how do you fix a refrigerator thats too cold

What to Do When Your Refrigerator's Waaay Too Cold

• Check the Appliance's Outside First The fridge door may simply not be closing completely. ...
• Clean the Fridge Before you move on to the complex inner workings of your refrigerator, roll up your sleeves and apply a little old fashioned elbow grease to the problem. ...
• Set the Correct Temperature ...
• Help the Cold Air to Circulate ...
• Find Mechanical or Electrical Problems ...

Full Answer

How to fix a refrigerator freezer that's too cold?

How To Fix A Refrigerator Freezer That's Too Cold 1 Air Damper Or Freezer Control. If the freezer section is too cold and the fresh food section temperature is normal you should suspect that the air damper or freezer control ... 2 Temperature Sensor Or Thermistor. ... 3 More Repair Parts. ...

What's the best way to cool a refrigerator?

A full-ish fridge and freezer are the most efficient temperature-wise. (Placing a few containers of water in a half-empty appliance will help maintain optimal cooling.) Just make sure that they're not so overstuffed that they keep the cold air from circulating adequately. Speaking of proper circulation, it can be blocked by just one item.

How do you fix a fridge that won’t turn on?

Inspect the wire terminals on the control to make sure they’re not corroded or loose. And use your multi-meter to make sure the control itself has continuity. If all the items on this checklist seem normal, plug the fridge back in and reset the cold control and the freezer control to the median setting.

What happens when the Cold control on a Frigidaire refrigerator fails?

Often what happens with a malfunctioning cold control is that the freezer and the fridge will be getting too cold, and you’ll hear the compressor running longer than it ought to. Unplug the fridge. Find the cold control: it will be the knob with a range starting at “off,” inside your fridge, where the food’s stored.

How do I fix my refrigerator from freezing food?

Stop a refrigerator from freezing food using these methods:Change the temperature gauge.Arrange the food more efficiently.Adjust the freezer's temperature.Ensure the door magnets still work.Clean the refrigerator coils.Replace the thermostat.Inspect the freezer damper.Check the control boards.More items...

Why is my refrigerator over cooling?

A refrigerator cools excessively because of various reasons like faulty temperature control thermostat, faulty thermistor, and broken air damper.

How do you reset a thermostat on 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.

How do I know if my fridge temperature sensor is bad?

If you suddenly notice your food isn't that cool as you expected it to be or the drinks smell bad, then it's a major indication that the thermostat of your refrigerator has gone for a toss.

Will unplugging a fridge reset it?

By unplugging the fridge for 24 hours, the ice melts. If the fridge starts cooling again, then you have fixed the immediate problem (iced coils) and possibly identified the root cause (bad defrost controller).

What happens when a fridge overheats?

Many refrigeration compressors break down simply because they overheat. There are two main reasons why overheating can have such a devastating effect on compressors: Loss of the lubricating properties of the refrigeration oils. Chemical decomposition of the refrigerants and/or oils, which can occur suddenly.

How do you know if your refrigerator compressor is bad?

How to Tell if Refrigerator Compressor Is BadThe compressor starts making an unusual or loud noise when running.The compressor turns on and off too frequently.The compressor turns off prematurely.The refrigerator is not cooling.The compressor overheats.Your electricity bills are too high.

Why is my fridge at 50 degrees?

The Vents are Blocked: If you're stuck with a refrigerator temperature at 50 degrees, and nothing is wrong with the thermostat, maybe you're dealing with blocked vents. Warm air is released through the vents during the cooling process. If this air can't escape, it'll build up and heat the fridge instead.

Why is my fridge too cold?

When your fridge is too cold, it could be due to a problem in the cold control, a switch to send electricity to the fans and compressor that is triggered by temperature change. When the compressor that makes the cold air and the fans that distribute it are operational but the temperature isn’t being maintained at the right level, ...

What temperature should a refrigerator be?

When the knob is at midpoint of its range, the fridge should be at about 38 degrees F. Check to ensure that the sensor wire or bulb is in its place and shows no sign of damage. Inspect the wire terminals on the control to make sure they’re not corroded or loose.

What is the part of the refrigerator that controls the air flow?

The part of your fridge that is responsible for balancing air flow from the housing of the evaporator fan has a few names: diffuser, air damper, or baffle. On most refrigerators, it’s located where the chilled air comes into the food-holding part of the fridge, and it looks like louvered blinds.

Where is the model number on a refrigerator?

This is normally located near the air inlet and it is usually a capsule, enclosed in plastic, with two wires attached.

How to check temperature sensor on refrigerator?

How to test a refrigerator temperature sensor or thermistor with a multi-meter: 1 Verify that you have disconnected your appliance from the power source as you will be inspecting electrical components. 2 The thermistor (s) will be connected to the main control board, you will need to remove the back panel of your fridge to access the control board. Remove the thermistor (s) from the appliance in order to test them. 3 Thermistor (s) will produce different multi-meter readings based on their temperature when you test them. The ranges below only apply to thermistors at 32 degrees F. Before testing them, you will need to place the thermistor (s) in ice water for 5 minutes to bring the temperature to 32 degrees F. 4 Set your multi-meter to the Rx1 setting and touch the probes to the terminals, you should receive a reading of 16,600 ohms (+/- 5 percent). 5 If you receive a reading outside this range, you will need a replacement temperature sensor or thermistor.

How to check for continuity on a refrigerator?

After locating it, remove the control from the fridge, set the control to the lowest (warmest) setting, place your multi-meter on the Rx1 setting, and touch the probes to the terminals to test for continuity. You should receive a reading of infinity.

How to inspect a refrigerator air inlet?

How to inspect a refrigerator’s air inlet damper or baffle: Unplug your refrigerator and locate the damper or baffle. It is usually found where the cold air enters the fresh food compartment. Use caution when inspecting the baffle or damper to not damage the plastic & Styrofoam housing that the baffle or damper is encased in.

What is a control board on a refrigerator?

Some newer models may have an electronic control board that controls all of the refrigerators functions. Sensors are connected to the board that monitor fresh food and freezer compartment temperatures and the control board will use that information to operate the compressor and fans as well as the defrost system and in some cases the air baffle/damper to balance temperatures. A defective control board could cause a symptom of the fresh food compartment being too cold, but you should first eliminate the sensors and the damper before changing the control. Some manufacturers may provide detailed information on the procedure for testing the board and the sensors.

How long to ice water a thermometer?

The ranges below only apply to thermistors at 32 degrees F. Before testing them, you will need to place the thermistor (s) in ice water for 5 minutes to bring the temperature to 32 degrees F.

What to do if your model of has a temperature sensing bulb attached to this control?

If your model of has a temperature sensing bulb attached to this control make sure that the sensing bulb is in the correct position and not damaged.

Can a control board cause too cold food?

A defective control board could cause a symptom of the fresh food compartment being too cold, but you should first eliminate the sensors and the damper before changing the control. Some manufacturers may provide detailed information on the procedure for testing the board and the sensors.

Why is my fridge too cold?

This is a switch that sends electricity to the compressor and fans and this is caused by a change in temperature in the fridge, as sensed by the thermostat, such as when it begins to get too warm inside the fridge.

How to set fridge temperature?

To start, unplug your fridge and then find your cold control knob. Set the knob at its midpoint and then plug your fridge back in. At this setting, your fridge should maintain a temperature of about 38 degrees fahrenheit. When doing this, check to make sure the sensor bulb or wire is in place with no signs of damage.

How to tell if your refrigerator is faulty?

If you do suspect an issue with the board, unplug your fridge and inspect the board. Look for any sign of burnt connections, foil that may have deteriorated or any sign that electrical arcing has occurred. All of these items would be a sign of a faulty control board which causes your refrigerator to run continuously and get far too cold in the process.

Why is my fridge side by side?

Your side-by-side or top and bottom freezer and fridge is supposed to keep items inside at an optimal temperature but there are times when there are issues behind a refrigerator getting too cold. When this happens you may find that items in your refrigerator are being frozen.

What does an automatic temperature sensor do in a refrigerator?

If your refrigerator contains an automatic temperature-sensing bulb, make sure that it is positioned properly after replacing the inlet. This bulb measures the temperature inside the fridge and then adjust the inlet control accordingly.

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What controls the refrigerator?

Most newer models of refrigerators have all of their components controlled by a main electronic control board. Since this board controls so many parts of your refrigerator, it is always best to check all other parts of your fridge if it is getting too cold and leave this as the last option.

How to clean a refrigerator that is not working?

Before you move on to the complex inner workings of your refrigerator, roll up your sleeves and apply a little old fashioned elbow grease to the problem. Pull the fridge away from the wall and vacuum the condenser coils on the back to make it run more efficiently. Defrost the freezer and wipe out both the freezer area and the refrigerator section, using a cloth moistened with a 4:1 solution of warm water and vinegar (food-safe, vinegar disinfects and deodorizes).

Why is my refrigerator door not closing?

The fridge door may simply not be closing completely. This wreaks havoc with your refrigerator's thermostat. The difficulty could be due to an uneven floor and not to any mechanical malfunction. Move the fridge a few inches and see whether that does the trick.

What temperature should a refrigerator be?

Make sure your fridge temperature is in the range of 35-38 degrees, while a freezer setting of minus 10 to minus 20 degrees will keep frozen food at its best. If the thermostat is unclear, buy an inexpensive refrigerator thermometer to check.

Do you need frozen lettuce and frosted eggs?

Okay, you know the weather's getting warmer but this is ridiculous. You really don't need frozen lettuce and frosted eggs to help you keep your cool. In fact, it sounds like you've got a problem on your hands. What should you do when your refrigerator is too cold -- I mean, waaay too cold and turning all your food into icicles? Here's a simple step-by-step plan of action to track down the source of the problem and get the right refrigerator repair.

Can you see the air flow pattern on a refrigerator?

FASCINATING FRIDGE TRIVIA: If you bought the refrigerator recently and still have the owner's manual, or if you look it up online, you can actually see a diagram of the air flow pattern in your particular model.

How does a refrigerator cool?

The refrigerator’s cold air originates in the freezer compartment. The cold air is then circulated between the fresh food compartment and the freezer in a continuous cycle. Typically, about 80% of the air stays inside the freezer, while about 20% goes into the fresh food compartment.

Why is my refrigerator overcooling?

If any of the refrigerator vents are blocked, this could be causing the overcooling issue. The amount of cold air that comes into the refrigerator is usually controlled by a damper, which, depending on your model, can either be manually adjusted or is automatically controlled by the temperature control thermostat.

How to check continuity of refrigerator?

Remove the thermostat from the refrigerator. Place the thermostat sensor in a glass of ice water. Attach the multimeter probes to the terminals. Rotate the thermostat dial and monitor the continuity reading .

What happens if a thermistor is not working?

A malfunctioning thermistor may result in the compressor and fan motors running continuously , which results in overcooling. If a thermistor is defective, it will either need to be removed and tested with a multimeter or its terminal in the refrigerator’s main control board accessed and tested.

What to do if damper door is stuck in open position?

If the damper door is stuck in the open position, it will need to be fixed or replaced. If you have a manually controlled damper, check that it is slightly closed and not allowing too much cold air to enter the refrigerator. An automatic damper can be removed from the refrigerator and the motor tested with a multimeter.

How to check if thermostat is working?

To check a dial-controlled thermostat: 1 When the compressor is running, turn the dial to the lowest setting. 2 If you hear a click, it indicates that the cooling system is shutting off, which means the thermostat is working and is not defective.

Where is the control board on a refrigerator?

Depending on the refrigerator model, the control board may be located either on the rear of the refrigerator or in the control housing at the front.

How long does it take for a refrigerator to cool down?

If so, it can take several hours for the temperature to return to normal. Similarly, if the refrigerator has just been installed, it can take 24 hours to completely cool.

What temperature should a refrigerator be?

Most refrigerators are designed to be used in a location where the temperature ranges from a minimum of 55°F (13°C) to a maximum of 110°F (43°C). They should not be installed near a heat source like an oven or radiator. A location that is too hot or too cold could cause the refrigerator motor to work too hard.

Why flush water in refrigerator?

Flushing the system is needed every time the filter is changed or once the refrigerator is installed to the water supply line for the first time. The air in the water system may cause dripping at the dispenser that is considered a leak or for the water to dispense slowly. Get step-by-step instructions on how to flush the water system.

What happens if water filter is clogged?

A clogged or incorrectly installed water filter will reduce the water flow to the dispenser and slow down dispensing. Check for a problem with the filter by doing the following: Dispense water and note the amount of water flow. Remove the filter.

Why does my refrigerator motor run so much?

If your refrigerator is new, it may have a high-efficiency compressor that optimizes energy and better regulates temperatures to match cooling demand. You may notice that it operates differently than your previously owned refrigerator.

Why is a refrigerator important?

A functioning refrigerator is an essential for feeding your family and getting everyone through the day. When something goes wrong, it can feel like an emergency. But the solution may be simple and even something you can do yourself. Use this guide to help you pinpoint the problem and try a few refrigerator troubleshooting steps to repair it.

Where is the filter located on a refrigerator?

Remove the filter. The filter is located either in the base grille below the refrigerator compartment door or inside the refrigerator compartment.

What does it mean when a freezer is too cold?

Need Help Finding Your Model Number? If the freezer section is too cold and the fresh food section temperature is normal you should suspect that the air damper or freezer control is adjusted improperly or may be defective, and is deflecting more than the normal amount of air into the freezer section and not enough into the fresh food compartment ...

How to check temperature sensor on refrigerator?

How to test a refrigerator temperature sensor or thermistor with a multi-meter: 1 Disconnect your refrigerator from the power source and then remove the back panel of your refrigerator to locate the main control board. 2 Locate and remove the thermistor (s), they will be attached to the main control board. 3 Place the thermistor (s) in ice water for 5 minutes before testing. The amount of resistance in a thermistor varies based on what their surface temperature is when they are measured. The range below only applies to thermistors measured at 32 degrees F. 4 Using a multi-meter on Rx1 mode, touch the terminals with the meter’s probes. The test should produce a reading of 16,600 ohms (+/- 5 percent). 5 If you receive a reading outside this range, you will need a replacement temperature sensor or thermistor.

Where is the air damper on a refrigerator?

Locate your air damper or freezer control. It will usually be found in the fresh food compartment, behind a vent found on the top or side of the fridge.

How long to ice water a thermistor?

Locate and remove the thermistor (s), they will be attached to the main control board. Place the thermistor (s) in ice water for 5 minutes before testing. The amount of resistance in a thermistor varies based on what their surface temperature is when they are measured.

What to do if you don't find resistance?

You should feel little or no resistance. If you find any issues when performing the above checks, you will need a replacement air damper or freezer control. If you do not find the issue, suspect the evaporator coils or motor. Back to Top.