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

Have you opened the refrigerator, and there is room temperature, although the freezer is working as if nothing had happened? This situation occurs more often than it seems. In most cases, the problem can be solved without calling a technician, but to do this, you need to correctly diagnose the cause.

In this article we will analyze all possible reasonswhy the refrigerator stopped cooling, but the freezer continues to work. You will learn how to check the thermostat, fan, damper and other components, as well as when to call a specialist. Atlant, Indesit, Stinol, LG or Samsung - no matter what model you have: the diagnostic principles are the same for most refrigerators with a system No Frost and drip defrosting.

First, let's rule out simple causes that can be eliminated in 5 minutes, and then move on to more complex faults. If you are not confident in your abilities, do not take risks: improper repairs can lead to compressor failure or freon leakage.

1. Clogged drainage hole or capillary tube

One ​​of the most common reasons why the refrigerator does not cool, but the freezer works is clogging in the refrigerant circulation system or drainage. In refrigerators with drip defrosting, water flows down the back wall into a special hole, which can become clogged with crumbs, dust or mold.

If the drainage is clogged, moisture accumulates at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment, forming ice. This blocks air circulation and prevents proper cooling. In the freezer, the temperature remains stable, since it is isolated from the main compartment.

• 🔍 Signs: puddles under the vegetable drawers, ice on the back wall, unpleasant odor.
• 🛠️ How to clean: turn off the refrigerator, remove all food, rinse the drainage hole with warm water and soda or with a special brush (often included).
• ⚠️ Caution! Do not use sharp objects - you can damage plastic parts.

If the problem does not disappear after cleaning, check capillary tube (thin copper tube coming from the compressor). Sometimes it becomes clogged with oil or freon decomposition products. In this case, professional cleaning or replacement will be required.

2. Malfunction of the fan or damper (for No Frost)

In refrigerators with a system No Frost the fan is responsible for circulating cold air. If it breaks or its blades are blocked by ice, the cold stops flowing into the refrigerator compartment, and the freezer continues to work, since it is cooled directly from the evaporator.

Another common problem is damperregulating the air flow between the compartments. It may become stuck in the closed position due to icing or drive failure. As a result, the freezer freezes, and the refrigerator “rests.”

Unplug the refrigerator

Remove all shelves from the freezer

Shine a flashlight at the back - check if ice is blocking fan

Try to manually turn the blades (they should rotate easily)

Listen to whether the fan motor works when turned on (there should be a slight noise)-->

If the fan does not spin, the following reasons are possible:

• 🔌 Power failure —check the contacts and fuse.
• ❄️ Icing of the blades —defrost the refrigerator for 12–24 hours.
• 🔧 Bearing wear —motor replacement will be required.

⚠️ Attention: If the fan is working, but the damper does not open, do not try to force it to move - you can break the plastic parts. It’s better to call a technician to diagnose the drive.

3. Failure of the thermostat or temperature sensor

The thermostat (or thermostat) is the “brain” of the refrigerator, which turns the compressor on and off depending on the temperature. If it fails, the compressor may either not turn on at all or run without stopping. In two-compressor models, the thermostat often breaks only the refrigerator compartment, which is why the freezer continues to freeze, but the main compartment does not.

Modern refrigerators use electronic sensorsinstead of a mechanical thermostat. They are more accurate, but can also fail. For example, the refrigerator compartment sensor may show incorrect data, and the control unit “thinks” that the temperature is normal, although in fact it is too high.

To check the thermostat, you need to remove it and test it with a multimeter. If the resistance does not change when the knob is rotated or when the sensor cools, the part must be replacement. In some models (for example, Samsung RL-33 or LG GA-B489), the thermostat is located behind the rear panel of the refrigerator compartment - you can get to it by removing the cover.

4. Freon leak or clogged filter-drier

If the refrigerator does not cool, and the freezer is working, but the compressor hums louder than usual and almost does not turn off, this is a sign of a freon leak or a blockage in the system. Freon circulates in a closed circuit, and if a microcrack appears somewhere (for example, in the evaporator or condenser), it becomes insufficient to cool both chambers. since it is closer to the compressor, but the refrigerator is not.

Another possible reason is filter drier is cloggedThis element is cleaning. freon from moisture and impurities, but over time it can become clogged. As a result, the refrigerant does not flow in the required volume, and the refrigerator compartment stops cooling.

• 🔧 How to check: touch the condenser (the grille at the back of the refrigerator). If it is cold and the compressor is running, there is most likely a leak or a leak. blockage.
• 🛠️ What to do: it is impossible to eliminate the leak without special equipment. You need to call a technician who will find the location of the damage, seal it and fill the system with freon.
• ⚠️ Danger! Freon is toxic - do not try to repair the system. yourself.

⚠️ Attention: If a leak occurs in the freezer (for example, due to corrosion of the evaporator), then over time it will also stop working!

5. compressor or start relay

In two-compressor refrigerators (for example, Atlant MXM-170 or Biryusa 145) separate compressors are responsible for the refrigeration and freezer compartments. If one of them fails, the second camera continues to work. In single-compressor models, a compressor breakdown usually leads to complete failure, but sometimes it can “freeze” in the mode of maintaining the temperature only in the freezer.

Frequent causes of failure compressor:

• 🔥 Overheating due to poor ventilation or high load.
• ⚡ Winding breakdown — the compressor hums, but does not start.
• 🔌 Malfunction of the start relay —clicks when turned on, but the motor does not start.

You can check the compressor with a multimeter:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network.
2. Remove the start relay (box on the compressor).
3. Ring the windings: the resistance between the terminals should be in the range of 20–50 Ohms (for exact values, see the model data sheet).
4. If there is no resistance or is too high, the compressor is faulty.

The starting relay may also be to blame. If you hear clicks when you turn on the refrigerator, but the compressor does not start, try replacing the relay with a known working one (for example, from the same refrigerator). If this helps, the problem is solved.

How to test a compressor without a multimeter?

If you don’t have a tester at hand, you can check the compressor “by ear”:

1. Plug in the refrigerator.

2. Place your hand on the compressor housing (it is located at the bottom back).

3. If the motor does not vibrate and does not heat up for 5–10 minutes, it does not work.

4. If the compressor hums but does not start, the piston may be jammed or the winding may be burned out.

6. Failure in the control unit (electronic models)

In refrigerators with electronic control (for example, Samsung RB-30 J3200 or LG GB-B459) is responsible for cold distribution. control board. If it fails, strange malfunctions may occur: for example, the freezer works but the refrigerator does not, or vice versa. Sometimes the problem appears after a power surge or power outage.

Symptoms of a faulty control unit:

• 📛 Errors flash on the display (for example, Er IF, E1, F5).
• 🔄 The refrigerator spontaneously turns on/off.
• ❄️ The temperature in the chambers does not correspond to the set one.

What can be done:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network for 15-20 minutes, then turn it on again. Sometimes this helps clear the errors.
2. Check the voltage in the network. - it must be stable (220–230 V).
3. If failures recur, diagnostics of the board will be required at a service center.

⚠️ Attention: Do not try to repair the control board yourself if you do not have experience working with electronics. Incorrect soldering or replacement of elements can lead to complete failure of the refrigerator.

7. Mechanical damage or installation errors

Sometimes the reason lies not in a breakdown, but in improper use or installation of the refrigerator. This is what can lead to the refrigerator not cooling:

• 🚪 The door does not close tightly - check the sealing rubber. If it is torn or deformed, warm air gets inside and the refrigerator cannot maintain the temperature.
• ☀️ The refrigerator is located next to a heat source (battery, stove, direct sunlight). cannot cope with the load, and the cold goes into the freezer.
• 🔌 Unstable voltage in the network — if the refrigerator is connected through an extension cord or socket with poor contact, it may not work correctly.
• 📦 Overload with food — if the refrigerator compartment is filled to capacity, air circulation is disrupted.

Checking the sealing rubber is simple: close the door and try to insert a sheet of paper between it and the refrigerator body. If it fits easily, it’s time to change the seal. Also inspect the hinges: if the door is sagging, it needs to be replaced. adjust.

What to do if nothing helps?

If you have tried all the methods, but the refrigerator is still not cooling, and the freezer is working, it’s time to contact to specialists. Here are the signs that you can’t do without a specialist:

• 🔧 The compressor works non-stop, but there is no cold.
• ❄️ A thick layer of ice forms on the back wall of the refrigerator.
• 💥 Unusual sounds are heard: knocking, grinding, strong buzzing.
• 📛 There is an error on the display that cannot be reset.

When you call the technician, specify:

• Refrigerator model (located on the sticker inside or on the back).
• When the problem appeared and what preceded it (for example, power surge, defrosting).
• What measures have you already taken (cleaning, defrosting, checking the thermostat).

The cost of repair depends on the malfunction:

⚠️ Attention: Prices are approximate and may vary depending on the region, refrigerator model and service center policy. Check current rates before repairs.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to use a refrigerator if only the refrigeration unit does not work? chamber?

Technically yes, but it is not recommended for a long time. If the freezer is working, the food in it will not spoil, but ignoring the problem can lead to a more serious breakdown (for example, failure of the compressor). In addition, bacteria multiply quickly in the refrigerator at room temperature.

How long can you store food in it? a non-working refrigerator?

At room temperature (+20–25°C), most products will last 2-4 hours. Dairy products, meat and fish spoil faster - it is better to put them in the freezer or eat them first. Vegetables and fruits will last longer - up to 1-2 days, but may lose freshness.

Why does the refrigerator not work after defrosting? cools, but the freezer is working?

The most likely reasons:

1. Moisture has entered the system, and freon does not circulate normally (drying and refilling are required).
2. The damper between the chambers is stuck in the closed position (needs to be defrosted again or checked mechanism).
3. The refrigerator thermostat burned out due to a power surge when turned on.

Try to turn off the refrigerator for 12 hours, then turn it on again. If that doesn’t help, call a technician.

How to check if the fan is working in a No Frost refrigerator?

Open the freezer, press the forced defrost button (if there is one) or just listen. The fan should make a slight, uniform noise. If there is no sound, try slightly pushing the blades through the grill - they may be frozen. If the fan does not spin even after defrosting, it needs to be replaced.

Can the refrigerator not cool due to a surge. voltage?

Yes, especially if you have an electronic model. A voltage surge can damage:

• Control unit (board).
• Thermostat or temperature sensors.
• Compressor start relay.

If after the jump the refrigerator begins to work incorrectly, first try resetting the settings (disconnect from the network for 15 minutes). If this does not help, you need diagnostics.