The freezer freezes, but the refrigerator does not cool: reasons and what to do

Have you opened the refrigerator, and instead of the usual cold there is warm air, and the freezer is working as if nothing had happened? This situation is familiar to many owners of refrigerators Atlant, Samsung, Indesit and other brands. What is the matter: a breakdown, an operating error or a temporary failure? Let's figure it out in order.

This problem occurs both in older models with one compressor and in modern two-compressor refrigerators. The main thing is not to panic and not to rush to call a specialist. In 60% of cases, the cause can be eliminated yourself, saving on repairs. But first you need to understand why the freezer freezes but the refrigerator does not.

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

If the refrigerator stops cooling and the freezer is working normally, clogging in the capillary systemis often the culprit. This thin tube is responsible for circulating refrigerant (freon) between the compressor and evaporators. Over time, oil particles, moisture or freon decomposition products accumulate in it, forming a plug.

How does this manifest itself:

• 🔹 The freezer freezes, but weaker than usual
• 🔹 Refrigerator the compartment does not cool at all or does not hold the temperature well
• 🔹 The compressor works without stopping or with short pauses
• 🔹 Ice or frost appears on the back wall of the refrigerator

In two-compressor models (Liebherr, some Bosch) the blockage usually affects only one circuit - the refrigeration circuit. In single-compressor systems (Atlant, Stinol), the problem may extend to the freezer, but appears later.

⚠️ Attention: Do not try to clean the capillary tube yourself without experience! This requires special equipment (vacuum pump, pressure gauges) and knowledge of technology. Incorrect actions can lead to depressurization of the system.

2. Freon leak - when there is not enough refrigerant

Freon leak is the second most common reason why the refrigerator does not cool, but the freezer works. Refrigerant can leak through microcracks in the tubes, solder joints, or a damaged evaporator. As a result, it becomes insufficient to cool both departments, and the compressor “selects” the freezer as the priority circuit.

Signs of a leak:

• 🔧 The compressor works almost non-stop
• 🔧 On the back wall there is no condensation in the refrigerator (dry)
• 🔧 The freezer freezes less than usual
• 🔧 The appearance of oil stains on the floor under the refrigerator

In models with No Frost (Samsung RL-33, LG GA-B489) leakage often occurs at the junction of the tubes with the evaporator. In refrigerators with a drip system (Atlant MXM 1705) - in a “crying” evaporator on the back wall.

3. Failure of the thermostat or temperature sensor

If the freezer freezes but the refrigerator does not, the culprit may be thermostat (in mechanical models) or temperature sensor (in electronic devices). These devices are responsible for turning on/off the compressor in the refrigeration compartment. If they break down, the compressor simply “does not know” what needs to be cooled.

How to check:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network.
2. Remove the thermostat protective casing (usually located inside the refrigerator compartment).
3. Check the contacts with a tester in dial-up mode.
4. If there are no contacts, the thermostat is faulty.

In refrigerators with electronic control (Samsung RL-34, LG GA-B429), the problem often lies in the evaporator sensor. Its resistance should change as the temperature changes. If it shows “infinity” or “0”, the sensor must be replaced.

⚠️ Attention: In models with No Frost a faulty defrost sensor can lead to icing of the evaporator. This blocks the air circulation and the refrigerator compartment stops cooling, although the freezer is working.

4. Problems with the fan in No Frost systems. data-i="116">In refrigerators with a system

In refrigerators with a system No Frost (Samsung, LG, Beko, the fan is responsible for the distribution of cold. If it breaks, cold air from the freezer stops flowing into the refrigerator compartment. At the same time, the freezer continues to work normally, since its evaporator is cooled directly.

Signs of a fan malfunction:

• 🌀 It’s warm in the refrigerator compartment, normal temperature in the freezer
• 🌀 There is no air noise when the freezer door is open
• 🌀 There is ice or frost on the back wall of the refrigerator
• 🌀 Error on the display (for example, FF y Samsung)

To check the fan:

1. Turn off the refrigerator.
2. Remove the back panel in the freezer.
3. Try to turn the fan blades by hand - they should it rotates easily.
4. Connect the refrigerator and check if the fan spins when the compressor is running.

What to do if the fan does not spin?

If the blades do not rotate by hand, the problem is in the bearings or the motor. If it does not spin when the compressor is on, check the power supply (there may be a broken wire or malfunction of the control board).

5. Malfunction of the control board

In modern refrigerators with electronic control (Samsung RL-38, LG GA-B459, Indesit DF 4180) it is responsible for the distribution of cold control board. If it fails, a malfunction may occur in one of the circuits - for example, the refrigeration circuit. compartment.

Symptoms of a problem with the board:

• 📱 The refrigerator does not respond to temperature settings
• 📱 An error flashes on the display (for example, E1, F2)
• 📱 The compressor turns on and immediately turns off
• 📱 The freezer works, the refrigerator does not, although the fan is working.

It is difficult to repair the board yourself - you need soldering equipment and circuits, but you can try resetting the settings:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network. for 10-15 minutes.
2. Turn it back on and set it to factory settings (if there is such an option in the menu).
3. Check the operation within 24 hours.

⚠️ Attention: If the problem persists after resetting, do not try to disassemble the board without experience. This may lead to short work! short circuit. It is better to contact the service.

6. Blockage of the drainage system - when the water blocks the cold

In refrigerators with a drip defrosting system (Atlant, Stinol, Biryusa) A clogged drain hole can cause water to accumulate under the crisper drawers. This water freezes, forming an ice plug that blocks air circulation. As a result, the refrigerator compartment stops cooling, and the freezer works normally.

How to clean the drain:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and remove all food.
2. Find the drainage hole on the back wall (usually under the evaporator).
3. Clean it with a cotton swab or soft wire.
4. Rinse with warm water using a syringe.

7. Problems with door seals

If seal rubber band the door of the refrigerator compartment is damaged or dirty, warm air enters the chamber. The compressor tries to compensate for this, but all the cold goes into the freezer, since its seal is usually more airtight.

How to check the tightness:

• 🚪 Close the door and try to insert a sheet of paper between the seal and body.
• 🚪 If the sheet falls out or moves easily, the seal is not airtight.
• 🚪 Check the rubber for cracks, dirt or deformation.

You can clean the seal yourself:

1. Wipe rubber band with warm soapy water.
2. Treat with silicone grease (for example, WD-40 Specialist).
3. Adjust the door if it sag.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the problem

The freezer is freezing, but the refrigerator is not - can you repair it yourself?

Depends on the cause. data-i="172">—you can try to fix it yourself. For a freon leak, a malfunction of the compressor or control board, it is better to call a specialist. clogged drainage, seal or thermostat - You can try to eliminate it yourself. For a freon leak, compressor or control board malfunction, it is better to call a technician.

How much does it cost to repair a refrigerator? does not cool, but the freezer works?

The price depends on the breakdown:

• 💰 Replacement of the thermostat: 1,500–3,000 ₽
• 💰 Elimination of freon leakage + refilling: 3,500–6 000 ₽
• 💰 Repair of control board: 2,000–5,000 ₽
• 💰 Replacement of fan (No Frost): 2,500–4,000 ₽

In regions, prices may vary by 15–20%.

Can a refrigerator not cool due to improper installation?

Yes! If the refrigerator is too close to the wall (less than 5 cm), the ventilation grilles are blocked, or it is installed next to a heat source (battery, stove), the compressor overheats as a result, and it is not able to cope with the cooling of both sections. "goes" into the freezer as a priority circuit.

Solution: move the refrigerator away from the wall, provide a gap of at least 5-7 cm on the back and sides.

How to temporarily store food if the refrigerator is not working?

While the refrigerator is being repaired:

• 🥩 Place meat, fish, milk in the freezer (if there is room).
• 🥦 Store vegetables and fruits in a cool place (basement, balcony in winter).
• 🧀 Wrap cheeses and sausages in parchment paper and place in the coldest part kitchens.
• 🍳 Place the finished dishes in a thermal bag with ice.

Do not store perishable foods at room temperature for more than 2 hours!

Why after defrosting the refrigerator does not cool, but the freezer works?

Probable reasons:

1. Moisture got into the system, which led to clogging of the capillary tube.
2. During defrosting, the evaporator fridge compartment was damaged.
3. Incorrect connection after defrosting (for example, they forgot to turn on the power).
4. Failure of operation defrost sensor (in models with No Frost).

Check whether the refrigerator is plugged in and let it work for 4-6 hours. If the problem does not go away, look deeper for the cause.