By
eHow Home & Garden Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
Step1
Make sure the cord is plugged in and that the breaker hasn't tripped.
Step2
Check the settings on the temperature control if the fridge is too warm or too cold. This is the dial that's usually located at the top front or right rear of the refrigerator.
Step3
Note the ambient temperature of the kitchen. If the fridge seems to be running for a long time, it may be that the room is just warm. If that's not the case, make sure the door isn't being left open and that the door gasket is sealing.
Step4
Vacuum the coils under the fridge. Dust may be keeping them from cooling properly.
Step5
Be sure that the appliance is at least 4 inches from the wall to ensure enough circulation to the coils on the back.
Step6
Notice if the light comes on, but the motor doesn't run. The temperature control may be turned off. If the control is properly set, you may have a bad thermostat.
Step7
Change the switch if the bulb is staying on when the door is shut. You can check this by pressing the button located along the hinged side of the door. The light should go off when you press it.
Step8
Listen for unusual noises. Are the shelves rattling? You may need to tighten the supports on the back wall. Items on the shelves may also be the cause of the sound, such as glass bottles clattering together.
Step9
Remove the base grill. Is the defrost pan the culprit? Make sure it's on its tracks and that the felt pads are in place.
Step10
Check the condenser fan under the fridge. Sometimes paper stuck in it makes a racket. If there is something there, be sure to disconnect the power before you attempt to remove it.
Comments
doityourselfman said
on 6/4/2008 THE FAN IN THE FREEZER NOT WORKING,REPLACED FAN STILL NOT WORKING ,WHAT'S THE PROBLEM?
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 This is based on experience with 80's-90's Whirpool refrigerators. Sometimes the drain in the back of the refrigerator will manage to get a limabean stuck in it. Sometimes "gunk" will get in it too. This keeps the water from draining well in the defrost "mode," which causes ice to build up...and sometimes water will start dripping down into the bottom of the refrigerator.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Put a thermometer in your refrigerator to monitor the temperature inside. When the temperature in the room changes with the weather so will the temperature in the refrigerator and you will be able to make precise adjustments accordingly.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Fill a plastic glass with water. Freeze it. Turn it upside down in the freezer. If the ice in the glass is always at the top, the freezer is staying below 32 degrees. If it drops, it melted, and the freezer may have a problem.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 If the defrost timer motor is not working, the ice will build up, or the compressor will not work. To find out if the motor is working, place your ear against the wall of the refrigertor close to where the timer is located. Your should hear a faint "tick, tick, tick," which means that the motor is working. If it only hums, the motor is probably frozen. Get a new timer.