Have you opened the refrigerator, but the food in the main compartment is warm, although the light is on and the compressor is running? At the same time, the freezer continues to freeze as if nothing had happened? This situation is familiar to many owners of refrigerators Indesit, Samsung, LG and other brands. In 85% of cases, the problem is solved without calling a technician - it is enough to correctly diagnose the cause.
The temperature difference between the refrigerator and freezer compartments is the first sign of a malfunction. Normally, both compartments should support the set mode, and if the refrigerator stopped coolingbut the freezer is working, either mechanical failures or operating errors are to blame. In this article we will analyze all possible reasons - from a banal blockage of the capillary tube to failure of the electronic module. You will learn how to check each unit yourself and when it’s really time to call a specialist.
1. Clogged capillary tube: how to check and clean
The capillary tube is a thin copper channel through which the refrigerant (freon) flows from the condenser to the evaporator. If it becomes clogged, cold stops flowing into the refrigerator compartment, but the freezer continues to work, since its evaporator is located closer to the compressor. A blockage occurs due to moisture, oil or small particles entering the system.
Signs of a blockage:
- 🔹 The compressor runs without stopping or turns on too often
- 🔹 Condenser (the grill at the back of the refrigerator) does not heat up evenly
- 🔹 The freezer is freezing, but in the refrigerator compartment the temperature is above +10°C
To check the tube, turn off the refrigerator and carefully touch the condenser. If one part of it is hot and the other cold, this is a clear sign of a blockage. Cleaning the capillary tube at home is possible only with the help of special equipment (hydraulic press or nitrogen blowing), but without experience it is better to entrust this to a specialist.
2. Freon leak: why the refrigerator “loses cold”
Freon is a refrigerant that circulates through the system and provides cooling. If a microcrack appears somewhere in the circuit (most often at soldering points or on the evaporator), the gas gradually evaporates. The freezer can still work for some time, since its evaporator is located closer to the compressor, but the fridge compartment stops cooling is one of the first.
How to recognize a leak:
- 🔧 The compressor works without interruption, but no cold
- 🔧 Oil stains are visible on the back wall of the refrigerator (freon leaves along with the oil)
- 🔧 After turning it off and on again, the refrigerator begins to cool briefly, but then overheats again
It is impossible to eliminate the leak on your own - it is required evacuating the systemsoldering the damaged area and filling with new freon. If your refrigerator is older than 10 years, it is sometimes cheaper to buy a new one than to repair the old one (especially if you use outdated freon R12 or R22that is no longer produced).
3. Failure of the thermostat (thermostat) of the refrigeration chamber
The thermostat is a sensor that monitors the temperature in the refrigeration chamber and sends a signal to the compressor to turn on/off. If it fails, the compressor either does not receive the cooling command or operates in the wrong mode. In this case, the freezer can continue to freeze, since it has its own separate sensor (in models with two compressors) or the common circuit remains operational.
How to check the thermostat:
- Disconnect the refrigerator from the network.
- Remove the protective casing inside the refrigerator compartment (usually it is located next to light bulb).
- Find the thermostat - this is a small box with a tube attached to the evaporator.
- Carefully remove the terminals and check the contacts with a multimeter in continuity mode.
If the device does not indicate a closed circuit, the thermostat is faulty and requires replacement. In refrigerators Atlant i Birusa this part is inexpensive (from 500 rubles), and replacement takes 10-15 minutes.
How to temporarily fool a faulty thermostat?
If the thermostat is broken and there is no way to wait for a repairman, you can temporarily close its contacts a piece of wire. The refrigerator will work without stopping, but this is dangerous: the compressor may overheat. Use this method only as a last resort and do not leave the refrigerator unattended!
4. Fan malfunction No Frost
In refrigerators with a system No Frost the fan is responsible for circulating cold air. If it breaks, the freezer continues to freeze (as cold accumulates in its evaporator), but no air enters the refrigerator compartment. Most often, the fan fails due to:
- 🌀 Icing of the blades (if the door seal is worn out)
- 🌀 Motor burnout (due to power surges)
- 🌀 Entry of foreign objects (for example, pieces food)
To check the fan, open the freezer and listen: if it doesn’t make noise, it means it’s not working. In some models Samsung i LG the fan is located behind the rear panel of the freezer - it can be removed by unscrewing several screws. If the blades spin freely, but the motor does not start, replacement will be required.
1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network
2. Remove all food from the freezer
3. Remove the back panel of the freezer
4. Check the fan blades for ice and foreign objects
5. Turn the blades manually (they should rotate easily)
6. Connect the refrigerator and listen to the fan operation -->
5. Problems with the door seal
A worn or dirty seal allows warm air to enter the refrigerator compartment, causing the compressor to work harder. Over time, this leads to the refrigerator does not have time to cool, although the freezer can still cope. Check the seal around the entire perimeter:
- 🚪 Presence of cracks or tears
- 🚪 Contamination (grease, crumbs, mold)
- 🚪 Deformation (rubber should fit tightly to body)
Simple test: close the door and try to insert a sheet of paper between the seal and the body. If it passes easily, the seal needs to be repaired or replaced. silicone tape or sealant will be suitable as a temporary replacement, but it is better to install the original part.
⚠️ Attention: If the seal is frozen and ice is stuck to it, do not tear it off by force! Pour warm water (not boiling water!) and carefully separate the rubber from the body.
6. Clogged drainage hole
The drainage hole is located on the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment and serves to drain condensate. If it becomes clogged with crumbs, mold or ice, water will pool inside and then freeze, blocking air circulation. As a result, the refrigerator poor cooling, and the freezer operates in normal mode.
How to clean the drain:
- Turn off the refrigerator and take out all the food.
- Find the hole (usually at the bottom of the back walls).
- Rinse it with warm water using a syringe or straw.
- To remove mold, use a soda solution (1 tablespoon per 1 liter of water).
If the blockage is deep, you can use a wire or a special brush. In refrigerators Bosh i Liebert the drainage system is often equipped with a removable plug - it can be removed and washed separately.
7. Malfunction of the electronic control module
In modern refrigerators, the electronic unit is responsible for the distribution of cold. If it fails (due to a power surge, moisture, or manufacturing defect), one of the departments may fail. For example, the freezer will freeze, but the refrigerator will not, because the module does not distribute the compressor power correctly.
Signs of electronics failure:
- 💻 The display shows an error (for example,
E1,F2orH1) - 💻 The refrigerator turns on/off spontaneously
- 💻 Does not respond to temperature settings
Independent repair of the module is almost impossible - diagnostics are required using special equipment. However, you can try resetting the settings: turn off the refrigerator for 10 minutes, then turn it on again. If the problem persists, contact the service.
⚠️ Attention: Electronic module parts are sensitive to static electricity. If you decide to replace the board yourself, be sure to use an antistatic wrist strap or wear rubber gloves.
Comparison of causes and solutions
| Cause of malfunction | Symptoms | Can I fix it myself? | Repair cost (approximately) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clogged capillary tube | The compressor runs non-stop, the freezer is cold, the refrigerator warm | No (equipment required) | 2 500 — 5 000 ₽ |
| Freon leak | Oil stains on the back wall, the compressor overheats | No | 3 000 — 7 000 ₽ |
| Faulty thermostat | The refrigerator does not turn on or works chaotically | Yes (part replacement) | 500 — 2 000 ₽ |
| Broken fan No Frost | The freezer is quiet, the refrigerator does not cool | Yes (cleaning or replacement) | 1 000 — 3 000 ₽ |
| Worn seal | Ice on the back wall, the compressor often turns on | Yes (replacement or repair) | 800 — 2 500 ₽ |
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about a non-working refrigerator
Is it possible to use a refrigerator if the freezer is working, but the main chamber is not?
It is possible for a short time (1-2 days), but only if the compressor does not work 24/7. Long-term operation in this condition will lead to its breakdown. In addition, the products in the refrigerator. the chamber will quickly deteriorate at temperatures above +5°C. overheating of the motor and its breakdown. In addition, food in the refrigerator compartment will quickly spoil at temperatures above +5°C.
Why after defrosting the refrigerator does not cool, but the freezer freezes?
Most likely, during defrosting it was damaged capillary tube or a leak occurred freon. Also check if the drainage hole is clogged - this may block air circulation. If the refrigerator No Frost, the cause may be an icy fan.
The refrigerator is humming, but not cooling - what's the matter?
This is a typical sign clogged capillary. system or freon leaks. The compressor is working, but the refrigerant does not circulate properly. Another option is a malfunction start relay, which prevents the motor from reaching full power.
How much does it cost to repair if the refrigerator does not cool and the freezer works?
The cost depends on the reason:
- Replacing the thermostat — 500–2 000 ₽
- Cleaning the capillary tube — 2 500–5 000 ₽
- Refilling freon — 3 000–7 000 ₽
- Repairing the electronic module — 4 000–10 000 ₽
In service centers Samsung i LG Diagnostics are often free if you agree to repairs.
Is it possible to fill the refrigerator with freon yourself?
Theoretically, yes, but in practice it is extremely dangerous. Freon is under pressure, and if you fill it incorrectly, you can damage the compressor or get burned. In addition, you need special equipment to vacuum the system. If you do not have experience, it is better not. take risks.