In some cases, you may immediately realize that the refrigerator has some problem. The light may not turn on or the food is not cold enough. However, it's not always easy to figure out if you need a technician's help or if it's a problem you can fix yourself. Learning to spot the problem yourself can make the difference between a quick repair and an unnecessarily expensive one.
Quick Problem Resolution
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| The refrigerator does not turn on | Check the socket and the main switch |
| The refrigerator does not cool |
Check the thermostat Check for airflow and overheating |
| The refrigerator does not cool sufficiently | Check the door seals |
| The refrigerator motor continues to run |
Defrost the freezer Check the door seals |
| There are losses | Clean the drip tray |
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Checking a Non-Working Refrigerator
Step 1. Check that the power cord is plugged in properly
Take out the refrigerator, if it is built-in, and press the plug firmly into the socket. Inspect the cable for any damage. If you notice any exposed metal wires, deformations or cuts on the gasket, then these could be the cause of the malfunction. If so, do not try to repair the cable and call a technician.
Step 2. If you are using an extension cable between the power outlet and the refrigerator plug, unplug it
This could be damaged or not working. Try plugging the appliance directly into the wall socket; if the refrigerator starts working again, then the problem is the extension cable and you need to replace it.
Step 3. Test another appliance that is near the refrigerator
Plug it into the power outlet where you usually plug the fridge. If this device also does not work, then check the fuse box of the home installation or the breaker of the electrical panel. It could be a blown fuse or a "tripped" breaker.
Step 4. Plug the fridge into another outlet
If this fixes the problem, then the plug on the wall is responsible for your problems. Check its voltage and current intensity using a multimeter and voltmeter. If you don't know how to use these tools, call an electrician or technician.
Step 5. Try leaving it unattached for a while, then plug it back in
This could reset the internal components (just like restarting a cell phone or computer). By leaving it disconnected, you allow the capacitors to discharge any residual charge.
Part 2 of 5: Check if only the light works
Step 1. Check the thermostat located inside the appliance
If it was turned by mistake, it could be set to too high a temperature which won't cause the fridge to turn on. You have to check the temperature settings of both the refrigerator and the freezer, because the former cools down thanks to the freezer. A problem with the freezer settings inevitably affects the rest of the appliance.
The temperature regulator should be set at 3-4 ° C, while that of the freezer between -15 ° C and -18 ° C
Step 2. Make sure there is adequate air circulation behind the appliance
Check the space between the wall and the refrigerator; there should be at least 75 mm free around the walls of the appliance and at least 25 mm between the top and any "ceiling". In this way, adequate air exchange is guaranteed, which is essential for the correct operation of the device.
Step 3. Clean the condenser coils using a brush or vacuum cleaner
This element dissipates the heat that would otherwise interfere with the proper functioning of the fridge. Cleaning should be carried out with the appliance switched off. The condenser coils located on the rear side must be cleaned once a year; those that are close to the floor at least twice a year.
Step 4. Check for overheating and continuity
Unplug the refrigerator from the power outlet for at least two hours; then plug it back in. If it starts operating normally, then the compressor may have overheated and needs to be checked by a technician. Use a multimeter to test the various components and ensure continuity. The items you need to look at are the thermostat, the fan, the defrost timer, the overload relay, and the compressor motor.
It may be necessary to consult the operation and maintenance manual to identify these parts. If an element fails the continuity test, it must be replaced
Part 3 of 5: Inspect a Fridge That Is Not Cooling To Sufficiently
Step 1. Check the internal thermostat
This control device may have been bumped, increasing the temperature of the fridge. You have to check the settings of both the refrigerator and the freezer, as the former cools down thanks to the freezer. A problem with the freezer affects the entire device.
The temperature should be set around 3-4 ° C for the refrigerator and between -15 ° C and -18 ° C for the freezer
Step 2. Check the vents
Inspect those between the freezer and refrigerator compartments and the drain hose, there may be debris and ice. If necessary, remove these obstructions as they may be causing the problem.
Step 3. Check the door seals
Put a sheet between the gasket and the appliance. Close the door and pull the paper away; if you feel some resistance, the seals are doing their job perfectly.
Repeat this test along the entire perimeter of the door. If you feel no resistance in some places, then the gasket may be on the verge of deteriorating. Make sure it's not damaged or hardened, otherwise it won't be able to seal the refrigerator compartment
Step 4. Test the components of the appliance
Test the continuity in the various parts with a multimeter - the door sensors, the heater and the defrost timer, the fan. If you notice any malfunctions in any of these parts, it will need to be replaced.
Part 4 of 5: Controlling a Refrigerator That Keeps Cool
Step 1. Wait a day to see if the problem goes away on its own
There are several factors that trigger continuous operation of the cooling engine. If you live in a humid region, have just put a lot of food in the fridge or have recently changed the thermostat settings, then it may take some time for the inside of the appliance to reach the desired temperature. Sometimes it takes up to 24 hours or more.
Step 2. Defrost the freezer if there is a lot of ice accumulated and clean the coils of the condenser
If there is a lot of residue on the heatsink, then this element is unable to function properly and the motor must constantly work to lower the internal temperature. If the defroster has problems, then the coils freeze and the refrigerator has to "work" harder to keep the temperature constant.
Step 3. Check the door seals
All refrigerators have door seals that prevent cold air from escaping. If these have any leaks, then the engine must continually lower the internal temperature. Take a sheet of paper to make sure of their integrity. Close the door on the sheet of paper and then try to remove the latter by pulling it; if you feel no resistance, the gasket may have problems. Repeat the test along the entire perimeter of the door.
Step 4. Clean the condenser coils with a vacuum cleaner or brush
Their function is to dissipate heat, but if they are dirty the refrigerator must continuously start to maintain a constant temperature inside. Cleaning should be carried out with the appliance switched off. The coils that are on the back of the fridge should be cleaned once a year, while those that are near the floor twice a year.
Step 5. Test component continuity
For this you need a multimeter and you need to make sure that the current flows in various parts such as: the fan, the overload relay, the motor and the compressor relay. A malfunction in any of these elements can trigger a continuous ignition of the engine.
Step 6. Also check the voltage of the power outlet
Again use a multimeter and make sure that the voltage of the wall socket you connect the refrigerator to is between 220 and 230 volts. Proceed only if you have the proper tools and respecting the safety measures.
Part 5 of 5: Determining the Source of Losses
Step 1. Check the water collection tray and tube
The presence of a puddle of water outside the appliance could be caused by a dirty drip tray. You should clean this element once a year. If the puddle of water is inside the fridge, then the culprit could be a blocked drain pipe. Clean it by running a solution of water and baking soda or bleach through it, use a kitchen pipette to spray the solution vigorously.
The refrigerator should be turned off while you perform these steps
Step 2. Level the refrigerator
If it is not perfectly horizontal, the door may not close properly and the alignment between the various components may be compromised. All this would cause a leak from the defrost pipe. The refrigerator is designed to work on a level floor. Unplug it from the power outlet and place a level on top of the appliance. Check both the front and back sides and adjust the height of the screw-on feet until the entire refrigerator is level.
Step 3. Check the water filter
If this piece is not fitted properly then there may be some leakage. After disconnecting the refrigerator from the power supply, disassemble and reinstall the filter. Take advantage of this operation to make sure that there are no breaks in its housing and in the filter itself; otherwise you will have to replace the piece.
