- 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. ...
How do I Fix my 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?
Why is My Norcold Refrigerator Not Cooling on Electric?
- Refrigerator Compressor. The refrigerator compressor is responsible for compressing and pushing out refrigerant vapor into the condenser coils located behind the refrigerator.
- Condenser Coils. Condenser coils are responsible for carrying the hot gas that is given off by the compressor to the evaporator coils.
- Condenser Fan. ...
- Evaporator Fan. ...
How to fix a Kenmore refrigerator that is not cooling?
possible issues That Can Cause Kenmore Elite Refrigerator To Stop Cooling:
- Evaporator Fan Frosted Over
- Damper Control Malfunction
- Defrost Thermostat Burnt
- Compressor Start Relay Failed
- Compressor Failed
- Sealed System Freon Leak
How to fix a refrigerator that is not cold enough?
Refrigerator not cold enough
- Simple things you can check. Sometimes the most obvious answers are the correct ones. ...
- It may be a bad fan or air damper. Your refrigerator contains two fans that are a large part of the unit’s operation, and if they are not working, that ...
- Issues with major components. ...
How do I fix my refrigerator not getting cold?
1:192:14Repair Tips For A Fridge That's Not Cooling - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCheck the manufacturer's instructions for recommended refrigerator and freezer coolness settings.MoreCheck the manufacturer's instructions for recommended refrigerator and freezer coolness settings. And then reset the thermostat accordingly. The typical temperature recommendation for refrigerators.
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 is the first thing to check when a refrigerator stops working?
If Your Fridge Has Stopped and the Light is Off As obvious as this sounds, often a fridge shuts down completely because it's simply getting no power. The first thing to check is the breaker (in your home's electrical service panel) of the circuit serving the fridge.
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.
Can you reset a refrigerator by unplugging 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.
Do refrigerators have a reset button?
0:021:54Does My Refrigerator Have a Reset Button? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipButton not all refrigerators have a reset for those that don't unplugging it and then plugging itMoreButton not all refrigerators have a reset for those that don't unplugging it and then plugging it back in is enough to reset it as long as the power in the circuits.
Why would a refrigerator suddenly stop working?
Typical causes are: 1) the door is left open frequently, 2) the condenser coils need cleaning, 3) the door doesn't seal against the refrigerator box, 4) the cold control is set too cold, or 5) something is blocking the flow of cold air inside the fridge.
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.
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 fan located?
Some refrigerators have more than one evaporator fan motor. On refrigerators with only one evaporator, the evaporator is located in the freezer compartment. If the evaporator fan is not working, it will not ...
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.
