooling Be sure the fridge is plugged in and getting power. The light should come on when you open the door. Check the thermostat to make sure it hasn't been turned way down by mistake. If your fridge/freezer thermostat isn't working, get these easy to install thermostats on Amazon.
How do I know if my mini fridge compressor is working?
Your refrigerator compressor is responsible for that humming sound. So, if the sound stops for good, or if the sound goes from faint to a constant or very loud humming noise that does not shut off, it may be a sign the compressor is broken or malfunctioning.
How do you know if your mini fridge is broken?
7 Major Warning Signs That Your Refrigerator Is BrokenIt's Not Cold Enough. Are you not feeling a chill when you open your fridge? ... Your Food is Spoiling Quickly. ... There's Condensation. ... Ice Is Building Up in the Freezer. ... The Motor is Hot. ... It's Loud. ... There's Water on Your Floor. ... Signs Your Refrigerator is Broken.
How do you test if a mini fridge is working?
When you pop open the fridge or freezer and observe that food packaging is moist or wet or if there are puddles that have formed on the units shelves or compartments, you have a problem. If the mini fridge works off of a compressor, then more than likely the compressor has failed.
Why does my fridge have no power?
If your fridge doesn't start, your first focus should be the power supply. Check whether you've inserted the plug properly or the circuit breaker has tripped. If everything seems okay with the power supply, you need to focus elsewhere-faulty wiring, capacitor, thermostat, coolant shortage, compressor or motor.
Can a mini fridge overheat?
Also, be sure to leave at least three inches between the refrigerator and any walls to allow heat radiating from the unit to properly dissipate. Otherwise, the mini fridge will have to work extra hard to cool down, and may overheat.
How do I reset my refrigerator compressor?
4 steps to reset a refrigerator compressorUnplug your refrigerator. ... Turn off the refrigerator and freezer from the control panel. ... Reset your freezer and fridge temperature settings. ... Wait for the refrigerator temperature to stabilize.
How do I know if my refrigerator compressor is not working?
Most everyone is familiar with the sound of a refrigerator kicking on and off. This may sound like a faint humming and you may not even notice it anymore because you are so used to it. That is the compressor. If you do not hear it, then it may be that your compressor is not working correctly or is broken.
How to run a mini fridge?
This may sound laughably basic, but making sure your mini fridge is getting the electricity it needs to run is always the first step. Double-check to make sure the cord is plugged in tightly and that it hasn't been loosened by vibrations from the compressor over time.
What to do if mini fridge fan blade is broken?
If a fan blade is broken or if it doesn't move, you can replace the whole refrigerator part on your own or call in a service professional. When your mini fridge isn't working, take a deep breath and work through these refrigerator troubleshooting steps before you panic.
Why is my mini fridge not working?
If blocked vents aren't causing your air flow issue, you could have a faulty fan in your mini fridge. If your fridge has condenser coils on the bottom instead of the back, check the condenser fan to make sure it moves freely; if not, you may be able to DIY this fridge repair by replacing the whole part if you're handy.
How to reset a refrigerator that is not cold enough?
Check the Thermostat. If your refrigerator is getting power but isn't cold enough, check the thermostat. It's easier than you think to bump a dial or press a button that turns the temperature up, so reset the temperature to your desired range and close the fridge back up.
What to do if paper slides out of refrigerator door?
If the paper slides out easily, your refrigerator door gasket needs to be replaced. Be sure to test all sides of the door before ruling out this problem. For a quick fix, you may be able to use the door lock to hold the door in place (if your fridge has one). Try the paper test again, locking the door this time.
How to check if refrigerator door seal is tight?
You can test the door seal by placing a piece of paper part way in the door before closing it. Tug on the paper: If you feel tension and it's a bit difficult to remove, the seal is fine. If the paper slides out easily, your refrigerator door gasket needs to be replaced. Be sure to test all sides of the door before ruling out this problem.
Where are the condenser coils on a mini fridge?
Check the Condenser Coils. On most mini refrigerators and beverage coolers, the condenser coils are located on the back. This means that fridge should stand a good three inches away from the back wall, and there should be proper spacing along the sides if you don't have a front-venting, slide-in model.
Check the Connection
We know that this might seem like a very common thing but at times the connection of the mini-fridge might need fixing. A loose wire or plug might be setting off the mini-fridge. So folks, first check the connection.
Check the Main Breaker
Every house has a main electricity breaker. Locate the breaker and open it to see if nothing has tripped. At times there is not enough voltage coming from the back end so electricity appliances in the household can trip. Thus, make sure that all the buttons in the breaker are up and working.
Test the Outlet
After you have checked the main breaker, it might be getting power from the transmission line but the mini-fridge still won’t work. In this case, use a multimeter or receptacle tester to be very sure that the electricity is flowing out from the breaker into the house.
Check the Thermostat
Every fridge comes with a thermostat that is usually on the refrigerator’s door. Thus, check it to see if the thermostat is set at the desired mini fridge temperature. At times while keeping any item in the fridge, the setting of the thermostat might get changed. Hence take a sneak peek at the thermostat and fix the setting if it needs changing.
Is the Door Closed Properly?
Now you’re probably wondering that why we are talking about such a common thing however, you’ll be surprised to know that in many households, the refrigerator is left open by mistake. In a house full of kids, many children become careless while closing the fridge door.
Are you using an extension cord?
Like mentioned before, if the wire of the mini-fridge is short then many people tend to use an extension cord to connect the refrigerator to the plug. However, what many people do not know is that mini-fridges utilize a lot of electricity; the extension cord can get overheated and burn out.
Defrost the Mini Fridge
If the temperature of the refrigerator is too low then the cooling will affect the ice which builds up. If there is a lot of ice in the form of blocks that have built up in the back of the fridge then proper ventilation won’t take place. Hence after a few days, turn off the mini-fridge and let the ice melt away.
