The situation when The refrigerator freezes, but does not coolis one of the most common and frightening for the owner of household appliances. Ice may form in the freezer and preserve food while the temperature in the refrigerator compartment rises above normal, causing fresh food to spoil. This behavior of the unit indicates a violation of the refrigerant circulation or a malfunction of the temperature control system.
Before calling a technician, it is important to carry out an initial diagnosis, since in 30% of cases the problem lies in improper operation or minor blockage, which can be eliminated independently. However, ignoring the symptoms can lead to failure compressor, which will require expensive repairs or complete replacement of the equipment. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions, signs of critical breakdowns and ways to eliminate them.
You should start with an analysis of recent events: was defrosting carried out, was the installation location changed, or was there a voltage drop in the network? These factors often become triggers for failures in the electronics or mechanical parts of the cooling system. Understanding the context of the problem will help narrow down the range of possible causes.
Main causes of temperature violations
The fundamental reason that equipment stops cooling in the upper compartment is most often a violation of freon circulation. If the refrigerator freezes only the freezer, this may mean that the refrigerant simply does not reach the evaporator of the refrigerator compartment due to a blockage in the capillary tube or a leak. In such cases, the compressor operates normally, creating cold, but the system cannot distribute it evenly.
Another common reason is a malfunction of the thermostat or electronic control module. If the temperature sensor transmits incorrect data about the condition in the chamber, the controller may “think” that the cold has been reached and turn off the cold supply, although in fact the temperature is high. It is also worth considering the condition of the door seals: if the rubber has dried out and does not fit tightly, warm air constantly flows inside, overloading the system.
Do not discount the banal overload of products. If the air ducts connecting the freezer and refrigerator compartments are clogged with bags or containers, natural convection is disrupted. Cold air simply cannot physically penetrate the upper part of the unit.
Diagnostics of the No Frost and defrost system
In modern models with the system No Frost the problem often lies in the evaporator defrost system. If the defrost heating element, defrost thermostat or timer fails, a “coat” of ice builds up on the evaporator. This ice shell blocks the operation of the fan, and cold air stops flowing into the refrigerator compartment, remaining locked in the freezer.
To check this version, you need to inspect the back wall of the freezer. If you see a thick layer of frost or ice hiding the radiator fins, the diagnosis is confirmed. In this case, the refrigerator will work for wear, trying to compensate for the lack of heat exchange, which can ultimately lead to overheating of the compressor.
⚠️ Attention: If you find an ice crust on the evaporator, do not try to pick it out with a knife or sharp objects. Damage to the evaporator tubes will lead to an immediate leak of freon and complex, expensive repairs.
Often users confuse the symptoms, believing that the compressor is broken, while the problem is solved by replacing an inexpensive defrost heating element. Diagnostics requires testing the elements with a multimeter, which requires basic electrical skills.
Problems with the compressor and refrigerant
If after defrosting the situation has not changed, and you are convinced that the defrosting system is working properly, you should pay attention to compressor and the circulation circuit. Dual-circuit cooling systems, where each chamber is responsible for its own evaporator and its own circuit, may exhibit symptoms when one circuit works and the second does not. This often happens when the capillary tube is clogged or freon leaks in the second circuit.
Refrigerant leakage is an insidious problem. Freon can escape through microcracks in the foamed part of the body or in solder areas. When the amount of gas decreases, the performance of the system drops: the compressor works non-stop, trying to gain temperature, but there is not enough cold even for one chamber. A characteristic sign is a hot condenser (grid at the back) only partially or its complete absence of heating.
Replacing a compressor or recharging the system requires professional equipment: a vacuum pump, a pressure gauge station and scales for gas dosing. It is almost impossible to carry out these operations on your own with high quality.
Is it possible to add freon without looking for a leak?
Simply refilling freon without finding and eliminating the leak is a temporary solution that may cost you a new compressor. Moisture or air remaining in the system will lead to the formation of acid, which will corrode the motor windings from the inside.
Failures of the damper and fan
In models with one cooling circuit, cold from the freezer is supplied to the fridge compartment through a special channel controlled by the air damper. If the damper mechanism is stuck in the closed position, the cold simply does not enter the upper compartment. This is a mechanical failure that can often be corrected by disassembling the plastic panel inside the refrigerator.
The fan that provides forced air circulation also plays a key role. If its blades are iced up or the motor winding is burned out, the air flow stops. You can check the operation of the fan by opening the door of the freezer (in some models you need to press the button simulating a closed door) and listen to the noise of the motor.
- 🌀 The fan is humming, but does not spin: probably the bearing is frozen or the blades are stuck in the ice.
- 🔇 Complete silence: possibly the winding is burned out or there is no power to the motor.
- ❄️ Noise and vibration: imbalance of the blades or wear of the bushings.
Replacing the fan is usually not difficult if you have access to the evaporator. However, in some models Indesit or Atlant this requires complete defrosting of the unit within 24 hours.
Table of symptoms and probable malfunctions
To simplify diagnostics, we suggest using a summary table. It will help correlate observed symptoms with the most likely technical problems. Remember that an accurate diagnosis can only be made by a specialist with diagnostic equipment.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair | Need for a technician |
|---|---|---|---|
| The freezer is freezing, in the refrigerator heat | Clogged capillary tube, freon leak in the 2nd circuit | High | Required |
| Ice on the back wall of the freezer | Faulty defrost system (heating element, timer, sensor) | Average | Desirable |
| Compressor runs constantly | Freon leak, thermostat malfunction | High | Required |
| The refrigerator turns on for 5 seconds and turns off | Malfunction of the start relay or compressor | Average | Desirable |
| The fan does not make noise | The fan motor is burnt out or iced up | Low | You can do it yourself |
Analysis of the table shows that many serious problems such as freon leak in the secondary circuit, may externally manifest itself as a simple breakdown of the damper. This is why a comprehensive check of all systems is important.
Algorithm for self-diagnosis and repair
If you decide to try to fix the problem on your own, follow the instructions strictly. Violation of the sequence of actions can aggravate the situation. First, make sure that the refrigerator is completely defrosted, including hidden cavities.
Check the integrity of the door seals. Wipe them with soapy water and inspect them for cracks. Press the door with a sheet of paper: if it is pulled out without resistance, the seal requires replacement or adjustment of the hinges. Also check whether the door is pinched by food.
Next is checking the thermostat. In mechanical models, you can try to close the contacts of the regulator (after disconnecting from the network!). If the compressor starts working after turning on, then the problem is in the thermostat. In electronic models LG or Samsung often it is necessary to reset errors through the service menu.
☑️ Primary diagnostic checklist
When it is necessary to call a specialist
There are a number of situations when independent repair is not only useless, but also dangerous. If you hear a hissing sound during operation (a sign of a freon leak) or see oil under the compressor, further operation is prohibited. A technician is also needed if soldering tubes or replacing a motor-compressor is required.
Modern inverter compressors are extremely sensitive to operating conditions and require a special tool for diagnostics. An attempt to “revive” such a unit using homemade methods often leads to the burning of an expensive control board.
⚠️ Attention: If after defrosting for 24 hours the refrigerator does not return to normal mode and does not begin to cool, then the problem is of a technical nature (leakage, blockage, unit failure), and is not a consequence of icing.
Not Remember that a qualified technician has the sealant, freon station and experience to accurately determine the cause. Saving on calling a specialist in the event of a serious breakdown can backfire, turning minor repairs into the purchase of a new refrigerator.
Why does the refrigerator freeze, but not get cold after defrosting?
If after complete defrosting (more than 24 hours) the situation has not changed, then the problem is not in the ice jam. Most likely, a freon leak has occurred, the compressor has failed, or the capillary tube has become clogged. The ice was only an accompanying factor masking the main malfunction.
How long should the refrigerator cool down after turning it on?
After turning on the empty refrigerator, it usually takes from 2 to 6 hours to reach operating temperature, depending on the model and the ambient temperature in the room. If after 8 hours the chamber is still warm and the compressor is running, there is a malfunction.
Is it possible to use the refrigerator if it does not cool in the upper compartment?
For a short period of time - it is possible, but not recommended. The food in the overhead compartment will quickly spoil and the compressor will work in overdrive trying to compensate for the heat, which can cause it to burn. It’s better to unload the food and start making repairs.
What to do if ice is frozen in the No Frost refrigerator?
You need to completely defrost the refrigerator (at least for a day) by checking the drain hole. If, after turning on, the ice builds up again within a week, the defrosting system (heating element, sensor or timer) is faulty and parts need to be replaced.