How to fix a Frigidaire refrigerator if it’s not cooling

With proper operation and timely maintenance, the Frigidaire brand refrigerator will serve its owner for a very long time. At the same time, no one is immune from the problems that sometimes happen with electrical appliances.

The refrigerator may stop working properly for several reasons:

  • the evaporator fan motor has failed;
  • the fault may lie in a broken compressor start relay;
  • the condensate fan motor is broken;
  • the main control board burned out;
  • the temperature thermostat stopped working;
  • the coils are very dirty, etc.

We will analyze each malfunction in detail. You will learn how to identify the problem yourself and solve it.

Frigidaire refrigerator not cooling

What causes a refrigerator to stop cooling?

If the refrigerator is connected to the network, but there is no power, then the problem is probably in the power supply. Power is not supplied due to a broken cord or burnt internal wiring. However, in some cases, the cause is hidden in a broken outlet.

If the refrigerator is powered, but does not perform the direct function of cooling the products, then we can say that the problem is a malfunction of another element. Let’s look at each potential problem.

Almost any of the problems listed below can be solved by replacing the defective element. The difficulty lies in identifying the broken part.

Evaporator fan motor failed

Cooling of the refrigerator compartment occurs due to the operation of the evaporator. First, the refrigerant goes to the condenser, where it acquires a liquid state of aggregation, and then goes to the evaporator. When passing through the evaporator, it again turns into a gas. In the process of evaporation, it takes away the heat accumulated in the refrigerator compartment. A fan is responsible for distributing cold air.

Evaporator fan motor failed

What is the reason for the breakdown?
The evaporator fan is powered by an electric motor, and the condenser fan operates in a similar way. Failure of the evaporator fan may be the result of wear of its individual parts. Also, pollution that accumulates on the fan blades leads to a malfunction.

Solution
A broken fan motor cannot be repaired. The solution to the problem will be the replacement of the failed element. Before buying a new part, it is necessary to test the old one in order to make sure that it does not work.

Testing the evaporator fan motor is the same as testing the condenser fan motor. The first step is to remove all debris from the blades that can cause blockage. Next, using a multimeter, we check the element for problems in the passage of electric current.

Temperature thermostat failure

The thermostat is needed to switch the operation of one component of your refrigerator to another. The element determines the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment. When switching is required, it is the appropriate signal to turn on or off certain components. The choice depends on the temperature that is currently in the refrigerator.

What is the reason for the breakdown?
The thermostat refers to the elements operating on electric current. Therefore, the most common cause of thermostat failure is damage to the wiring going to it. In addition, the problem may lie in the contact node located directly in the thermostat.

Temperature measurement by a thermostat is carried out using a tube that contains gas. The thermostat responds to fluctuations in pressure readings and uses them to determine the temperature in the refrigerator.

Leakage of gas from the tube causes the pressure to drop. The thermostat gets erroneous readings and thinks the refrigerator has cooled down enough. Therefore, there is no switching to other components.

Solution
First of all, you need to determine whether the thermostat is really out of order. To do this, follow a few simple steps:

  • the thermostat is inside the refrigerator compartment, so open it and find the part you need;
  • turn the thermostat to the maximum and minimum values, while you should hear characteristic clicks;
  • if there are no characteristic sounds, then, most likely, the thermostat is faulty;
  • for accuracy it is worth using a multimeter, the device will allow you to determine the continuity;
  • If the meter indicates a lack of continuity, then the thermostat needs to be replaced.

Control board not working properly

The refrigerator is equipped with at least one control board. It is she who is responsible for the coordinated work of all systems of household appliances. The control board connects all components, organizes their unimpeded interconnection.

Control board not working properly

What is the reason for the breakdown?
Control boards are vulnerable to exposure to high temperatures. Moisture contact is also harmful. In addition, an error in the operation of the board could have appeared even at the assembly stage, over time the situation worsened and led to a complete failure of the mechanism.

Solution
A faulty control board must be completely replaced. In this case, you should make sure that you are not mistaken with the cause of the breakdown of the refrigerator. After all, boards do not fail very often. And replacing it will cost money.

Condenser coils dirty

The refrigerator generates cold due to the refrigerant. It circulates in the system in a vicious circle. For each such cycle, it takes heat from the refrigerator, thereby ensuring optimal temperature conditions.

At the beginning of its journey through the system, the refrigerant has a gaseous state of aggregation and low pressure. However, further it is necessary to transform it into a liquid under high pressure. At this stage, the capacitor is connected.

The refrigerant, which is in a gaseous state, is distilled through the condenser coils, where, under the influence of low temperatures and high pressure, it turns into a liquid.

Capacitor coils are dirty

What is the reason for the breakdown?
It takes low temperature and high pressure to turn a gas into a liquid. To do this, the surface of the coils must be in contact with cold air.

Gradually, dust and dirt settle on the coils from the outside. In this regard, an obstacle arises that does not allow the full removal of heat from the refrigerant.

To compensate for the insufficient heat exchange process, the refrigerator starts to work even harder. After all, only in this way the refrigerant will be cooled to the desired temperature. And for enhanced work, additional energy consumption is required.

With significant accumulations of dust and dirt, the refrigerator may completely cease to perform its main function of cooling.

Solution
To deal with the problem described above is as simple as possible. To do this, you need to remove interfering contaminants. It is necessary to remove the grate that covers the condenser. And then, using a brush or vacuum cleaner, remove all dust and dirt from the surface of the coils.

Be sure to unplug the appliance before you start cleaning. Safety precautions cannot be neglected. It will take you no more than twenty minutes to clean up the dirt. Therefore, food stored in the refrigerator will not have time to spoil.

Condenser coils dirty

Condenser coils can be located in different places, their location depends on the refrigerator model. They can be located at the base of the refrigerator compartment in the front. On some models, they are located behind the rear panel. In this case, you will have to move away from the wall to dismantle the coils.

The best way to clean the coils is with a condenser cleaning brush. You can buy them at a hardware store or order from an appliance manufacturer. With the help of these devices, it will be possible to clean all hard-to-reach places with high quality. At the same time, the bristles on the brushes are soft and delicate, they will not damage the surface of the coils.

Failed condenser fan motor

The condenser fan is used as an additional element that optimizes the cooling process of the refrigerant. Its power drives the air masses through the fins of the condenser. This process reduces the cooling time of the refrigerant. A broken fan is blocking enough air to cool the refrigerant properly.

What is the reason for the breakdown?
The fan works thanks to the electric motor, it is he who starts the mechanism. However, over time, the engine can wear out and fail. Corrosion, provoked by a high level of voltage, also becomes the cause of the breakdown.

Solution
A broken capacitor motor must be replaced. Before taking radical action, you need to make sure that the diagnosis is correct.

  • The first step is to check if the fan blades move freely. If the engine is blocked, then it needs to be replaced.
  • Remove debris from the blades and then use a multimeter to test the element for proper operation. If the readings of the device indicate a lack of continuity, then the engine must also be changed to a serviceable one.

Compressor not working

Compressor not working

The compressor acts as a pump that circulates the refrigerant throughout the refrigeration system.

What is the reason for the breakdown?
Compressors rarely fail. However, like any mechanism, they can fail. This happens for a number of reasons. First of all, a breakdown occurs due to too much or too little refrigerant. As a result of imbalance, the pump is overloaded, which leads to wear. The second common cause is air, moisture or contaminants getting inside the compressor.

Solution
Again, you will need a multimeter for testing. If the device confirms an open circuit, then the compressor must be replaced. Replacing the pump involves flushing the refrigerant in the cooling system. You can’t do it yourself, so you will have to call a specialist.

Start relay not working

The start relay is the element that starts the pump. The compressor cannot be started without a start relay.

What is the reason for the breakdown?
The defective part must be replaced with a new one. You can check its serviceability with a multimeter. In addition, a sign of a malfunction is the characteristic smell of burning coming from this element.

Capacitor start relay not working
The compressor is also started using the appropriate start relay. It could also fail. The most common cause of such a malfunction is overheating. If the refrigerator is turned on or off frequently, overheating may occur due to excessive load.

The solution to the problem should begin with continuity measurements with a multimeter. Based on the readings of the device, you can decide to replace the defective part.

Faulty thermistor

Sometimes this part is called a temperature sensor. It is necessary to maintain the optimum temperature in the refrigerator. The part works on the principle of an electrical resistor that responds to temperature fluctuations.

What is the reason for the breakdown?
In the event of a malfunction in the system, thermistors may not work properly or even fail. Overheating or wear can also cause damage.

Solution
For diagnostics, the same multimeter is used. The device should show a change in resistance when determining the temperature in the refrigerator. If the device does not fix the resistance, then this indicates a malfunction of the thermistor.

Like any other defective part, this one also needs to be replaced with a working item.

Conclusion

Refrigerators rarely fail. At the same time, no one is immune from such a nuisance. If you are not sure that you are able to repair the equipment yourself, then you should contact the professionals. After all, with a lack of knowledge and experience, you can only exacerbate the problem.