Sharp
Airflow Restriction / Evaporator Frost Block
Refrigerator not cooling, freezer cold but fresh food section warm.
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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 coil heavily frosted due to defrost failure, Evaporator fan not running, Air damper between freezer and fridge stuck closed
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Unplug the refrigerator before removing interior panels. Avoid using sharp tools on ice.
Steps:
- Check freezer temperature: If the freezer is near normal but the fridge is warm, suspect airflow issues.
- Listen for evaporator fan: Close the door switch with your finger and listen for a fan running in the freezer. If silent, see fan diagnostics (similar to E8).
- Inspect for frost: Look at the rear freezer wall. A thick, even frost layer indicates defrost failure.
- Manual defrost: Unplug the unit and leave doors open 12–24 hours with towels to catch water. This will temporarily restore airflow.
- Check damper: Locate the air damper between freezer and fridge and ensure it opens and closes freely. Replace if stuck or broken.
- Long-term fix: After defrosting, test and replace defrost components (heater, sensor, thermostat) or control board as needed to prevent recurrence.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
Required Part
Evaporator Fan Motor
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