Arctic
Airflow / Damper or Evaporator Fan Problem
Freezer cold but refrigerator section warm, food spoiling in fresh food compartment
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Evaporator fan not running, Air damper stuck closed, Frost blocking air passages, Misplaced or blocked shelves and vents
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Unplug the refrigerator before removing interior panels.
Steps:
- Check vents: Ensure no food packages are blocking the vents between freezer and fridge.
- Listen for fan: With the door switch held closed, listen for the evaporator fan running in the freezer. If silent, the fan may be faulty.
- Inspect for frost: Remove the freezer rear panel. If the evaporator is encased in ice, there is a defrost issue that must be resolved (heater/thermostat/control).
- Check damper: Locate the air damper in the fridge section. Verify it opens and closes when temperature settings change. If stuck closed or broken, replace the damper assembly.
- Replace fan: If the fan does not run when powered and spins stiffly by hand, replace the evaporator fan motor.
Tip: After repair, allow 12–24 hours for the refrigerator section to cool down fully.
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
Required Part
Evaporator Fan Motor
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