The problem of your Frigidaire refrigerator not cooling can be fixed easily once you identify the exact issue in it. Few common causes can be identified easily, while the others would be less common. The cooling problem should not be kept running for long as it would spoil your food and make the drinks stale and sour. So the best solution is to fix this as soon as you encounter this problem. Follow the methods indicated for your Frigidaire refrigerator troubleshooting.
Reasons For Your Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Cooling
Contents
Here are some of the possible causes for Frigidaire refrigerator not cooling or freezing. Handle the components carefully to avoid any personal injury.
CAUTION: Unplug your electrical appliance from the main power supply before you troubleshoot or inspect any faults. Ensure your safety to avoid hazards and use possible PPEs at all times.
1. Adjust Refrigerator Temperature
Before you look for any major issues, start by checking whether your refrigerator has been set to the correct temperature. Sometimes you would have accidentally touched the thermostat controls, which would have changed the settings. The generally recommended temperature inside your Frigidaire refrigerator is from 35 ℉ to 37 ℉. You can check your user manual to determine the ideal temperature setting for your model of refrigerator.
2. Refrigerator Door Not Sealing Properly
Most refrigerators have an airtight rubber seal along the door’s edge. It prevents warm air from getting inside and cold air from escaping by creating a tight closure. So Frigidaire refrigerator not cooling or freezing might have a damaged seal that leaks air both ways. Examine along the seal to check if it is damaged or has any dust and debris contaminated on it. If so, clean it with a damp cloth, and if damaged, replace the seal. Check whether this solves the cooling issue.
3. Exceeding Refrigerator Storage Capacity
Stacking too many food items in your refrigerator would block air vents and prevent cold air from the freezer. This would reduce the airflow between the items and increase the temperature. So it is necessary to place food and drink items away from the air vents and allow more airflow. You can ensure this by filling only up to three-quarters of the total volume of space. So if you have a tightly packed refrigerator, make sure to make more room between them and check whether the problem gets solved.
4. Condenser Coils Require Cleaning
The condenser coils cool the refrigerant liquid, which produces cool air in the refrigerator. If this coil gets accumulated with debris, then the refrigerant would not cool enough, and the internal temperature would increase. So cleaning the refrigerator coil every 6 months can ensure the proper function of the condenser coils. Follow these steps to clean Frigidaire refrigerator coils efficiently.
- Locate the condenser coils of your refrigerator by referring to the user manual. This is often found behind an access panel of the refrigerator or a front grille at the bottom.
- Unplug the refrigerator and remove the panel or grille to access the condenser coils.
- Use a narrow hose vacuum attachment to clean the coils and the area around them. Remove any debris using an appliance brush.
- After cleaning, replace the panel or the grille and plug-in power and check the cooling condition after some time.
5. Failed Condenser Fan Motor
The condenser fan motor draws air over the compressor and compressor coils. So if this does not function properly, then you would find your Frigidaire refrigerator not cooling. To diagnose this, check the fan blades by rotating them by hand. If it does not spin freely, then there must be some obstructions. So check this with a multimeter for continuity, and if you find it defective, then the condenser fan motor would need to be replaced.
6. Failed Evaporator Fan Motor
The function of the evaporator fan motor is to blow air over the evaporator coils to remove heat from the air inside. It also circulates cooled air into the food compartments, and if it is faulty and does not spin, then the air inside would not cool down. You can locate the evaporator fan motor at the back of the freezer, and if it does not work or has a strange noise, you might have to replace it. The evaporator fan motor is replaced as indicated below, but if you are not experienced in doing this, get the help of a technician.
- Remove all the shelves and baskets blocking the back panel. Then remove the shelving brackets by unthreading the screws.
- Remove the screws and remove the freezer’s lower back panel.
- Get proper access to the evaporator fan motor assembly by rotating the back panel up and taping it to the underside of the icemaker.
- Disconnect the wires running to the motor and take the metal housing with the motor out of the freezer.
- Remove the evaporator fan assembly from its housing by unscrewing the mounting screws. Then, remove the evaporator fan from the motor shaft and remove the metal mounting bracket.
- Attach the mounting bracket to the new evaporator fan. Then, slide the fan back on the motor shaft and place the motor on its metal housing and tighten the screws.
- Prepare the wires and plug the wire harness into the back of the refrigerator.
- Place the evaporator fan motor and its housing and reinsert the panel screws and tighten them.
- Replace the bottom, rear panel, and fix the panel screws.
- Reinstall the shelving brackets and reinserting the shelves and baskets.
7. Malfunctioning Thermostat
The temperature control thermostat sends voltage signals to various components such as the compressor, evaporator, and condenser fan motors. If this thermostat does not work properly, it will prevent the refrigerant system from operating. Turn the thermostat from the lowest setting to the highest and listen carefully. If the thermostat clicks, it is not defective, and if you don’t hear it, click to check the continuity using a multimeter. If the temperature control thermostat does not have continuity at any setting, you need to replace it.
8. Faulty Start/ Run Capacitor
The run capacitor supports the starting of the compressor, and if this is faulty, the compressor will run inconsistently. This would result in inefficient cooling, and you would have to deal with Frigidaire refrigerator troubleshooting. If the start capacitor is faulty, you can replace it quickly as follows.
- Remove the six mounting screws and take off the lower rear panel at the back of your refrigerator.
- The run capacitor is mounted on the compressor on the left side.
- Unhook the clip holding the capacitor to the side of the compressor using a pair of needle-nose pliers. This would uninstall the capacitor, and you can remove it out.
- Place the new run capacitor on the compressor and push the component into place. Use the needle-nose pliers to rehook the retaining clip. Fix the capacitor to the compressor carefully.
- Reinstall the back panel and replace the mounting screws to close your refrigerator.
- Start Relay: This is another component that works with the start winding to start the compressor. So check the start relay for any issues using a multimeter. If it is faulty, then consider replacing it.
9. Temperature Control Board
The voltage required by the compressor and fan motors is supplied by the temperature control board. If this is defective, it will not send voltage to the cooling system, but this is not a common issue. Since control boards are often misdiagnosed, test all other common defective components before you replace this.
10. Thermistor
The function of a thermistor is to monitor the refrigerator temperature. Then this reading is sent to the control board. Based on these readings, the control board regulates power to the components. A defective thermistor would lead to the malfunction of the compressor and evaporator fan, and the refrigerator will not cool properly. Test the thermistor with a multimeter, and the resistance should change with the refrigerator temperature accordingly. So if the thermistor resistance does not change, or does not have continuity, then the thermistor should be replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Cooling in Garage – What to Do
This might be because your garage is too hot or has no proper ventilation. Change the location to a more ventilated and shady area and check whether the problem is resolved.
Why Is My Frigidaire Refrigerator Clicking and Not Cooling?
The issue might be in the compressor. It would not be getting enough power from the start relay or start capacitor. This might happen if the compressor is overloaded. So clean the condenser coils and check again. You can check the start replay by unplugging it from the compressor and shaking it. If you hear a rattling sound, then it needs to be replaced. If not, check the continuity and take necessary actions of replacement.
How do you reset a Frigidaire refrigerator?
Press the default settings button on the display panel, and all customized refrigerator settings, including alarm tones and temperature, will return to factory default settings.
What should by Frigidaire refrigerator be set at?
The refrigerator should be at the factory settings of 38 ˚F (3 ˚C) and your freezer at 0 ˚F (-18 ˚C).
Is there a recall on Frigidaire refrigerators?
There are no recalls on these, but it might be possible if more customers request this.
Conclusion
You can use this guide to diagnose your refrigerator issues, including Frigidaire gallery refrigerator troubleshoot. After finding the exact cause of the issue, you can try to fix it if the problem is minor and manageable. However, it is recommended to get technical help when dealing with repairs and electrical component replacements. If you have any concerns about renewing your refrigerator, then make sure to avoid these Worst Refrigerators available in the market.
You would also find interest in LG Refrigerator Problems and how to troubleshoot if your Maytag dishwasher won’t start.