There are a variety of reasons why your refrigerator may not be cooling. These include low Freon, clogged condenser coils, damaged air inlet damper, and broken fan motor. If none of these reasons are the cause of your refrigerator’s non-cooling problem, it is worth contacting a repair professional for further investigation. This guide will cover all of the most common causes of refrigerator malfunctions.
Low Freon
If you are wondering what the cause of your fridge’s inability to keep food cold is, you may have too little Freon in your appliance. Refrigerators are pressurized, so the Freon shouldn’t leak out unless the system is compromised. However, if you’re experiencing warm temperatures from your fridge, something else may be wrong. The problem could be with a broken thermostat or condenser, or it could be an electrical issue. To identify the problem, you’ll need to troubleshoot your refrigerator and check the system’s components for any problems.
To check whether you have too much Freon in your refrigerator, turn off the cold control and check the temperature of the condenser. If it is warm, then the compressor is working too hard, which will cause it to overheat. You can also listen to hissing sounds from the compressor. If the noises are normal, then the Freon is OK. If it’s not, try replacing the Freon.
Clogged condenser coils
Your refrigerator’s condenser coils are what keep the inside temperature cool. They should be clear and unobstructed, but people tend to obstruct these vents. A clogged condenser coil will prevent adequate air circulation and can negatively affect the cooling capacity of your refrigerator. Clogged coils can be found on the back or bottom of your refrigerator and run from the compressor toward the freezer.
The first thing you should do if you find that your refrigerator isn’t cooling is to clean the coils. The coils are easily accessible, usually located on the back or underneath the unit. Dust and debris can build up on the condenser coils, preventing them from cooling and decreasing the life of the compressor. You can vacuum away debris to restore proper cooling to your refrigerator.
Broken condenser fan motor
A broken condenser fan motor in your refrigerator can result in a malfunctioning compressor, causing the temperature in your refrigerator to rise. Usually, you will notice that the fan blades will not spin freely if this is the case. If the fan blades are not turning freely, you may have a clogged motor bearing. If you cannot spin the fan blades, try using a multimeter to check the continuity of the motor. If you can’t get continuity, it’s time to replace the motor.
To replace the condenser fan motor in your refrigerator, you need to get the necessary parts: a new fan blade, mounting bracket, rubber washer, and fan nut. You must ensure that the new motor spins freely. The motor can be purchased from the manufacturer of your refrigerator or an appliance parts distributor. The cost of this part is approximate $40-$60. Once you have the parts, the next step is to replace the motor.
Damaged air inlet damper
If you suspect that the refrigerator is not cooling, it could be a problem with the air inlet damper. The damper controls the amount of cold air that passes from the freezer to the fresh food compartment. Check for any damage and replace the damper if necessary. You should also check the refrigerator’s sensor bulbs to make sure they are functioning properly. If you suspect that the air inlet damper is damaged, you will need to replace it.
The refrigerator may be too warm or cold. The thermistor or the temperature control may be broken. In this case, the refrigerator should be repaired by an appliance professional. Water dispensers are another common cause of refrigerators not cooling. Appliance pros have all the parts necessary to repair the water dispenser. Damaged air inlet dampers can prevent water from reaching the contents of the refrigerator. In such cases, you will need to replace the door assembly.
Bad compressor
If you’ve noticed an increase in your electric bill lately, you’ve probably been dealing with a bad compressor in your refrigerator. It doesn’t just make the refrigerator seem less cool – it can also cause food to spoil and beverages to tasteless and refreshing. Fortunately, the simple way to check if your refrigerator has a bad compressor is to run a diagnostic test on it. Checking the compressor’s resistance can tell you whether it’s faulty.
To test if the compressor is faulty, look for a small switch on the back of the refrigerator. It’s usually located near the back of the fridge and can be accessed by unscrewing the side panel. Try shaking it and listen for a rattling sound. If this sounds like the compressor is not working properly, you may need to replace the starter relay switch. If it still does not work, the problem might lie somewhere else.
