[Solution] How to Fix a Refrigerator that is not Cooling
- Introduction. Here's how to troubleshoot a failing fridge that's lost its frosty feel. This step-by-step guide will show...
- Problem: Fridge Not Cooling. There are several possible causes when a refrigerator doesn’t keep your milk cold or your...
- Replace the Refrigerator Evaporator Fan. Here are some refrigerator...
How do you troubleshoot a refrigerator that is 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 to do if your refrigerator is not cooling properly?
Maytag Refrigerator Not Cooling or Freezing – Quick Fix
- Condenser Fan Motor. To check if the motor is faulty, spin the blades of the fan with your hands. ...
- Evaporator Fan Motor. Turn the blades of the fan manually. ...
- Start Relay. Test the relay between the start and run terminals to check for continuity. ...
- Start Capacitor. ...
- Condenser Coils. ...
- Thermistor. ...
- Temperature Control Thermostat. ...
Why is my refrigerator running but not cooling?
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. Why is my ...
What causes a refrigerator to stop cooling?
Top Reasons Why Refrigerator Is Not Cooling
- The refrigerator is not drawing power. It sounds obvious, but your first step in diagnosing an issue with your refrigerator should be confirming that the appliance is drawing power. ...
- Cool air is escaping. If your fridge is drawing power but isn’t keeping food cold, it could be that cool air is escaping. ...
- The thermostat is set too high. ...
How do I fix my refrigerator that is not cooling?
Pull the unit away from the wall and unplug it. Check the owner's manual for any “off” or “zero” settings in your fridge and freezer and set them to off or zero. Plug the unit back in and adjust the temperature controls of both to your desired setting. Give the fridge about 24 hours to cool to your set temperature.
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 do if refrigerator is not cooling but freezer is?
The most common cause for this condition is a problem with the defrost system. If the refrigerator freezer is cold but the refrigerator is warm, the evaporator fan motor might have failed. Every refrigerator has a set of coils called an evaporator.
What is the first thing to check when a refrigerator stops working?
The first thing to check is the breaker (in your home's electrical service panel) of the circuit serving the fridge. Most homes have a dedicated 20-amp circuit for the fridge alone, while older homes may have it on a general kitchen circuit.
How do I know if my refrigerator compressor is not working?
You'll know that your compressor is bad when it starts making abnormal noises, the compressor overheats or not providing proper cooling, or when the fridge compressor clicks on and off too frequently.
Why is my fridge warm?
Refrigerator Is Too Full If there are too many items in your fresh food compartment, that cold air may not circulate properly, resulting in a refrigerator that's warm. It's fairly common for a refrigerator to feel warm if it's overstuffed, and this problem is obviously easy to resolve.
Why is freezer cold and fridge warm?
The problem with that is that the freezer contains vents that allow cold air to flow. If these vents become blocked by too many items in the freezer, that can limit the airflow that goes on to the refrigerator. Obviously, in this example, the freezer would be fine but the refrigerator would be too warm.
How long do I unplug my fridge to reset it?
Generally, unplugging the refrigerator for 45 to 50 minutes will reset the refrigerators' settings. Moreover, the recommended reset method could vary based on the refrigerators' brand, make, and model. Are you wondering about the possible causes for why your refrigerator stopped working?
Why would refrigerator stop cooling but freezer still works?
Evaporator Coils One of the main reasons for fridge not cooling but freezer works is that the evaporator coils are not working in proper order. The evaporator coils are filled with frost, so air doesn't get space to pass through them to get cold. For a solution, you have to first remove the frost by blowing hot air.
How do you reset a refrigerator?
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.
Will unplugging a fridge reset it?
Yes, unplugging the refrigerator will reset the appliance, provided you leave the refrigerator unplugged and undisturbed for 45 to 50 minutes. When the refrigerator is unplugged, do not open the doors.
How do I check the Freon in my refrigerator?
Checking the Freon Listen. With your ear pressed to the refrigerator, you should hear a faint hissing or gurgling noise. The Freon will hiss and gurgle through the fridge's capillary tubes as the pressure equalizes within the system. If you do not hear the hiss and gurgle, you may be low on Freon.
Why is the temperature control setting on my refrigerator wrong?
Uh-oh, did something bump into your temperature control panel? Before you do anything else, check this first. As one of the most common snafus, it’...
What should I do if my refrigerator condenser coils are full of dust?
If you’ve been neglecting your condenser coils, you’ll want to clean them ASAP. When dust collects on them, the coils are unable to regulate the fr...
How do I know if my refrigerator’s gaskets need to be replaced?
Over time, the seals around the doors of your fridge, known as gaskets, suffer from wear and tear. When this happens, they don’t seal as well as th...
Could my refrigerator be overloaded?
When’s the last time you cleaned out all those leftovers? If you can’t remember, it’s time to do a purge and toss anything that’s looking a bit sus...
Does it matter where my refrigerator is located?
The room environment where the refrigerator is placed can affect its thermometer. If the space is too cold, like, say, your second fridge in the ga...
What should I do if the refrigerator fan motor isn’t working?
This is where we get into some of the more serious issues. The condenser fan motor is responsible for cool air circulation, and if neither your fri...
How will I know if the evaporator fan motor is broken?
If your fridge isn’t cooling properly but your freezer seems just fine, a faulty evaporator fan could be the reason. A fridge that moans and groans...
Is it possible that my refrigerator’s start relay is faulty?
This will cause problems with your fridge’s compressor, aka the part that circulates the refrigerant through the system. Remove the relay and test...
Step 1 – Check the Condenser Coils
The first step for how to fix a refrigerator not cooling is to check the condenser coils. When they get dirty or freeze up, your refrigerator will have to work overtime to keep cool, which means it won’t be able to cool down properly.
Step 2 – Check the Condenser Fan Motor
The condenser fan motor helps to blow air over the condenser coils to keep them cool. When it stops working correctly, your refrigerator won’t be able to cool down.
Step 3 – Check the Evaporator Fan Motor
The next step is to check the evaporator fan motor. Depending on the make and model of the refrigerator, it will have one or multiple fans that are powered by a specific motor. If the fans stop working, your refrigerator won’t cool because cold air cannot be circulated from the freezer compartment to the fridge.
Step 4 – Check the Start Relay
The next step for how to fix a refrigerator not cooling is to check the start relay. This component in your refrigerator works with the start winding to make sure the compressor can operate. If it becomes faulty, your refrigerator might not keep cool.
Step 5 – Check the Temperature Control Thermostat
The purpose of the temperature control thermostat is to direct voltage to the evaporator fan motor, the compressor, and the condenser fan motor. If the thermostat doesn’t accurately measure the temperature or doesn’t work at all, then this can cause your refrigerator to not cool.
Step 6 – Check the Start Capacitor
The next step is to check the start capacitor. The purpose of the start capacitor is to help power the compressor when it starts up. If it doesn’t work correctly, your refrigerator won’t cool.
Step 7 – Check the Thermistor
The purpose of the thermistor is to monitor your refrigerator temperature and then “report” this to the control board so the control board knows when to turn on other components that help to keep your fridge cool. If it stops working, you will end up with a refrigerator that doesn’t stay cool.
What to do if refrigerator fails?
While replacing some components on a refrigerator are not too difficult, pinpointing the exact cause of the problem can be tricky and requires the use of electrical testing equipment .
What to do if the light on my fridge doesn't come on?
If the light doesn’t come on, make sure the power cord is plugged in firmly and check again.
What to do if you don't trust the temperature reading?
If you don’t trust the temperature reading that you’re getting, or if yours is an older fridge without an internal thermostat, consider purchasing a separate, low-cost refrigerator thermostat ( view example on Amazon) for the purposes of testing. Advertisement.
How does cold air circulate in a refrigerator?
Cold air circulates back and forth through vents that run between the refrigerator’s freezer compartment and the refrigerator compartment. If something blocks the airflow, it can result in inconsistent temperatures in the refrigerated compartment.
What temperature should a refrigerator be?
Check the refrigerator’s thermostat. New refrigerators usually come preset at a mid-range temperature, between 35 and 37 degrees Fahrenheit because that’s the optimal temperature range for a fridge in order to keep perishable foods safe.
Can a freezer vent block a vent?
Frost buildup in the freezer can also block a vent, reducing or preventing cold air from reaching the refrigerator compartment. If the freezer compartment is heavily frosted, unplug the fridge and open the freezer door to allow the frost to melt. Once it melts, plug the fridge back in and it should cool better.
Can a refrigerator leak air?
A relatively new fridge on which the door seals are still supple can still leak air and fail the dollar bill test above when it’s out of level. If a refrigerator is lower on one side than the other, its heavy doors don’t always seal tightly.
Why is my fridge not cooling?
If you can hear the compressor running but the fridge isn’t cooling, the problem is most likely either frost-clogged evaporator coils or a stuck or broken evaporator fan. Evaporator fans often squeal or chirp when they start to go bad.
What to do if your refrigerator thermostat isn't working?
If your fridge/freezer thermostat isn’t working, get these easy to install thermostats on Amazon. 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 circulate. Vacuum the coils under or behind the fridge.
What to do if your compressor is not running?
If neither runs and the compressor is hot, unplug the fridge and point a fan or a hair dryer set to “no heat” at the compressor. Wait for the compressor to cool and try again.
How do I replace a refrigerator fan?
Cut the wires close to the old fan. Strip the wires and connect the new fan with wire connectors. Screw the new fan to the bracket and reinstall the fan and bracket in the fridge.
How long does it take for a freezer to thaw?
If you remove the cover inside the freezer and find the coils completely filled with frost, take everything out of the freezer and fridge, unplug it and let it thaw for 24 to 48 hours. Keep a few towels handy to soak up water that may leak onto the floor. When all the frost is melted away, plug the fridge back in.
How cold should a refrigerator be?
According to the FDA, a refrigerator’s temperature should be set to 40°F or lower , while the temperature of a freezer should be at 0°F.
What happens if your refrigerator gasket is torn?
If your gasket has torn, you should replace it and see if your fridge stays cooler. The cold air can’t circulate.
What is the purpose of a condenser coil?
Condenser coils carry the hot gas produced by the compressor up to the evaporator coils. As the refrigerant travels through the coils at a high pressure, it cools and turns back into a liquid. Clogged condenser coils can produce poor circulation of air, restricting your fridge’s ability to keep cool.
What is the compressor in a refrigerator?
The compressor is the part of the fridge that compresses and pushes refrigerant vapor into the coils outside of the fridge. The pushing and pressure creates heat, forming hot gas that later cools and absorbs heat from the freezer and fridge.
What is the fan on a refrigerator?
The evaporator fan is the part of the fridge that blows the cool air you feel when you open the door. It pulls air across the evaporator coil, cooling it, and then pushes the air through the freezer and refrigerator. If the evaporator fan does not work or kick on when the compressor does, your unit will not be able to produce cool air.
Where is the condenser fan located?
Where It’s Located: The condenser fan is located in the bottom cabinet by the compressor and the condenser coils. It is important to note that refrigerators with condenser coils on the back will not have a fan. The Fix: First, ensure the condenser fan is spinning freely and not being obstructed by any objects.
Where is the evaporator fan located?
Where It’s Located: The evaporator fan is located behind your freezer wall. You will need to empty your freezer of contents and shelving before you can access it. The Fix: If the fan does not seem to be working, you might need to replace the fan motor.
Why is my refrigerator not cooling?
There's a handful of reasons why you might find your fridge not cooling, some of which will be an easy fix and others that could well be a death sentence for it. Effectively fault finding a refrigerator that isn't maintaining it's desired temperature requires a few basic hand tools, and a rather rudimentary process of elimination ...
What could be preventing my fridge from working?
The next obvious fault that could be preventing your fridge from operating correctly is an open circuit thermostat. You should be able to easily locate the thermostat in your fridge by simply identifying a small plastic compartment with a temperature dial on the front.
What happens if the windings are cooked?
If these readings do not add up between the windings, the compressor is dead. Generally, if the windings are cooked, you'll have readings that are way off and it will be pretty evident upon testing.
How to check refrigerant charge?
By connecting the gauge hose to the suction service valve (low side of the system), you'll be able to check the refrigerant charge. Now if your compressor isn't equipped with a suction service valve, you could always install a "bullet valve" to check the charge.
Why does my refrigerator have ice build up?
This will be apparent by a build-up of ice on the evaporator coil due to the lack of airflow over the coil. If the refrigerator is running and every other component (condenser fan motor and compressor) is operating bar the evaporator fan, you will need to both electrically and mechanically test the motor.
How to check if refrigerator compressor is seized?
This is simply done by turning on the refrigerator and observing the compressor under full-load by adjusting the thermostat to it's lowest set point.
How to clean a condenser coil?
Here's how you effectively clean a condenser coil: 1 Using a Phillips head screwdriver, remove the protective grill covering the condensing unit. 2 Access the face of the condenser coil and use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust from the coil. 3 Next, use a counter brush to further remove any dust and dirt from the coil. 4 Now spray the coil with non-rinse foam chemical coil cleaner letting it sit for at least 30 mins. 5 Wipe down the baseplate of the consensing unit with a rag to mop up any residual coil cleaner.
