eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Troubleshoot Your Refrigerator

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(30 Ratings)

Refrigerator on the fritz? Before you call a repairman, do a little investigating of your own.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  1. Step 1

    Make sure the cord is plugged in and that the breaker hasn't tripped.

  2. Step 2

    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.

  3. Step 3

    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.

  4. Step 4

    Vacuum the coils under the fridge. Dust may be keeping them from cooling properly.

  5. Step 5

    Be sure that the appliance is at least 4 inches from the wall to ensure enough circulation to the coils on the back.

  6. Step 6

    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.

  7. Step 7

    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.

  8. Step 8

    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.

  9. Step 9

    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.

  10. Step 10

    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.

Tips & Warnings
  • Unplug the refrigerator before you access areas with fans or motors.

Comments  

| View All 12 Comments

jdkader said

Flag This Comment

on 11/14/2009 My refrigerator makes a loud shuddering noise when it shuts off, and only during the winter months. Other than that, cooling and everything else works fine. Any ideas??

faelynia said

Flag This Comment

on 8/6/2009 fridge motor doesn't kick on, but rather, trips the GFCI within 45 seconds of plugging in. Other plugs on different circuits with same result.
The Fridge is a frost free model, but at-the-moment, there's a 1/4 inch of frost around all freezer items.

What are possible causes?

kzichi said

Flag This Comment

on 5/26/2009 Ice maker has funny smell in freezer and Ice cubes taste funny what's the problem

Bishboy said

Flag This Comment

on 10/11/2008 You may have a blocked drain hole. Fridges allow condensation to drain through a hole in the back (usually above the level of the salad crispers). This hole can become blocked by gunk and the water will then overflow into the interior of the fridge.

jgcardin said

Flag This Comment

on 9/3/2008 Refrigerator has water collecting on shelf above crisper and leaks out onto floor

This is a 5' Kenmore refrigerator - no freezer section.

What should I look for?

Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Related Ads

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This
Get Free Home & Garden Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

eHow Home and Garden
eHow_eHow Home and Garden