Troubleshooting Refrigerators

When Major Kitchen Appliances do Break Down, Diagnose and Repair

© Kelly Smith

Mar 4, 2008

Troubleshooting Refrigerators

Whenever any major kitchen appliance has mechanical or performance problems, the first thing to do is to find the source of the problem rather than just running out to buy a new one. This is usually fairly straightforward. All that's needed is a few simple tools and a checklist. This article provides the checklist for troubleshooting refrigerators.

This troubleshooting guide is fairly generic because all brands operate more or less the same way, although some models just have a few more bells and whistles, such as ice makers and dispensers. In fact, they have much in common with central air conditioner systems.

Whether the rebellious unit is a Samsung refrigerator, a Kitchen Aid, Hotpoint (contradictory name?), Maytag, or an LG, this guide will help out. Troubleshoot it and then head off to buy refrigerator parts or call a service company.

Tip - Any DIY'er not comfortable working with electricity should call an electrician.

Refrigerator Malfunction Symptoms and Solutions

Appliance Doesn't Run and Light Doesn't Come On

• No power to fridge? Check that it's plugged in; check circuit breaker.
• Electric cord damaged or loose? Test cord.

Light Comes on but Appliance Doesn't Run

• Temperature control turned off? Turn on control.
• Compressor overheating? Clean condenser coils.
• Compressor bad? Replace or call service company.
• Condenser fan bad? Replace or call service company.
• Temperature control bad? Test control.
• Defrost timer bad? Test the defrost timer.
• Overload protector bad? Replace or call service company.

Appliance Starts and Stops Uncharacteristically Quickly

• Quickly Tripping Overload Protector? Check voltage at outlet.
• Condenser fan bad? Replace or call service company.
• Compressor bad? Replace or call service company.Condenser coils unclean? Clean condenser coils.

Appliance Doesn't Cool Properly

• Temperature control set overly high? Lower setting.
• Refrigerator refrigerant leak or contamination? Call service company.
• Door isn't closing completely? Refrigerators are designed to shut automatically from the half-open point. Raise front levelers until this happens.
• Condenser coils unclean? Clean condenser coils.
• Temperature control bad? Test control.
• Evaporator fan bad? Service, replace or call service company.
• Evaporator clogged with ice? First defrost the refrigerator, then test defrost timer, test defrost limiting switch, and test defrost heater.
• Door seal bad? Test around door by closing the door on a piece of paper. Is there sufficient tension when it's pulled out? If not, replace the gasket.

Appliance Gets Too Cool

• Temperature control not set high enough? Adjust control.
• Temperature control bad? Test control.

Appliance Won't Cycle Off; Keeps Running

• Door seal bad? Test around door by closing the door on a piece of paper. Is there sufficient tension when it's pulled out? If not, replace the gasket.
• Condenser coils unclean? Clean condenser coils.
• Too much frost built up? Defrost refrigerator.
• If fridge has exposed coils or evaporator plate and they're dirty, clean them with warm soapy water.