How to Fix a Refrigerator Not Cooling
There are several simple steps that you can take to fix your refrigerator if it is not cooling correctly. These include checking the air inlet damper, thermostat, condenser fan, and evaporator fan. If none of these remedies work, contact a technician who can help you resolve your refrigerator’s problem.
Check the air inlet damper.
The air inlet damper controls the airflow from the evaporator fan into the refrigerator. It is usually located at the bottom of the refrigerator. It is similar to window blinds and is not controlled by a thermostat. To access it, turn a small knob in the damper control. This will open and close the valve. Be careful, though, as the damper can be very difficult to move.
If your refrigerator is too cold or too hot, you may need to replace the temperature sensor or the air damper. If the refrigerator does not cool, you might have a defective temperature sensor or a damaged control board. In addition, if you notice that the door leaks water, you may need to replace the door assembly.
If the air inlet damper is broken or blocked, your refrigerator won’t cool correctly. This part controls the flow of cold air into the freezer and the refrigerator. A broken or damaged damper will prevent proper air circulation, and you will have to replace it. If your refrigerator is not cooling, call a professional appliance repair shop for a repair.
Check the thermostat
One of the most common problems for a refrigerator is when it is not cooling correctly. In this case, you need to check the thermostat. This can be done using a multimeter to determine if the thermostat has a short circuit. If the thermostat is the cause of the problem, you can replace it with a new one.
To check the thermostat, turn the appliance off and on. A defective thermostat may prevent the compressor and the evaporator from running correctly. Turn the thermostat counterclockwise. You can also use a multimeter to test the electrical pins on the side of the thermostat. Also, you should check the temperature control board.
If you cannot turn the power off, you need to remove the refrigerator from the power source. You can usually find this in the control panel or the back of the fridge. If the problem persists, check the defrost timer. It should activate the defrost heater, but if it doesn’t, replace it.
Check the condenser fan.
Checking the condenser fan can help you find the source of the problem if your refrigerator is not cooling. The condenser fan is located behind the back cabinet of your refrigerator, and it is the part that pulls air over the condenser coils to cool them. Keeping this part clean and running is essential to prevent heat buildup. If you hear rattling or clicking noises from the back of the refrigerator, it may be a faulty condenser fan.
If you notice any frost on the refrigerator’s condenser coils, try cleaning them out to eliminate any moisture. You can also turn the condenser fan manually to test its functioning. If the fan does not turn entirely in a circle, then you should replace it.
Next, check the thermostat. This component controls the condenser, evaporator, and compressor fan motor. If the fan is noisy, you should replace it. Occasionally, a faulty condenser fan may cause the compressor to malfunction.
Replace the evaporator fan
The evaporator fan on a refrigerator is responsible for cooling the refrigerator’s interior. It is usually located near the floor on the back side of the refrigerator. The problem may be with the fan relay or the compressor if the fan is not running. To repair this issue, you must first remove the refrigerator’s cover, which covers the fan.
First, remove the plastic fan housing by unscrewing two small locking rings on each side. Next, pull the fan cover away from the motor shaft. You will need needle-nose pliers to do this. The fan motor wires should also be detached from the retaining clips and pushed to the side. Next, unscrew two screws to remove the top cover support. The fan panel should snap off from the motor shaft, which you should now be able to access quickly.
If the evaporator fan is not spinning correctly, you will need to replace it. This component is responsible for keeping the compressor and evaporator coils cool. Occasionally, debris on the fan blades can block the fan from spinning correctly. It may also need a new motor.