Refrigerator not cooling at all, interior lights work but both compartments are warm.
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 and be cautious around high-voltage components. Sealed system work should be done only by certified technicians.
Steps:
- Listen for operation: Plug the unit in and listen for the compressor and fans. If only the interior lights work and no humming or fan noise is heard, proceed.
- Check condenser fan: Remove the rear lower panel and see if the condenser fan runs. If the fan is off and the compressor is silent, suspect the control board or power supply.
- Inspect start relay and overload: With power disconnected, remove the start relay/overload assembly from the compressor terminals. Look for burn marks or rattling parts. Replace with a Magic Chef-compatible start device if damaged.
- Test compressor (advanced): Measure resistance between compressor terminals. Very high or zero readings may indicate a failed compressor.
- Control board: If the compressor and start device test good but never receive power, the main control board may be defective and require replacement.
Warning: If the compressor is locked or shorted, replacement of the compressor and recharging the system is a professional job.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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