Refrigerator and/or freezer too warm; compressor and fans run but temperatures do not reach setpoints.
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 first: Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning coils or accessing fans. Do not attempt sealed system repairs yourself.
Step 1 – Clean condenser coils:
- Access the coils at the rear or bottom of the unit.
- Use a coil brush and vacuum to remove dust and debris.
Step 2 – Check condenser fan:
- Verify the fan runs when the compressor is on.
- Replace the condenser fan motor if it does not run or is noisy.
Step 3 – Check evaporator fan(s):
- Listen for fan noise inside the freezer and fresh food sections.
- Replace any evaporator fan motor that is not operating.
Step 4 – Evaluate frost pattern:
- Remove the freezer rear panel and inspect the evaporator coil.
- An even frost pattern is normal; a small patch of frost or no frost suggests a sealed system issue.
When to call a technician: If airflow is good and coils are clean but cooling is still poor, a sealed system problem is likely and requires a certified technician.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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