The refrigerator does not cool, but the freezer works - 7 reasons and what to do

Have you opened the refrigerator, and the food in the main compartment is warm, although the freezer is working as usual? This is a common problem faced by owners of equipment Samsung, Indesit, Atlant and other brands. In 80% of cases, the malfunction is related to the cooling system or electronics, but sometimes banal operating errors are to blame.

In this article we will analyze all possible reasonswhy the refrigerator stopped cooling, but the freezer is functioning normally. You will learn how to independently diagnose a breakdown, when you can do without a technician, and in what cases do-it-yourself repairs can aggravate the situation. We will also provide step-by-step instructions for troubleshooting and a table with typical symptoms for different models.

1. A clogged capillary tube is the most common cause.

The capillary tube (or throttle) is a thin copper channel through which the refrigerant (freon) flows from the condenser to the evaporator. If the tube becomes clogged, freon cannot circulate normally and the refrigerator compartment stops cooling while the freezer continues to operate.

Signs of a clog:

• 🔍 The compressor runs non-stop or starts too often
• ❄️ The freezer freezes more than usual (ice may form)
• 🌡️ Temperature in the main compartment is +15°C and above
• 🔊 Extraneous sounds (gurgling, hissing) in the cooling system

What should I do? At home, it is almost impossible to clean the capillary tube - special equipment is required for purging and refilling freon. If you suspect a blockage Do not try to disassemble the system yourself this could lead to a refrigerant leak. Contact a specialist.

2. Malfunction of the thermostat or temperature sensor

The thermostat (or thermostat) is responsible for turning the compressor on/off depending on the temperature in the chamber. If it breaks, the compressor may not receive a signal about the need to cool the refrigerator compartment, although the freezer continues to operate normally.

How to check the thermostat:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove the protective cover from the thermostat (usually located next to the temperature adjustment knob).
3. Ring the contacts with a multimeter in resistance test mode. At room temperature, the resistance should be close to zero.
4. If there is no resistance, the thermostat is faulty and requires replacement.

Modern models (for example, LG No Frost or Samsung Twin Cooling) use electronic sensors instead of a mechanical thermostat. Checking them is more difficult and requires diagnostic equipment.

3. Freon leak - why the freezer works but the refrigerator does not

Freon is a refrigerant that circulates through the system and provides cooling. If leakageoccurs, its quantity decreases and the compressor cannot effectively cool both chambers. However, the freezer often continues to work, since it is closer to the compressor and receives residual refrigerant.

Causes of leakage:

• 🔧 Mechanical damage to the tubes (for example, when moving the refrigerator)
• 🕳️ Corrosion of copper tubes due to high humidity
• 🔥 Overheating of the compressor leading to microcracks

How to determine a leak:

• The compressor runs non-stop, but the refrigerator does not cool.
• Oil stains are visible on the tubes or the back wall (freon is mixed with oil).
• Ice or frost may appear at the leak site.

⚠️ Attention: Freon is harmless to humans, but when there is a leak, oil from the system enters the air. This can lead to a fire if in contact with an open flame (for example, if the refrigerator is located next to a gas stove).

4. Problems with the No Frost fan

In refrigerators with a system No Frost (for example, Bosch KGE39XW2AR or Atlant XM 4625-101) the fan is responsible for distributing cold air. If it stops working, the freezer continues to freeze, and the refrigerator compartment remains warm.

Reasons for stopping the fan:

• 🍂 Freezing of the blades due to ice (often occurs when there is a malfunction defrost heater).
• 🔌 Fan motor failure.
• 🧊 Icing of air ducts blocking air flow.

How to check:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and defrost it for 10–12 hours.
2. After defrosting, turn on the equipment and listen - you should hear the sound of the fan running.
3. If there is no sound, check if the blades are blocked by ice or foreign objects.

Defrost the refrigerator for 10+ hours|

Check the fan blades for ice|

Listen to the fan operation after turning it on|

Inspect the air ducts for icing-->

5. Clogged drainage hole or filter-drier

The drainage hole is responsible for removing condensate from the refrigerator compartment. If it becomes clogged, water pools at the bottom and then freezes, blocking air circulation. As a result, the temperature in the main compartment rises, although the freezer operates normally.

How to clean the drain:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and remove all food.
2. Locate the drainage hole (usually located on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment).
3. Use a special a brush or cleaning tube (can be taken from the refrigerator kit or purchased separately).
4. Wash the hole with warm water and soap.

The filter drier clogs less often, but if this happens, it will need to be replaced. This part is responsible for cleaning freon from moisture and impurities. When clogged the pressure in the system drops, the refrigerator stops cooling.

6. Compressor or start relay failure

If the compressor is not working correctly, it may not create enough pressure to cool both chambers. In some cases, the power is only enough for the freezer, and the refrigerator compartment remains warm.

Signs of a compressor malfunction:

• 🔊 Loud hum or knocking during operation.
• 🔥 The compressor gets very hot (you can check it with your hand).
• 🕒 Long pauses between starts.

The starting relay is responsible for starting the compressor. If it fails, the compressor may not turn on at all or may operate intermittently. You can check the relay with a multimeter:

1. Remove the relay from the compressor.
2. Test the contacts for a break.
3. If there is no resistance, the relay is faulty.

⚠️ Attention: Replacing a compressor is a complex procedure that requires evacuation of the system and refilling Freon. Incorrect installation can lead to complete failure of the refrigerator.

7. Operating errors - when the user is to blame

Sometimes the refrigerator does not get cold not because of a breakdown, but because of improper use. Here are the most common mistakes:

• 🚪 Frequent or prolonged opening of the door (especially in hot weather).
• 🌡️ Installing the refrigerator next to heat sources (battery, stove, direct sunlight).
• 🍲 Overloading the chamber with hot foods.
• 🔌 Unstable voltage in the network (surges can disrupt electronic settings).

What to do:

• Check whether the door closes tightly (the seal may be worn out).
• Do not put hot foods in the refrigerator - let them cool to room temperature temperature.
• Make sure that the refrigerator is level (check the level).
• If the voltage in the house is unstable, use a stabilizer.

What will happen if you ignore the problem?

If the refrigerator operates in a faulty mode for a long time, this can lead to:

- Complete failure of the compressor (replacement cost is up to 70% of the price of a new refrigerator).

- Food spoilage and bacterial growth (temperatures above +5°C are hazardous to health).

- Increased electricity consumption (up to 30–50% above normal).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about a non-working refrigerator

Can I refill freon myself?

No. Refilling freon requires special equipment (vacuum pump, pressure manifold) and skills. Incorrect charging may result in system rupture or refrigerant leakage. Contact a specialist.

How much does it cost to repair if the refrigerator does not work and the freezer freezes?

The cost depends on the reason:

• Replacement of the thermostat - from 1,500 to 3,000 rub.
• Cleaning the capillary tube - from 3,500 rubles.
• Replacement of the compressor - from 5,000 to 12,000 rubles.
• Elimination of freon leaks - from 4,000 rubles.

In some cases, repairs can cost more than buying a new refrigerator (especially if the equipment is older than 10 years).

Why does the No Frost refrigerator not cool, but the freezer works?

In 90% of cases, the problem is associated with:

1. Freezing of the fan (required defrosting).
2. Breakage of the defrost heater (needs replacement).
3. Clogged air ducts (you can clean it yourself).

If the problem remains after defrosting, check the temperature sensor or electronic control unit.

How to temporarily store food in a refrigerator broken?

Until the refrigerator is repaired:

• Transfer perishable foods to the freezer (if there is space).
• Use a cooler bag or thermal container with ice.
• Store dairy products, meat and fish in the coldest zone (usually the bottom shelf above the vegetable drawer).

Do not leave food at room temperature for more than 2 hours!

Can the refrigerator not cool due to power surges?

Yes. Sudden voltage drops can:

• Throw down the settings of the electronic control unit.
• Damage the compressor or start relay.
• Lead to a short circuit in the control board.

If in your area there are frequent power outages or jumps, be sure to use voltage stabilizer.