Refrigerator not cooling at all, both fridge and freezer warm, interior lights and display may still work.
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.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Unplug the refrigerator before removing rear panels. Sealed system work involves high pressure and refrigerant; only certified technicians should open the system.
Homeowner checks:
- 1. Listen for compressor: With the unit plugged in, listen at the back. A healthy compressor will hum quietly. Clicking every few minutes without running suggests a start problem.
- 2. Check condenser fan: Ensure the rear condenser fan is running when the compressor should be on. If the fan is off and the compressor is hot, cooling will be poor.
- 3. Feel condenser coil: Carefully touch the metal condenser tubing (not the compressor shell). It should be warm when running. Completely cold tubing with a running compressor suggests a sealed system issue.
- 4. Clean condenser: Dust-clogged coils can cause overheating and shutdown. Vacuum and brush the coils thoroughly.
- 5. Power reset: Unplug for 10 minutes, then restore power and monitor for 30–60 minutes.
When to call a technician: If the compressor does not run, runs but there is no cooling, or you suspect a refrigerant leak, contact an authorized Gaggenau service technician. Compressor, refrigerant, and capillary issues require specialized tools and must not be DIY.