How to Troubleshoot a Refrigerator?

Refrigerator Troubleshooting Problems You May encounter.  

With busy schedules and tight budgets, nobody wants to deal with a malfunctioning refrigerator. You might head straight for your wallet when problems arise with your fridge. 

However, before you start shelling out the big bucks on expensive repairs, check out our guide for the most common refrigerator troubleshooting problems you may encounter.

Refrigerator Not Cooling

• Condenser Coils are Dirty – Dirty condenser coils prevent your fridge from remaining cool. Vacuum underneath and behind your refrigerator to keep them clean and functioning. 
• Condenser Fan Motor – The condenser fan won’t run if things are blocking it. Unplug your fridge, carefully clean your fan blades, and then spin them by hand to ensure they turn. 
• Temperature Control Thermostat – Check that your thermostat hasn’t been adjusted or turned down. 
• Start Capacitor – The capacitor helps keep the condenser fan motor running. Check to see if your capacitor is working by running a couple of tests on it. 
• Thermistor – A thermistor senses changes in temperature inside your refrigerator and sends a signal to the control board about it. If the thermistor is not working, the fridge can become either too hot or too cold. 
• Compressor – If your fridge is making buzzing or humming sounds but not keeping food cold, you likely have a problem with your compressor. 
• Main Control Board – If your main control board is busted, your fridge will not keep things cold. 

Water Dispenser Doesn’t Work

• Water Tube in the Door is Frozen – Check the water tube by opening the door and feeling the area behind it. The space will feel stiff if the line is frozen.
• Water Inlet Valve Defective – The valve opens and allows water to dispense. A faulty valve means it won’t open, and the water cannot flow.
• Water Filter Clogged – Clogged water filters prevent water from seeping through the dispenser. 
• Dispenser Switch – You must purchase a replacement to repair a broken one. 

Water Leakage

• Clogged or Freezing Defrost Drain – A clogged/freezing defrost drain causes the mechanisms to overwork, thus resulting in condensation build-up on the coils. After a build-up, condensation begins to leak. 
• Water Filter Head – A water filter head connects water lines to the water filter. When broken, you will need to buy a replacement. 
• Water Filter Housing – When the housing of the water filter is busted, the fridge may leak.
• Water Inlet Valve – The valve sits on the back of your refrigerator. If you notice an inlet valve leak, tighten the surrounding compression nuts with a wrench.
• Water Tank Assembly – If your fridge leaks, your water tank assembly may be busted. To fix it, replace it.
• Drain Pan – Check the drain pan underneath your fridge for damage like cracks.
• Water Filter -When a water filter is faulty or clogged, condensation can begin to build up, thus eventually leading to a leak.

Refrigerator is Cycling Too Often

Refrigerators should not have to run all day long every day. If you notice yours is constantly running, check to see if the internal temperature is too high. 

Excessive Noise

• Fan Blade – Check to ensure all fan blades are clean and unobstructed. 
• Evaporator Fan Motor – Push the light switch inside your freezer to check if the evaporator fan is the loud noise culprit. If it is a problem, the noise will get louder. Check for signs of wear and tear.
• Condenser Fan Motor – Clean your condenser fan at the back of your refrigerator, and check for signs of wear and tear around the motor. 
• Compressor – To check if your compressor is causing too much noise, unplug the compressor motor, then plug your fridge back in. If the noise continues, the compressor is likely the culprit.

Frost or Ice Buildup 

• Defrost Control Board – Your defrost control board manages defrosting functions, so when it’s busted, frost will build up. 
• Defrost Timer – Check to see if your defrost timer is still working or if you need a replacement. 
• Defrost Heater Assembly – You can check your defrost heater by removing it to look for wear and tear or running a continuity check. 
• Defrost Sensor with Fuse – To check if your defrost sensor fuse is busted, unplug your fridge and plug it back in. If it returns to the proper temperature, the fuse is likely the problem.
• Defrost Thermostat – A defrost thermostat melts the cooling mechanisms for a short time to melt the ice around it. If it is not working, ice will build up. 

Light Doesn’t Work or Stays Constant

• Light Assembly – You can purchase a replacement light assembly if the whole strip malfunctions.  
• Light Bulb – Tighten the bulb if loose. If it still is inconsistent, it might be time to replace the light bulb. 
• Door Switch – A broken door switch prevents the light from working. 
• Light Socket – A corroded or dirty light socket will prevent the bulb from connecting. 
• Light Switch And Board – If none of the above solutions worked, it might be a problem with the board. 

Ice Makers Don’t Produce Ice

• Freezer Temperature is Above 10 Degrees F (-12C) – Lower the temperature.
• Water Inlet Valve – If the valve does not allow water to flow through, it prevents ice creation. 
• Ice Maker Assembly – The ice maker may not be put together correctly. 
• Low Water Pressure from House Supply – Low water pressure prevents ice makers from producing properly. 
• Ice Level Control Board – Run tests on your control board to ensure it functions. 
• Water Filter Clogged – Like the water inlet valve, water cannot flow into the ice maker if the filter is clogged. 

Door Does Not Close or Seal

If the door does not seal, check to make sure there is no wear and tear on any of the following: 

• Door Gasket 
• Door Catch 
• Door Hinge 

Malfunctioning compressors 

If your compressor is malfunctioning, it will make unusually loud noises while running, turn off prematurely, and overheat. 

Fresh Food Compartment Warms 

The fresh food compartment becomes warm when a damper sticks in a closed position. 

Overflowing Ice Maker 

• Low Water Pressure from House Supply – Low water pressure affects how much or how little your ice maker produces. 
• Ice Maker Assembly – The assembly of your ice maker may be incorrect. If the bin is not in the correct place for some fridges, it overproduces. 

Malfunctioning Thermostat

You can use an appliance thermometer to check if your thermostat is functioning. If it is not, you can purchase a new thermostat. 

Excess Moisture Inside the Fridge

If a fridge is too full, excessive moisture can build up. 

Freezer Isn’t Cold Enough

• The Evaporator Coils are Frosted Over – Evaporator coils that are too dirty or frosted do not function properly. Carefully clean and defrost. 
• Evaporator Fan Motor – Inspect your evaporator fan motor by opening the door and pressing the switch on and off. If the engine does not run during this, replace it. 
• Damper Control Assembly – The freezer will not get cold enough if your damper is stuck. 
• Thermistor – When your freezer’s thermistor is not working, it cannot sense the temperature. 
• Defrost Control Board – If ice is covering your refrigerant coils, there is a problem with your defrost control board. 

Refrigerator Ice is Dirty

Your ice can become dirty if your water filter is clogged or expired. 

Refrigerator is producing a burning smell

If your refrigerator is producing a burning smell, there may be components in the mechanisms that are burnt out and no longer functioning.