The refrigerator does not freeze, but the freezer is working: reasons and what to do

Have you opened the refrigerator, but the food in the main compartment is warm, although the freezer is working as usual? This problem is more common than it seems. In 80% of cases, it is not a compressor breakdown or freon leak that is to blame, but simple failures in the air circulation system or electronics. But the symptom cannot be ignored: when operating for a long time in this mode, the compressor wears out 2-3 times faster, and food spoils in a matter of hours.

In this article we will analyze 7 main reasonswhy the refrigerator does not cool, but the freezer freezes - from a clogged drainage to a faulty temperature sensor. You will learn how to diagnose the problem yourself (even without tools), when you can get by with a simple setup, and when it’s time to call a specialist. Relevant for models Samsung, LG, Atlant, Indesit, Bosch and other brands with a system No Frost and drip defrosting.

Spoiler: in 30% of cases it is to blame blowing fan —it can be fixed in 10 minutes without disassembling the refrigerator. And if the problem is clogged capillary tube, then you cannot do without a specialist. Read on to understand what type of situation your situation belongs to.

1. Clogged ventilation system (No Frost)

If you have a refrigerator with a system No Frost (this is almost all modern models Samsung, LG, Liebherr), then the most likely reason is ice or clogged fan, which drives cold air from the freezer into the main compartment. When the fan blades are blocked by ice or debris, the cold stops flowing into the refrigerator compartment, and the freezer continues to operate.

How this happens:

1. Moist air from the food condenses on the evaporator.
2. Condensation freezes, forming ice on the fan blades.
3. The fan stops or works intermittently.
4. Cold air does not circulate and the refrigerator compartment heats up.

• ❄️ Symptoms: there is too much ice in the freezer, a hum is heard motor, but the air in the main compartment is warm.
• 🔧 Solution: defrost the refrigerator for 12-24 hours, then check the operation of the fan (it should make even noise).
• ⚠️ Danger: if the problem is not eliminated, the compressor will wear out, which will lead to its breakdown.

2. Malfunction of the blower fan

Even if the ventilation system is not clogged with ice, the fan itself fan may fail. This is a problem for refrigerators Atlant, Indesit, Ariston after 5–7 years of operation. The fan is responsible for moving cold air from the freezer to the main compartment. If it breaks, the freezer will freeze, but the refrigerator compartment will not.

How to check the fan:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove the back panel in the freezer (usually attached to latches or screws).
3. Find the fan (plastic blades behind the grille).
4. Try to turn the blades by hand - they should rotate freely, without squeaking.
5. Connect the refrigerator to the network and listen: if the fan does not make noise, it is faulty.

• 🔊 Symptoms: the refrigerator is working, but you can’t hear a uniform fan noise (usually it sounds like a slight buzz).
• 💰 Cost repair: replacing the fan will cost 1,500–3,000 rubles (depending on the model).
• ⚠️ Attention: if the fan spins, but with difficulty, the problem may be in the bearings - they can be lubricated with silicone grease.

3. Failure of the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor

In refrigerators with electronic control (Samsung RL-series, LG GB-series, Bosch KAN-series), a separate one is responsible for the temperature in the main compartment sensor. If it fails, the control unit “thinks” that the chamber is already cold enough and does not turn on the cooling. The freezer works normally, since it has its own sensor.

How to determine that the sensor is to blame:

1. Check whether the temperature indicator on the panel is on (if any).
2. See whether the refrigerator reacts to changing the settings (for example, when setting the minimum temperature).
3. If the indication works, but the temperature does not change, the sensor is faulty.

How to check the sensor multimeter?

To check the temperature sensor (thermistor), switch the multimeter to resistance measurement mode (20 kOhm). At room temperature (~25°C), the resistance of a working sensor should be within 4–6 kOhm. If the readings are very different or tend to zero/infinity, the sensor is faulty.

4. Freon leakage or capillary tube blockage

If the refrigerator stopped freezing abruptlywas working normally before, it is possible freon leak or a blockage in capillary tube. In this case, the compressor runs without stopping, but the cold does not enter either the freezer or the main compartment. However, there are cases when a leak occurs in the refrigeration chamber circuit, and the freezer continues to freeze (since its circuit remains sealed).

Causes of freon leakage:

• Corrosion of tubes (often at soldering points).
• Mechanical damage to the circuit (for example, when moving the refrigerator).
• Factory defects (found in cheap models Indesit, Pozis).

⚠️ Attention: If you suspect a freon leak, do not try to repair the refrigerator yourself - freon is toxic, and soldering tubes requires special equipmentcontact a specialist: the average cost of eliminating a leak is 3,500–6,000 rubles.

• ⚙️ Signs of a leak: the compressor works without stopping, the condenser (grid at the back) does not heat up, the chamber is warm.
• 🔍 How check: if the condenser is cold and the motor is hot, this is a sure sign of a leak.
• 💸 Repair cost: from 2,500 ₽ (refilling with freon) to 8,000 ₽ (replacing the circuit).

5. Breakdown of the compressor or start relay

If refrigerator turns on, but does not freeze, and the freezer works intermittently, the problem may be in compressor or start relay. In modern refrigerators (Samsung, LG, Beko, two compressors are often installed: one for the freezer, the other for the refrigerator compartment. If the refrigeration compressor breaks down. compartment, the freezer will work, but the main chamber will not.

How to diagnose the problem:

• Listen to how the compressor works: if it buzzes, but does not start the starting relay is to blame.
• If the compressor does not turn on at all —possible winding breakage or thermostat malfunction.
• If the compressor works, but does not cool —freon leak or blockage.

Unplug the refrigerator

Touch the compressor (it should be warm, but not hot)

Listen to see if the relay clicks when turned on

Check whether the fan on the compressor rotates-->

⚠️ Attention: If the compressor overheats (hot to the touch) and turns off after 5-10 minutes of operation, this is a sign of an interturn short circuit. In this case, the compressor needs to be replaced (from 5,000 ₽).

6. Problems with the electronic control unit

In refrigerators with electronic control (Samsung RB-series, LG DoorCooling+, Bosch VitaFresh), the “brain” of the system is control unit. If it fails, the refrigerator may behave unpredictably: for example, the freezer works, but the main chamber does not, although the sensors and compressor are working.

Causes of control unit failure:

• Power surges in the network.
• Moisture on the board (for example, during defrosting).
• Manufacturer's defect (occurs in models Indesit and Atlant first batches).

• 🔌 Symptoms: the refrigerator turns on and off chaotically, errors flash on the display (for example, E1, F2), does not respond to settings.
• 🔧 Solution: reset the settings (turn off the refrigerator for 10 minutes), if this does not help, you need to diagnose the board.
• 💰 Repair cost: from 2,000 ₽ (flashing) to 7,000 ₽ (board replacement).

7. Clogged drainage hole

If the refrigerator not freezing well, but the freezer worksand water accumulates in the main compartment, the problem may be in clogged drainage hole. The water does not drain, stagnates and begins to freeze, blocking air circulation. This problem is for models with drip defrosting system (Atlant, Biryusa, Stinol).

How to clean the drainage:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from network.
2. Locate the drainage hole in the back of the refrigerator compartment (usually at the bottom).
3. Take a flexible wire or a special brush (included with some models).
4. Carefully clean the hole, then rinse it with warm water using syringe.

• 💧 Signs: puddles under the vegetable boxes, unpleasant smell, ice in the drainage hole.
• 🧼 Prevention: every 3 months, wash the drainage with a soda solution (1 tablespoon per glass of water).
• ⚠️ Attention: if the drainage is clogged with mold, use special means (for example, Sano Refrigerator Cleaner).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to use a refrigerator if it does not freeze, but a freezer does it work?

It is possible for a short time (1-2 days), but it is not recommended. The compressor wears out, which can lead to its breakdown. In addition, the food in the refrigerator compartment will begin to spoil after 6-12 hours.

How much does it cost to repair if the refrigerator does not freeze, but the freezer works?

The cost depends on the reason:

• Fan replacement: 1,500–3,000 ₽.
• Temperature sensor replacement: 1,000–2,500 ₽.
• Freon leakage elimination: 3 500–6,000 ₽.
• Replacement of the compressor: 5,000–10,000 ₽.

The technician will tell you the exact price after diagnostics.

How to temporarily store food if the refrigerator does not freeze?

Transfer perishable foods to the freezer (if there is space) or use a cooler bag with ice. Meat, fish and dairy products can be stored at room temperature for no more than 2 hours.

Can the refrigerator not freeze due to power surges?

Yes, especially if you don't have one. stabilizer. Voltage surges can damage the control unit or compressor. It is recommended to connect the refrigerator through surge filter or a stabilizer.

What to do if the refrigerator is under warranty, but the store refuses to repair it?

According to the Law “On the Protection of Rights” consumers" (Article 18), you have the right to free repair or replacement during the warranty period. Write a claim to the store with a request to fix the fault. If they refuse, contact Rospotrebnadzor.