The situation when you open the refrigerator door, see a burning light and feel that it is warm inside, while the freezer continues to work normally, is a classic a symptom of a refrigerant circulation disorder or a failure of the control system.
In contrast to the complete silence of the unit, such partial functionality indicates that electrical circuit it is intact, and power is supplied to the compressor, but the cooling process in the main chamber is interrupted at a certain stage.
This can be caused by either a banal blockage of the capillary tube or a failure of thermostat or the fan in the systems No Frost.
It is important to understand that ignoring the first signs of temperature imbalance often leads to damage to products and more expensive repairs compressor.
In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanics of the process so that you can accurately determine the nature of the malfunction.
The principle of operation of the cooling system and temperature distribution
To understand why the temperature regime has been disrupted, you need to briefly recall the basic principle of operation of the refrigeration circuit.
Refrigerant, circulating through the system, evaporates in the evaporator, taking heat from the chambers, and condenses in the condenser, releasing heat to the environment.
In modern models with the system No Frost cold air is pumped into the refrigeration compartment using a special fan through the air duct system.
⚠️ Attention: In models with manual defrosting, the cold is transmitted directly through the wall of the evaporator located inside the chamber, so a violation of the freon circulation will immediately affect the temperature.
If the compressor is working, but there is no cold, it means that the freon does not boil where it is needed, or the cold does not reach products.
Often the problem lies in the fact that evaporator is covered with an ice coat that blocks heat exchange, or there is a refrigerant leak.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and temperature sensors
One of the most common reasons why the refrigerator stops freezing in the main chamber is incorrect operation of the thermostat.
This element is responsible for turning the compressor on and off depending on the temperature inside the refrigerator.
If thermostat fails and is “stuck” in position "turned off", the compressor will not start, and the temperature will begin to rise.
However, if we are talking about two-compressor models, then the failure of one of the thermostats will lead to exactly the situation described: one chamber works, the other does not.
- 🔍 Check whether the temperature setting on the electronic display has gone wrong or mechanical regulator.
- 🔍 Listen to whether the thermostat clicks when you change the position of the adjustment knob.
- 🔍 Inspect the capillary tube of the thermostat for damage or oxidation of the contacts.
In electronic models, they are responsible for temperature control sensors, which may give incorrect readings to the controller.
If the sensor “lies” that the chamber is cold, the control module will not give a command to start the compressor.
⚠️ Attention: Diagnostics of the electronic control module requires special knowledge and equipment, so if you suspect a failure of the “brains”, it is better to contact to a specialist.
Problems with refrigerant circulation: leaks and blockages
The most serious technical problem is a violation of the tightness of the circuit or the formation of a blockage.
If there is a formation of freon leakin the system, its quantity becomes insufficient for effective heat transfer.
In this case, the compressor may work constantly, trying to gain temperature, but there will be no cold anywhere, or it will be weak and uneven.
Often a leak occurs in the foamed part of the housing or in places where tubes are soldered, which is difficult to notice visually.
Another option is clogging of the capillary tube.
An ice or paraffin plug may form inside the narrow tube, which blocks the movement of the refrigerant.
A symptom of a blockage is often that the condenser (grid at the back) is only partially hot or cold, and the compressor is overheating.
To eliminate this problem, a professional cleaning the system replacement of the filter drier is required.
Why can’t you try to solder the tubes yourself?
Soldering copper tubes requires special equipment and skills. Improper soldering can lead to oxidation of the copper inside the tube, which will cause rapid clogging of the system and failure of the compressor. In addition, without vacuuming the system, moisture will remain in it, which will turn into ice and block the capillary again.
Faults of the No Frost system: fan and heating element
In refrigerators with the system No Frost cold is produced in the freezer, and then the fan distributes it throughout the refrigerator department.
If fan stopped due to freezing of the blades or a motor breakdown, the cold will stop flowing into the upper chamber.
In this case, the freezer will work properly, since the evaporator is located exactly there.
Often the reason the fan stops is ice, which forms due to a malfunction of the defrosting system.
- ❄️ Check that the air duct between the chambers is not frozen.
- ❄️ Make sure that the damper that regulates the air flow is not stuck in the closed position.
- ❄️ Listen to the operation of the fan: extraneous noise or humming may indicate wear of the bearings.
The defrost heating element could also have failed. The defrost heating element or defrost sensor.
If the evaporator is covered with ice, it blocks the access of air, and the refrigerator stops cooling food, although the compressor is humming.
In this case, complete defrosting of the unit is required within 24 hours to check the hypothesis.
Wear of the compressor and start relay
The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator, and its partial fault tolerance is a rare phenomenon, but possible.
Sometimes the compressor hums, but does not start, or starts for a split second and stalls.
This may be due to a malfunction start relaywhich supplies the initial impulse to start the engine.
If the relay is faulty, the compressor cannot gain the required speed, and freon circulation does not begin.
In more complex cases, interturn short circuit the compressor windings occur.
In this condition, the engine loses power, cannot create sufficient pressure in the system, and the refrigerator stops freezing, although it consumes electricity.
This can be diagnosed by measuring the current consumption: if it is significantly lower than the nominal one, the compressor “does not work.”
☑️ Do-it-yourself primary diagnostics
Diagnostic table of the main symptoms
For ease of systematization of signs of malfunction, use the following table.
It will help narrow down the search for the problem before calling a technician.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|
| The compressor is silent, there is no light | No power, faulty socket, burnt cord | Low |
| Buzzes, but does not start (clicks) | Faulty start relay or jammed compressor | Medium |
| The freezer is working, the refrigerator compartment is not | Clogged capillary, freon leak, fan failure | High |
| Ice freezes on the back wall | The defrost sensor or heating element is faulty (No Frost) | Medium |
| The compressor runs without stopping | Freon leakage, compressor wear, the door is not tightly closed | High |
As can be seen from the table, most problems associated with the lack of cold when the compressor is running require the intervention of a specialist.
You can only fix simple mechanical faults or perform defrosting on your own.
When you need to call a technician and professional repairs
If after defrosting and checking the settings the problem does not disappear, most likely a complex repair is required.
Replacement compressor, search leakage and refilling with freon are operations that require licensed equipment.
Unprofessional intervention in a sealed circuit can lead to permanent equipment failure.
The technician will be able to accurately determine the pressure in the system, check compression and identify hidden defects.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to open sealed tubes or change the compressor yourself without skills in working with refrigeration equipment. This is life-threatening and can lead to a fire.
A timely call to a specialist will save you money on buying new products and prevent damage to an expensive unit.
Remember that regular maintenance and proper operation will extend the life of your equipment.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the refrigerator click but does not turn on?
Clicks are usually made by the start relay, trying to start the compressor. If the starts are unsuccessful, the reason may be in the relay itself (the winding is burned out or the contacts are stuck) or in the compressor malfunction (jamming of the piston group, interturn short circuit). Relay replacement or motor diagnostics is required.
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator if it does not freeze well?
Short-term operation is possible, but undesirable. If the cause is a freon leak, the compressor will work hard, trying to compensate for the lack of refrigerant, which will lead to overheating and combustion. It is better to turn off the device before repair.
How often do you need to defrost a No Frost refrigerator?
The system No Frost assumes automatic defrosting of the evaporator. However, once every 6-12 months it is recommended to completely defrost the refrigerator (turn it off for 1-2 days) for hygienic treatment and removal of ice from hard-to-reach places that the system may have missed.
Why is the back wall of the refrigerator covered with ice?
In drip systems this may be the norm in the cooling cycle, but if the ice does not drain, it is possible that The drain hole is clogged. In systems No Frost ice on the back wall of the chamber indicates a malfunction of the defrost system (heating element, sensor, timer), due to which the evaporator becomes overgrown and stops passing air.
How much does it cost to replace a compressor?
The cost consists of the price of a new unit and the work of a technician. The price may vary depending on the model of the refrigerator and the type of compressor (inverter or conventional). The exact amount can be found out only after diagnosis from a specific specialist.