How to Diagnose Refrigerator Problems

When your fridge malfunctions, you need answers quickly. Otherwise, you could end up losing hundreds of dollars' worth of food. This list of possible causes and solutions will help you analyze your problem. See also How to Refresh a Smelly Refrigerator, How to Fix a Leaking Refrigerator, How to Repair a Clogged Ice Maker and How to Fix a Refrigerator That Cools Poorly.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. If the fridge won't run, first check the power cord, and the reset the circuit breaker.

2. Check for thermostat problems. It could be off or won't cool properly (too warm, too cold). If it can't be fixed with a simple adjustment, call a professional.

3. Check for coil problems. The compressor can overheat due to dust buildup on condenser coils. If so, vacuum the coils. If there's ice buildup on evaporator coils due to bad defrost heater, call a professional. If there's a squealing sound inside the refrigerator, it's like a failing evaporator-coil fan. If so, call a professional.

4. If there's frost buildup in the freezer, this is due to a bad defrost heater, in which case you should call a professional.

5. Realign the water tube if it's out of position. It could cause problems with the ice maker.

6. Replace any worn-out gaskets.

[buzzdoes11]

on 7/5/2009 I have a two year old refrigerator - It never did cool properly - It is at a Hunting Cabin - Supplied with a 250 foot home made extension cord - 4 conductor number 10 gauge wire - two wires for power - two wires for ground - Unit gets cold - but never cold enough - Should I blame the Poor AC Supply OR Look Elsewhere ??

[degzy]

on 5/29/2009 THE INNER LINING UNDER THE EVAPORATION DRIP SHELF THING HAS ALL OF A SUDDEN STARTED TO BULGE. ANYONE KNOW WHAT'S HAPPENING

[NIGEL3398]

on 9/6/2008 My fridge/freezer has a patch of condensation on the OUTSIDE of the casing approximately midway between where the top of the fridge and the lower end of the freezer are situated. Water droplets condense from this patch and roll down the side towards the floor. What causes this and does it mean the appliance is not functioning properly?

[cjthomas]

on 1/9/2008 My refrigerator is about 7 years old. Recently we have been finding water (some frozen) on the top shelf of the refrigerator. The freezer is on the top. I can't see where the water is coming from. Any thoughts?

[landreth11]

on 12/6/2007 I am attempting to diagnose a refrigerator problem. The solid matter in the start relay was crumbled. I don't have an ohm tester and would like a quick way of determining if the compressor is damaged. Can a rattling start relay cause a compressor to burn out?