Why does the refrigerator not freeze: breakdowns and solutions

Have you opened the refrigerator door, but instead of the usual cold air you feel room temperature? Do food spoil, but the freezer (if there is one) continues to work as if nothing had happened? This situation is familiar to many equipment owners - the refrigerator turns on, but does not cool the main cabin. The reasons can be either trivial (forgot to close the door) or serious (refrigerant leak or compressor failure).

In this article we will examine all possible reasons for the lack of cold in the main compartment of the refrigeratorincluding those that are often overlooked even by experienced craftsmen. You will learn how to diagnose the problem yourself, when you can get by with minor repairs, and in what cases you cannot do without calling a specialist. We will pay special attention to models with a system No Frost, two-compressor units and refrigerators with electronic control - their malfunctions have specific symptoms.

Before starting repairs, check the obvious: whether the light has been turned off, whether the socket, whether the refrigerator is located close to the wall (this interferes with heat exchange). If everything is in order, read on.

1. Clogged capillary tube: how to recognize and eliminate

The capillary tube is a thin copper channel through which the refrigerant (freon) enters the evaporator. Over time, it may become clogged due to the ingress of moisture, oil or small particles. Signs of a clog:

• 🔹 The compressor runs non-stop, but there is no cold.
• 🔹 The condenser (grid at the back of the refrigerator) does not heat up.
• 🔹 The freezer freezes poorly or has stopped working.

If you suspect a blockage, you can try to clean the system yourself, but this is risky - special equipment is required for vacuuming and charging freon. In 90% of cases, the blockage is cleared only in a service center. Samsung, LG and Indesit are especially susceptible to this problem due to narrow capillaries in budget models.

⚠️ Attention: Do not try to clean the capillary tube with wire or blow air through it - this can damage system and lead to a freon leak. Use only professional equipment.

2. Failure of the thermostat or temperature sensor

The thermostat (in mechanical models) or temperature sensor (in electronic models) is responsible for turning the compressor on/off. If it fails, the refrigerator either does not turn on at all or operates continuously but does not cool. How to check the thermostat:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove the protective casing from the thermostat (usually located inside the chamber or on the back wall).
3. Short the two wires going to the thermostat directly (for example, with a paper clip).
4. If the compressor works, the thermostat is faulty and requires replacement.

In refrigerators with electronic control (Samsung RL-60, LG GA-B489), the temperature sensor may give incorrect readings. For diagnostics, you will need a multimeter - check the resistance of the sensor at room temperature and compare with the nameplate values (usually 5–7 kOhm).

3. Freon leak: signs and what to do

Freon is a refrigerant that circulates through the system and provides cooling. If there is a leak (for example, due to corrosion of tubes or mechanical damage), the refrigerator stops freezing, but the compressor continues to work. Signs of a leak:

• 🔧 The compressor works without stopping, but there is no cold.
• 🔧 The condenser (rear grill) remains cold.
• 🔧 Oil stains are visible on the tubes or in the chamber (freon leaves along with the oil).

Leaks can be detected using leak detector or a soap solution (bubbles will appear at the leak points). However, refilling freon is a job for professionals: it requires evacuation of the system, soldering of damaged areas and precise dosage of refrigerant. In models Atlant and Beko leaks often occur in the soldering areas of the door heating circuit.

⚠️ Attention: Freon is harmless to humans, but if leaked in a closed room it can cause oxygen starvation. Ventilate the room if you suspect a major leak.

4. Compressor malfunction: how to determine without tools

The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator, which pumps freon through the system. If it is broken, the refrigerator will not freeze at all. Signs of a compressor malfunction:

• 🔌 The refrigerator does not turn on (no motor sound).
• 🔌 The compressor hums, but does not start (protection is triggered).
• 🔌 The compressor housing gets very hot (more than 70°C).

For initial diagnostics:

1. Turn off the refrigerator for 10 minutes, then turn it on again.
2. Listen: if the compressor tries to start, but immediately turns off, the problem is in the starting relays or windings.
3. Touch the compressor housing: if it is cold and the motor does not hum, the winding may break.

In models Liebert i Birusa the starting relay often fails - you can replace it yourself (cost of part ~500–1500 ₽). If the compressor winding burns out, a complete replacement of the unit will be required (price from 5,000 ₽).

5. Problems with the No Frost system: why cold air does not blow

Refrigerators with the system No Frost (Samsung RB-30, LG GA-B429are cooled due to the circulation of cold air, which is forced by the fan. If the air does not blow, the interior does not cool, even if the compressor is running. Frequent causes:

• ❄️ Evaporator freezing (ice blocks the air ducts).
• ❄️ Fan breakdown (no operating noise can be heard).
• ❄️ Malfunction of the defrosting timer or heating element.

For diagnostics:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and defrost it for 12-24 hours.
2. After turning it on, listen: if the fan does not make noise, it is broken.
3. Check whether the defrosting heating element heats up (it should be warm 20–30 minutes after switching on).

In models Samsung the defrosting sensor often fails - replacing it costs 1000–2000 ₽. If the problem is freezing, check the door seal and the tightness of the chamber.

How to check the No Frost fan without disassembling?

Shine a flashlight into the air ducts (usually at the top of the chamber). If the blades do not rotate, but the compressor is running, the fan is faulty.

6. Clogged filter drier: the hidden cause of poor cooling

A filter drier is a small cylinder on the circuit tube that absorbs moisture from freon. Over time, it becomes clogged and the refrigerant stops circulating. Signs of a clogged filter:

• 🛠️ The compressor works, but the condenser does not heat up.
• 🛠️ Frost is visible on the tube in front of the filter.
• 🛠️ The refrigerator freezes poorly, even after refilling freon.

The filter drier cannot be cleaned - it can only be replaced. This is done simultaneously with vacuuming the system and charging freon. In refrigerators Stinol i Ariston the filter often fails after 5-7 years of operation.

⚠️ Attention: If the technician suggests “blowing out” the filter-drier instead of replacing it, this is a temporary solution. After 1-2 months the problem will return, and moisture will remain in the system, which will accelerate corrosion of the tubes.

7. Problems with the electronic control unit

In modern refrigerators (Bosch KGE39, Electrolux ERN 1400), an electronic module is responsible for cooling. If it fails, the compressor may not turn on or operate in the wrong mode. Signs of a unit failure:

• 📱 The display shows an error (for example, E1, F2).
• 📱 The refrigerator turns off spontaneously.
• 📱 The compressor turns on for a few seconds and turns off.

For diagnostics:

1. Check the error code in the instructions (for example, E1 v Bosch - problem with the temperature sensor).
2. Disconnect the refrigerator for 5 minutes - sometimes resetting the settings helps.
3. If the error repeats, you will need to reflash or replace the unit (price from 3000 ₽).

In models LG with the system Smart Diagnosis you can perform self-diagnosis: press and hold the button Ice+ 5 seconds until the indicator flashes. After that, call the service center and send a sound signal to decipher the error.

8. The door does not close tightly: a simple cause of big problems

If the door seal is worn or deformed, warm air enters the chamber and the refrigerator cannot maintain the desired temperature. How to check the tightness:

• 🚪 Close the door and try to insert a sheet between it and the body paper.
• 🚪 If the sheet falls out or is easily pulled out, the seal is faulty.
• 🚪 Check if there is ice on the back wall - this is a sign of moisture ingress.

Solution:

1. Wipe seal with soap solution (sometimes it sticks due to fat).
2. If the rubber is cracked, replace the seal (cost 1000–3000 ₽).
3. Adjust the door hinges if it is sagging.

B refrigerators Atlant i Snaige the seal often loses elasticity due to temperature changes. If the problem is only in one corner, you can restore the seal using silicone rubber grease.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about refrigerators that do not freeze

The freezer is working, but the refrigerator is not. What is the reason?

In most cases, this indicates clogged capillary tube or freon leak in the main chamber circuit. Also check the serviceability of switch valve (in single-compressor models) - it may get stuck in the “freezer” position. In refrigerators No Frost the problem is often associated with freezing of the air ducts.

The refrigerator hums, but does not freeze. What should I do?

If the compressor hums, but does not start, the reasons may be the following:

1. Faulty start relay (clicks, but the motor does not spin).
2. Interturn short circuit in the compressor winding (needs replacement).
3. Low voltage in the network (less than 200V) - the compressor cannot start.

Try turning off the refrigerator for 10 minutes, then turning it on again. If that doesn’t help, call a technician.

After defrosting, the refrigerator does not cool. Why?

Most often this is due to:

• 🔸 Moisture ingress into the electronic unit (needs to dry).
• 🔸 Freezing of the evaporator (in models No Frost).
• 🔸 Failure of the temperature sensor after a sharp drop.

Let the refrigerator stand turned off for 12-24 hours, then turn it on again. If the problem persists, check the sensor and control board.

Is it possible to charge freon yourself?

Theoretically, yes, but for this you need:

• 🔧 Vacuum pump (to remove moisture from system).
• 🔧 Gauge manifold (to control pressure).
• 🔧 Leak detector (to find the leak).

Without experience, you risk recharging the system, which will lead to compressor breakdown. It is better to entrust this to professionals.

How much does it cost to repair if the refrigerator does not freeze?

The cost depends on the cause:

Breakage	Repair cost (₽)
Replacing the thermostat	800–2000
Refilling freon + eliminating leaks	3000–6000
Replacing the compressor	5000–12000
Repairing the electronic unit	2500–5000

B service centers Samsung and LG there are fixed rates for repairs, but the cost of spare parts may vary.