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why will my refrigerator not get cold

by Ivy Stanton Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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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.

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.Dec 17, 2018

Full Answer

What to do if your refrigerator is not cooling properly?

Maytag Refrigerator Not Cooling or Freezing – Quick Fix

  1. Condenser Fan Motor. To check if the motor is faulty, spin the blades of the fan with your hands. ...
  2. Evaporator Fan Motor. Turn the blades of the fan manually. ...
  3. Start Relay. Test the relay between the start and run terminals to check for continuity. ...
  4. Start Capacitor. ...
  5. Condenser Coils. ...
  6. Thermistor. ...
  7. Temperature Control Thermostat. ...

Why does my refrigertor and freezer not getting cold?

Refrigerator: Why is my freezer not cold enough? Defrost system problems, dirty condenser coils, fan failures, leaky door gaskets or control problems can lead to your freezer not getting cold enough. Although you may see the cooling problem start in the freezer, you'll typically soon find the refrigerator and freezer not cool enough.

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 ...

Why is my Electrolux refrigerator not cooling?

Common solutions for: Electrolux Refrigerator freezer is cold but refrigerator is warm

  1. The Evaporator Coils are Frosted Over. The defrost heater assembly turns on a few times throughout the day to melt away any frost that may have accumulated on ...
  2. Evaporator Fan Motor. The evaporator fan motor draws cold air over the evaporator coils and circulates it throughout the freezer.
  3. Damper Control Assembly. ...
  4. Thermistor. ...
  5. Temperature Control Board. ...

More items...

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How do you fix a refrigerator that's not getting cold?

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.

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.

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.

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 fridge 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.

How can you tell if 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.

How do I reset my Amana refrigerator?

Reset the refrigeratorPower unit down by turning off the circuit breaker(s) or unpluging the product for 5 - 10 minutes.Power unit up by turning on the circuit breaker(s) or plugging the product back in.Ensure the cooling function is turned on.Test the control panel functionality.

Top 8 reasons for your refrigerator not cooling enough or properly

Your refrigerator not cooling properly can be concerning, but the good news is that the cause may oftentimes be a quick and easy fix. If your fridg...

Why is my refrigerator not working but my freezer is?

If your freezer is cooling but your fridge isn’t, there could be several reasons why, including:Faulty or stuck evaporator fanDamper control may be...

Should I unplug a refrigerator that’s not cooling?

Unplugging your fridge may be recommended if there is heavy frost buildup that is blocking the vent from letting cold air move its way down into th...

Why does my refrigerator have a condenser fan?

The fan should run when the compressor is running. If the condenser fan does not function properly, the refrigerator’s temperature can rise and the compressor can overheat.

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 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 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.

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.

How to fix a freezer fan that is not working?

After removing the evaporator panel in the back of the freezer, locate the fan and remove the mounting clip, fan blade, and wire harness. Install the new motor into the wire harness and put the motor into the housing. Insert the fan blades completely and reapply the mounting clip. Reattach the evaporator panel and put back the shelving.

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 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.

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.

Top 8 Reasons for Your Refrigerator Not Cooling Enough or properly

Your refrigerator not cooling properly can be concerning, but the good news is that the cause may oftentimes be a quick and easy fix. If your fridge seems to suddenly stop cooling, some common causes — listed from easiest to hardest to fix — can include:

1. Power source switched off or unplugged

If your fridge isn’t cooling, double check that it is still plugged into the electrical outlet and that the switch that powers your kitchen appliances hasn’t been switched off at the breaker box. If you open your refrigerator and the light isn’t turning on and isn’t cooling, check the power source.

3. Blocked vents

Refrigerators require proper airflow in order to cool properly. If your refrigerator isn’t cooling, it may be because food items are blocking the vents of the fridge and/or freezer compartments. Overstuffing your fridge with food can cause items to block the vents and prevent the cool air from circulating properly.

4. Dirty condenser coils

Over time, your refrigerator may gather dust, dirt and other particles on the condenser coils. Generally located on the bottom or back of your fridge, these coils can become blocked by pet hair or dust.

5. Dirty or faulty gaskets

The soft, flexible seal that is found on the inside of your refrigerator door (gaskets) can become dirty or worn over time, which may prevent them from sealing your fridge properly. The gaskets help prevent cold air from escaping, keeping it within the refrigerator compartment instead.

6. Not enough space clearance

As refrigerators go through the cooling process, heat is released when the vapor refrigerant condenses into liquid form. Your fridge needs at least ½” of clearance on the sides and 1 inch in the back in order for it to work at optimal performance.

7. Broken or stuck condenser fan

Most refrigerators come with at least one fan, usually located behind the appliance. This fan keeps the condenser coils cool and in turn helps prevent the compressor from overheating. If you notice that your fan has stopped working, then you may want to consult a professional for repair.

Why is my refrigerator not cooling?

If your fridge is not getting cold, it means you can't keep food preserved and ice cream frozen. But before you go throwing out or eating all your perishable food, there are some steps you can take to fix common refrigerator problems.

What to do when fridge compressor is hot?

When the fan doesn't run and the compressor is hot, you need to take a few extra steps. Unplug the fridge again and direct a fan at the compressor to cool it off, trying again. Your hope is to have at least the compressor running, even if the fan needs to be replaced.

How to check if refrigerator fan is spinning?

Pop these off and unscrew to remove the cover and inspect. Remove the fan cover. Some refrigerators have a cover over their fan. If yours is like this, remove the screws and then the fan cover. Inspect evaporator fan. See if the fan is spinning and listen to its noise levels.

How to check if refrigerator door seal is tight?

Test the refrigerator's seals and door gaskets' tightness. Verify the fridge is on a level surface, as this can affect door seals, and adjust legs if needed. Vacuum and clean the condenser coils of loose dust and pet hair. Make sure vents are not blocked by frost buildup or food items.

Do refrigerator fans need to be running?

In fact, a refrigerator evaporator fan should always be running, even without a running compressor or condenser fan. After you check the simple fixes mentioned above, ruling out the basics, ...

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