The situation when the refrigerator compartment suddenly becomes warm, but the freezer compartment continues to properly freeze food, is a classic and fairly common malfunction. The user is faced with the fact that the cold on the shelves disappears, the food begins to deteriorate, but the compressor hums, and the temperature in the lower part of the unit remains low. This does not necessarily mean the breakdown of expensive components or the need to immediately call a technician.
Often the root of the problem lies in trivial things that can be fixed independently in a matter of minutes, without resorting to complex tools. However, ignoring the first symptoms can lead to more serious consequences, including failure compressor or a leak in the system. It is important to correctly diagnose the source of the problem so as not to waste money on unnecessary repairs.
In this article we will analyze in detail the main reasons for this behavior of household appliances, ranging from simple operating errors to technical malfunctions. You will learn how to check thermostatwhat to do if the capillaries are clogged and why it is important to monitor the defrost mode.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear the compressor running continuously without stopping, this may indicate a refrigerant leak or a serious electronic malfunction. In this case, further operation of the refrigerator can be dangerous.
Violation of the defrost mode and the formation of an ice coat
The most common reason why refrigerator the upper chamber stops cooling when the freezer is running is a banal violation of the defrosting cycle. Modern models, even if they are not declared as No Frost, often use a melt water drainage system. If this process is disrupted, a massive ice crust builds up in the evaporator, which is usually hidden behind the back wall.
This “coat” blocks the air channels through which cold air should flow from the freezer to the refrigerator compartment. As a result, there is a glacier below and heat above. In such a situation, the compressor works hard, trying to compensate for the ineffectiveness of cooling, but physically cannot break through the layer of ice.
- ❄️ Check whether the back wall inside the refrigerator is overgrown with ice or frost.
- 🧊 Make sure that the ventilation holes (if visible) are not blocked by food or ice.
- 🔊 Listen: if the fan hums but does not spin, it may be jammed with ice.
To solve the problem, you need to completely defrost the unit. It is necessary to turn off the device from the network, empty the chambers of food and leave the doors open for at least 12, and preferably 24 hours. It is important to wait until all the hidden ice has melted and the water has flowed into the drain pan.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to break off the ice with a knife or sharp objects! You can damage the evaporator, which will lead to an immediate leak of freon and expensive repairs.
Why is 12 hours not enough?
Often users turn off the refrigerator at night, considering this to be enough time. However, the ice plug in the channels can take a very long time to melt. If you do not allow the system to completely defrost, when you turn it on, the water will freeze again in the same place, and the problem will not be solved.
Malfunctions of the No Frost defrosting system
If your refrigerator equipped with a No Frost system, then the problem with the lack of cold in the upper compartment with a working freezer in 80% of cases lies in defrost system failure. This system consists of three main elements: Heating element (heating element), sensor defrost and timer (or electronic control module).
When one of these components fails, the ice does not melt in time and accumulates to a critical mass, cutting off air circulation. Diagnosis of this fault requires a multimeter to test the continuity of the circuit. Most often, the heating element itself burns out or the sensor that records the temperature of the evaporator fails.
To check the elements, you will have to remove the back panel in the freezer (in some models, access to the evaporator is located there). Visually, the heating element may look intact, but inside the nichrome thread may be torn. The defrost sensor is checked for resistance - if it is infinite or equal to zero, the part must be replaced.
☑️ Diagnostics of the defrost system
It is worth noting that in some models Indesit or Atlant there is a specific problem with the melting of the wires going to the heating element. The insulation cannot withstand temperature changes, and contact disappears. In this case, replacing parts will not help - you need to restore the wiring.
Problems with the thermostat and temperature controller
The thermostat is the “brain” that commands the compressor when to turn on and when to rest. If this device is malfunctioning, it may “think” that the chamber is already cold enough and not give the command to start the compressor. However, in the case when the freezer is working but the top is not, the situation may be the opposite or relate to the distribution of flows.
In two-chamber models with one compressor, the thermostat is usually located in the refrigerator compartment. If it fails and breaks the circuit ahead of time, the compressor will stop and the temperature will begin to rise everywhere. But if the freezer freezes, it means the cooling cycle is going on. The problem may be that the thermostat incorrectly reads the temperature in the refrigerator compartment area.
In more complex systems with electronic control, the role of the thermostat is played by thermistor (temperature sensor). Its readings are transmitted to the control board. If the sensor is “lying,” the board may not distribute the cooling capacity correctly or may not open damper the cold air supply.
- 🌡️ Try turning the thermostat knob to the maximum cold position - it should click contact.
- 🔌 If the refrigerator is electronic, check the error code on the display.
- 🔧 When replacing a thermostat, it is important not to bend the capillary tube of the new sensor.
Replacing a thermostat is a simple procedure, but requires care. The new sensor must have similar characteristics, otherwise the operation of the refrigerator will be disrupted. It is important to correctly install the sensing element in the seat so that it correctly reads the air temperature.
Clogged capillary tube or leak of freon
More serious technical problems are associated with the refrigeration circuit. If a blockage occurs in the refrigerant (freon) circulation system, often in the capillary tube, gas circulation is disrupted. Freon can boil and cool only the first section of the circuit - usually this is the freezer, which it reaches first.
The refrigerant simply does not reach the refrigeration compartment or arrives already spent and warm. The symptoms are similar: the freezer freezes (sometimes even too much), but it’s warm at the top. In this case, the compressor may work longer than usual or turn on with a characteristic click and turn off immediately (thermal relay).
Freon leakage manifests itself differently. Usually, if there is a lack of refrigerant, the freezer also stops freezing, but at the initial stage of the leak, the phenomenon described above is possible. It is difficult to determine a leak visually; the use of a leak detector or a soap solution (for open areas) is often required.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|
| The freezer is freezing, the top is warm, the compressor hot | Clogged capillary system | High (needs a technician) |
| The freezer freezes poorly, the top is warm, the compressor does not turn off | Freon leakage | High (needs refilling) |
| The freezer is working, the top is warm, ice is freezing | Faulty defrost system | Medium (you can do it yourself) |
It is almost impossible to remove the blockage or find a microcrack in the foam circuit on your own. Special equipment is required to evacuate the system and charge it with freon. Attempts to “blow out” the system can lead to moisture entering, which will permanently damage the equipment.
Faulty air supply damper
In refrigerators with a No Frost system and, especially, in models with two compressors or a Full No Frost system, cooling of the upper chamber occurs due to the forced supply of cold air from the freezer. A special damper is responsible for this process, which opens and closes at the command of the electronics. Damper damper (damper), which opens and closes at the command of the electronics.
If the damper is stuck in the closed position, cold air simply does not enter the refrigerator compartment. At the same time, the freezer operates in normal mode, since its evaporator is located separately or its cycle runs independently. The damper may get stuck due to a mechanical obstacle (a piece of ice, a product label) or due to a breakdown of the drive.
To diagnose, you need to find the location of the damper (usually in the upper part of the rear wall of the refrigerator) and check its mobility. In electronic models, the damper drive may burn out. Sometimes simply cleaning the mechanism from ice after defrosting helps.
It is important to check whether the products on the top shelf have moved close to the outlet of the channel. Often, users, without noticing this, block the air flow with a jar of pickles or a bag of vegetables.
When you need to call a specialist
Despite many methods of self-diagnosis, there are situations when the intervention of a professional is necessary. If after a complete 24-hour defrosting the problem recurs a few days later, then the reason is not ice, but a breakdown of components.
Call a technician if:
- 🛠️ The compressor hums, clicks and immediately turns off (problem with the start-protective relay or wedge compressor).
- 💧 Puddles of oil appeared at the bottom of the refrigerator or on the floor (a sign of depressurization of the circuit).
- 🔥 The condenser grille at the back of the refrigerator is cold when the compressor is running (no freon).
- 🔌 The appliance emits a burning or burning smell fused wiring.
Repair of the refrigeration circuit requires a license and special tools. The cost of such work often accounts for a significant portion of the price of a new refrigerator, so sometimes it is more advisable to consider purchasing new equipment, especially if the unit is more than 10-12 years old.
⚠️ Attention: Modern refrigerators may have complex electronic control boards. An attempt to “ring” them with a multimeter without the appropriate qualifications can lead to a short circuit and complete failure of the board.
Prevention and proper operation
To avoid repeating the situation when refrigerator stops freezing in the upper compartment, it is important to follow the operating rules. Do not place hot foods in the chamber - this upsets the temperature balance and leads to increased ice formation. Make sure the door seals are tight: if the rubber has dried out, warm, moist air constantly enters the chamber.
Carry out preventative defrosting regularly, at least once a year, even if you have a No Frost system. This will help clean hidden cavities from dust and microscopic ice deposits. Also, do not fill the chamber with food to capacity - the air should circulate freely.
Maintaining the temperature in the room is also important. If the refrigerator is placed near a battery or in direct sun, its efficiency decreases and the load on the components increases. Leave a gap of 5-10 cm between the back of the appliance and the wall for normal operation of the condenser.
Why does the refrigerator take a long time to gain temperature after defrosting?
After a long defrosting (24 hours), all internal elements, including plastic, metal and insulation, heat up to room temperature. The compressor takes time (2 to 6 hours) to cool this volume. During the first hours of operation, do not completely load the chamber with food, let the equipment return to normal.
Is it possible to use the refrigerator if the top does not freeze?
For a short time - yes, if the freezer is working. You can store food in the lower part by moving it from the upper part. However, prolonged operation in this mode is harmful to the compressor, which will work non-stop, trying to compensate for the heat. In addition, bacteria will begin to multiply in the warm chamber.
What to do if there is water in the refrigerator compartment, but there is no cold?
This is a classic sign that the ice accumulated on the evaporator has begun to melt, but the drainage hole is clogged. The water does not go into the tray, but pours onto the shelves. In this case, you need to clean the drainage hole (usually located at the bottom of the back wall) using a soft wire or brush and warm water.
Does the amount of food in the refrigerator affect cooling?
Yes, it does. An empty refrigerator loses cold faster when the door is opened. However, if the chamber is jammed, air circulation will be disrupted, and in some areas (especially near the far wall) the temperature may be higher than normal. The optimal load is about 70% of the volume.