How to Fix a Refrigerator Not Cooling (in 7 Steps)
- Step 1: Check the refrigerator has power Before we tackle the more complex reasons why your refrigerator is not cooling,...
- Step 2: Check the temperature Has someone been playing around with the refrigerator or freezer temperature? Most...
- Step 3: Check if the vents are blocked Cold air in the refrigerator is circulated...
Full Answer
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 not getting cold enough?
Whirlpool Refrigerator and Freezer Not Cooling – How to Fix
- Condenser Coils Are Dirty. Check the condenser coils to see if they are dirty. ...
- Evaporator Fan Motor is Bad. If the fan blades don’t spin freely or if the motor is noisy, then you know the motor is bad. ...
- Start Relay Is Acting Up. ...
- Condenser Fan Motor Is Faulty. ...
- Thermistor Is Defective. ...
- Start Capacitor Needs Changing. ...
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. ...
Why is my Frigidaire refrigerator not cooling?
To figure out if your thermostat has stopped working:
- Open up your fridge and locate it.
- Then, rotate the thermostat from its lowest setting to its highest; you should hear it make a click at some point.
- If you don’t hear a click, there’s a good chance it’s busted.
- If you fail to hear a click, use a multimeter to test the thermostat’s continuity.
- If it shows no continuity, replace the thermostat.
How do you fix a fridge 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.
How do I know if my refrigerator compressor is not working?
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. If you suspect you need a new compressor, it may be time to contact a refrigerator repair professional for assistance.
Why is my fridge gone 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.
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 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.
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.
Why is my refrigerator not getting cold but freezer 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.
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...
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.
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 happens if the refrigerator coils are dirty?
If the coils are significantly dirty, the refrigerator will not be able to maintain the proper temperature. Check the condenser coils to determine if they are dirty—if the condenser coils are dirty, clean them.
Why is my refrigerator condenser coil dirty?
They dissipate heat as refrigerant passes through them. If the condenser coils are dirty, they won’t dissipate the heat effectively. As debris builds up on the coils, the refrigerator becomes less efficient, causing the refrigerator to work harder ...
What to do if evaporator fan motor does not run?
Finally, if the motor does not run at all, use a multimeter to test the motor windings for continuity. If the windings do not have continuity, replace the evaporator fan motor. Required Part. Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor. Enter model number to search for the required part specific to your product.
What happens if the capacitor on my refrigerator is not working?
If the start capacitor isn’t working, the compressor may not start. As a result, the refrigerator will not cool. To determine if the start capacitor is defective, test it with a multimeter. If the start capacitor is defective, replace it. Required Part.
How to tell if thermostat is defective?
To determine if the thermostat is defective, rotate the thermostat from the lowest setting to the highest setting and listen for a click. If the thermostat clicks, it is not likely defective. If the thermostat does not click, use a multimeter to test t... he thermostat for continuity.
How to tell if a refrigerator fan is defective?
If the condenser fan motor is not working properly, the refrigerator won’t cool properly. To determine if the fan motor is defective, first check the fan blade for obstructions. Next, try turning the fan motor blade by hand. If the blade does not spin freely, replace the condenser fan motor. If no obstructions are present and ...
Where is the evaporator located on a refrigerator?
On refrigerators with only one evaporator, the evaporator is located in the freezer compartment. If the evaporator fan is not working, it will not circulate the cold air to the refrigerator compartment. If this occurs, the freezer may still get cold, while the refrigerator will not get cold.
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 thermostat located on a refrigerator?
The thermostat for side-by-side freezer/refrigerators is usually located in the back, while over-under units are more likely to have their thermostat under the fridge. The door isn’t closing properly.
