The freezer does not It freezes, but it gets cold: 7 reasons and how to fix the problem

Have you noticed that the freezer has stopped freezing food, but at the same time continues to maintain a positive temperature, like a normal one? refrigerator? This problem occurs both in older models Atlant, Indesit, Samsungand in new units with the system No Frost. In some cases, the malfunction can be fixed on your own, but sometimes the intervention of a specialist is required.

In this article we will look at why the freezer works like a refrigerator - from the banal all possible reasonsaccording to which the freezer works like a refrigerator - from the banal incorrect mode to serious compressor breakdowns or leaks Freon. You will learn how to carry primary diagnosis, which nodes to check first and when to call a specialist. We will also give step-by-step instructions for troubleshooting problems that can be fixed without professional equipment.

We will pay special attention models with one compressor (for example, Biryusa, Nord), where the freezer and refrigerator compartments are connected by a single cooling system. In such cases, a failure in one compartment often affects the operation of another. If your refrigerator is two-compressor (Liebherr, Bosch series KAN), the troubleshooting algorithm will be different - we will also talk about this in detail.

1. Checking the settings: perhaps the freezer is simply not configured correctly

Before disassembling the equipment or calling a technician, make sure that the problem does not lie in incorrect settings. Modern refrigerators are equipped with electronic control panels, where it is easy to accidentally reset the settings. Here's what you need to check:

• 🔹 Operating mode: some models (for example, Samsung RB30J3000WW) have a function Holiday or Eco, in which the freezer goes into a gentle mode with a temperature of about data-i="74">Operating mode +5°C.
• 🔹 Temperature range: the freezer must be set to -18°C or lower. If it is -12°C, the food will not freeze completely.
• 🔹 Cold distribution: in refrigerators with Multi Air Flow (for example, LG GA-B489YDQZ), check that the ventilation holes are not blocked by the food.
• 🔹 Door switch: if the seal is worn out or the door does not close tightly, warm air enters the chamber and the system does not have time to cool.

On models with mechanical control (for example, Atlant MXM-1708) temperature adjustment is carried out using a rotary switch. Make sure it is in position MAX or Super Freeze. If, after adjusting the settings, the freezer does not start freezing within 6-8 hours, the problem lies deeper.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with a system No Frost after changing the settings, it may take up to 24 hoursfor the temperature to stabilize. Don't panic if, an hour after adjustment, the freezer is still not freezing.

2. Capillary tube clogged: why the freezer blows but does not freeze

One ​​of the most common reasons why the freezer compartment stops freezing, but the compressor works without stopping is clogged capillary tube. This thin copper tube is responsible for the circulation of freon. Over time, it accumulates:

• 🧊 Moisture (due to depressurization of the system).
• 🔧 Metal shavings (from compressor wear).
• 🧴 Oil (if it has lost its properties).
• 🔥 Oxides (with long-term operation).

Signs of blockage:

• Compressor works constantly, but the freezer does not cool.
• Condenser (grid on the back wall) hot in only one part.
• In the refrigerator compartment the temperature is lower than normal (for example, +2°C instead of +5°C).

Removing the blockage at home almost impossible will require purging the system with nitrogen or replacing the capillary tube. However, you can check its patency indirectly:

Unplug the refrigerator for 10 minutes|Touch the condenser - if it is evenly warm, a blockage is unlikely|Listen to the compressor: if it is clogged, it works louder than usual|Check for frost on the back wall of the freezer-->

⚠️ Attention: If you suspect a blockage, do not turn on the refrigerator for a long time - this can lead to overheating of the compressor and its breakdown. It is better to contact the service immediately.

3. Freon leak: how to recognize and what to do. data-i="135">- one of the most serious malfunctions, in which the freezer stops freezing, but the refrigerator compartment can continue to work. Freon leaks through microcracks in the tubes, often due to:

Refrigerant leakage - one of the most serious malfunctions in which the freezer stops freezing, but the refrigerator compartment can continue to work. Freon leaks out through microcracks in the tubes, often due to:

• 🔨 Mechanical damage (for example, when moving the refrigerator).
• 🕳️ Corrosion (in old models or at high humidity).
• 🔥 Overheating (if the compressor worked without stopping).

Symptoms leaks:

If you suspect a leak, do not try to fill the freon yourself this is dangerous and requires special equipment. Contact the service center:

• 🔍 Searching for a leak (using a leak detector).
• 🛠️ Crack elimination (soldering or replacing the tube).
• ⚙️ Evacuating the system (removing moisture and air).
• ❄️ Refilling freon (taking into account the refrigerator model).

4. Compressor failure: when the freezer does not cool at all

If the freezer is completely stopped cooling, and the compressor is either does not turn onor rattles and turns off, the problem may be in the motor itself. The most vulnerable are compressors in refrigerators, which:

• 🕒 They work more 10–15 years (Minsk, ZIL, Stinol).
• 🔌 Often exposed to voltage surges.
• 🌡️ Operated in hot rooms (for example, in a kitchen without air conditioning).

Signs of a compressor malfunction:

• 🔇 The compressor does not starts (no characteristic hum).
• 💥 Protection is triggered (click 5-10 seconds after switching on).
• 🔥 The compressor housing is too hot (more 90°C).
• 🛑 The refrigerator gives an error (for example, F2 on Indesit).

For diagnostics:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains.
2. Remove the back cover (if it is removable).
3. Check starting relay —it often sticks or burns out.
4. Measure the resistance of the compressor windings with a multimeter (norm: 20–40 Ohm between contacts).

How to check the compressor with a multimeter?

1. Disconnect the terminals from the compressor.

2. Set the multimeter to resistance measurement mode (200 Ohm).

3. Measure the resistance between pairs of contacts:

- C–S (working winding) - should be 15–25 Ohm.

- C–R (starting winding) - about 30–40 Ohm.

- S–R —the sum of the two previous values.

4. If at least one value is 0 (short circuit) or ∞ (open circuit), the compressor is faulty.

If the compressor burns out, it do not repair is only replaced. The cost of a new motor can reach 50–70% of the price refrigerator, so in older models it is more advisable to consider purchasing a new unit.

5. Malfunction of the thermostat or temperature sensor

In refrigerators with electromechanically controlled (for example, Atlant XM-4021-000) is responsible for temperature control thermostatIn electronic models (Samsung RL38TDCAS) this function is performed temperature sensors (thermistors). If they fail, the freezer can:

• 🧊 Freeze (if the sensor shows false heat).
• 🌡️ Insufficient cool (if the sensor does not record the real temperature).
• 🔄 Work jerkily (the compressor turns on and immediately turns off).

How to check the thermostat:

1. Find the thermostat (usually it is located inside the chamber, under the plastic cover).
2. Remove the protective casing and find the two wires going to the thermostat.
3. Close them together (for example, with a paper clip). If the compressor starts, the thermostat is faulty.

To check the temperature sensor in electronic models:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator. and get to the sensor (usually it is attached to the evaporator).
2. Measure its resistance with a multimeter at room temperature (norm: 4–7 kOhm).
3. Place the sensor in a glass of cold water - the resistance should be increase.

If the thermostat or sensor is faulty, they must be replaced. In most cases, this is inexpensive repair (from 1 500 ₽ per part + labor), but requires careful disassembly.

6. Problems with the No Frost system: why the freezer does not freeze, but the fan works

In refrigerators with the system No Frost (LG GA-B429SLGL, Samsung RB-30 J3200EF), cooling is carried out by circulation of cold air, which is pumped by the fan. If the freezer stops freezing, but the fan humming, the problem may be:

• 🌀 Freezing of the evaporator (due to a malfunction of the defrost heater).
• 🔄 Failure of the defrost timer (does not turn on heating).
• 💨 Fan freezing (ice blocks the blades).
• 🔌 Control board malfunctions (does not give a signal for defrosting).

How to diagnose:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and defrost it for 12–24 hours.
2. After defrosting, turn it on - if the freezer is working, the problem is in the system defrost.
3. Listen to the fan: if it does not spin or creaksit needs to be unlocked or replaced.

A common cause of breakdown No Frost — failure of the defrost heater (heating element). You can check it with a multimeter:

• Remove the back panel of the freezer.
• Find the heater (thin tube or a spiral under the evaporator).
• Measure the resistance - if it is ∞ (break), the part must be replaced.

7. Additional reasons: from a clogged filter to a broken board.

If all of the above components are in order, but the freezer still does not freeze, check:

• 🧹 Filter drier: if it is clogged, freon does not circulate. but the condenser is cold.
• 🔌 Control board: during power surges it can burn out. Symptom - the refrigerator does not respond to the settings.
• 🔄 Four-way valve (in two-compressor models): if it is stuck, the cold does not flow into freezer.
• 🛑 Door seal: if it is torn, warm air enters the chamber and the system cannot cope.

To diagnose the control board:

• See if the indicators on the panel are lit.
• Check whether the refrigerator responds to button presses.
• If the display does not turn on, the fuse or the board itself may have blown.

In models with an inverter compressor (for example, LG Door-in-Door) the control board fails more often due to complex electronics. Repairing such a board costs $ 5 000–15 000 ₽.

What to do if the freezer does not freeze: step-by-step algorithm

To avoid wasting time and money, follow this plan:

1. Step 1. Check the settings — set the temperature -18°C and wait 6–8 hours.
2. Step 2. Defrost the refrigerator for 12–24 hours (relevant for No Frost).
3. Step 3. Check the seal - if it is torn, replace it.
4. Step 4. Diagnose the compressor (is it working, is it overheating).
5. Step 5. Check the thermostat/sensor (close the contacts or measure resistance).
6. Step 6. Evaluate the operation of the fan (in models with No Frost).
7. Step 7. If all else fails - call a technician to check the freon, capillary tube or board.

If the refrigerator is under warranty, do not disassemble it yourself this may deprive you of the right to free repairs. Contact an authorized service center of the brand.

⚠️ Attention: Parts and prices for repairs may vary depending on the region and model of the refrigerator. Check current rates at local service centers.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about a non-working freezer

The freezer does not freeze, but the light inside is on - what does this mean?

If there is light, but there is no cooling, the problem may be in:

• Thermostat or temperature sensor.
• Compressor (does not start).
• Freon leak.
• Control board (in electronic models).

First check the settings and defrost the refrigerator. If it doesn’t help, diagnose the compressor.

The freezer works, but does not freeze, and the refrigerator compartment is too cold - why?

This is a typical symptom clogging of the capillary tube or faulty four-way valve (in two-compressor models). The cold does not reach the freezer and gets stuck in the refrigerator compartment. The system needs to be cleaned or the valve replaced.

After defrosting, the freezer does not freeze - what to do?

Probable reasons:

• In models with No Frost —the defrost heater burned out.
• In mechanical refrigerators—the thermostat broke.
• Freon leaked (if the tubes were damaged during defrosting).

Try defrosting the refrigerator again for 24 hours. If it doesn’t help, call a specialist.

Is it possible to fill the refrigerator with freon yourself?

No. Refilling freon requires:

• Special equipment (vacuum pump, pressure gauges).
• Experience (improper refilling can lead to an explosion).
• Knowledge of the type of freon (in older models - R12, in new ones - R134a or R600a).

Self-refueling is dangerous and can aggravate the breakdown.

How much does it cost to repair a freezer?

Prices depend on breakdowns and models:

Type of repair	Cost (₽)
Replacement of the thermostat	1 500–3 000
Repair of the No Frost system (heater, timer)	3 000–6 000
Refilling freon	4 000–8 000
Replacement of the compressor	8 000–15 000
Repair of the control board	5 000–12 000

In old refrigerators (over 10 years old), repairs may be unprofitable - it is cheaper to buy a new one.