Freezer Section is Working, Refrigerator Not Cold
This is probably the most common problem when it comes to
refrigerator cooling issues. There are a number of simple
problems that can cause your refrigerator section to stop cooling
when your freezer is still freezing your food.
This complaint is usually the result of a defrost problem. The
first thing to check in this case is the freezer area. Look at the
back panel inside the freezer. If you notice frost covering the back
panel, you have defrost problem.
Ice Build up on Back Panel of Freezer Compartment
If the problem is not a defrost issue you may have a problem with
the damper that goes between the freezer and fridge compartments.
This is usually an adjustable "flap" that opens to allow cold air from
the freezer to enter the fresh food side. Most top freezer and certain
side x side refrigerators have an adjustable flap. That means its set
open at a certain point and doesn't open and close when the machine runs.
Most newer side by sides and bottom freezer refrigerators have an electric
damper that opens and closes as the machine runs. These are machines that
have separate thermostats for the freezer. The machine can call for cold
inside the freezer without affecting the fridge side temp by keeping the damper closed.
To test this will require you to locate the damper assembly. Once you find the
damper on your machine, make sure the thermostat is on and you hear the freezer fan
running. Normally at this point you can feel the air coming through the vents on the
damper. Certain models will close the damper when the fridge door is open. So you
will have to hold in the light switch or tape it so the machine thinks the door is
closed. After you do that and you still don't feel air, remove the damper cover.
Check to see if the damper door is closed. If the door is closed, make sure it isn't
froze shut. Manually open the door with your fingers to make sure it can move freely.
If it can move freely then replace the damper. Sometimes some insulation or foam can
fall into the path of the damper and cause it to jam. If you look inside the damper
and it's open but you don't feel air, check your evaporator freezer fan.
Door Left Open Overnight or all Day
One of the doors on your refrigerator being left open for a long
period of time can cause the same problem. Moisture from the
air in your kitchen will freeze and block the air flow from the
freezer to the fridge. It will look like everything in your
freezer go snowed on. This is easy to fix. Unplug the
fridge or turn it off, use a hair dryer in the freezer section to
melt the ice inside the damper area.
Freezer Fan is Not Running - Evaporator Fan Motor
The Freezer Fan should be running if the machine is not in defrost mode.
If the refrigerator is warm and the compressor is running, the freezer fan should be
running also. If not you are going to have to gain access to the freezer fan and check
to see if it has 120 volts. If the fan is getting the proper voltage and is not running,
replace the fan. If the fan is not getting voltage and the compressor is running, you
more than likely have a problem with the defrost timer. Try turning the blade on the
fan to see if they move freely. I have seen where a fan has developed rust and that
prevented the motor from turning. It may start up if your get it a turn so watch your
fingers. If it has rust and that's why it stopped, you should replace it anyway. It
will just happen again. But at least your machine will work for the time being.