Freezer cold but refrigerator compartment warm; food spoils in fridge while freezer seems normal.
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: Disconnect power before removing interior panels or fan covers.
Steps:
- 1. Check for blocked vents: Ensure food packages are not blocking the air outlets in the freezer or inlets in the refrigerator compartment.
- 2. Listen for evaporator fan: With the freezer door open, press the door switch and listen for the fan. If silent, see the evaporator fan motor fault scenario.
- 3. Inspect for frost: Look at the rear freezer panel. If it is heavily frosted, the defrost system may have failed, blocking airflow.
- 4. Manually defrost: Unplug the refrigerator and leave doors open for 24 hours to melt ice. Protect the floor from water. If normal operation returns but the problem recurs, the defrost system needs repair.
- 5. Check air damper: Locate the air damper between freezer and fridge (often at the top rear of the refrigerator compartment). Ensure it opens and closes freely and is not broken or stuck closed.
Note: Persistent airflow issues after manual defrost usually indicate a failed evaporator fan motor, defrost heater, or air damper assembly, which may need replacement.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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