Why the refrigeration compartment in the refrigerator does not work: reasons and solutions

Have you opened the refrigerator, and the food in it is warmer than it should be? The freezer is working properly, but the refrigerator compartment does not cool or does it poorly? This is one of the most common malfunctions that owners of refrigerators Atlant, Samsung, Indesit, LG and other brands encounter. The reasons can be either simple (condenser clogged with dust) or serious (failure of the compressor or electronics).

In this article we will analyze all possible reasonswhy the refrigerator compartment stops freezing, and also give step-by-step instructions for diagnosis and repair. You will learn when you can cope on your own, and in what cases you immediately need to call a technician - for example, if there is a freon leak or a thermostat breakdown. We will also tell you how to temporarily store products if repairs are delayed.

1. Clogging of the No Frost or drip defrosting system

If your refrigerator is equipped with a system No Frost (in models Samsung RL-34, LG GA-B489) or drip defrosting (in Atlant MXM-1808, Indesit DF 4180), then the first reason for a non-functioning refrigerator compartment is a clogged drainage system or ventilation ducts. In the No Frost system, ice can block the fan, and in drip models, it can clog the drainage hole.

How does this manifest itself:

• 🔊 The refrigerator hums loudly, but does not cools.
• ❄️ Everything is fine in the freezer, but it’s warm in the refrigerator.
• 💧 Water accumulates under the vegetable drawers.

What to do:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and defrost it on 10–12 hours.
2. Check the drainage hole (usually located on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment) - clean it with a cotton swab or thin wire.
3. In models with No Frost, inspect the ventilation grilles between the compartments - if they are frozen, carefully remove the ice with a hairdryer (not hot air!).

2. Fan failure in the No Frost system

In refrigerators with No Frost system (for example, Samsung RB-30 J3200, Bosch KGN39VL35) the fan is responsible for the circulation of cold air. If it breaks, the refrigerator compartment stops cooling, but the freezer continues to work. Signs of malfunction:

• 🔇 The refrigerator has become quieter than usual (the fan does not make noise).
• 🥶 The freezer freezes too much, but it is warm in the refrigerator compartment.
• 🔄 The temperature in the compartments does not equalize even after defrosting.

How to check the fan:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and remove the back panel in the freezer (in most models the fan is located there).
2. Try turning the blades by hand - if they do not rotate or make a squeaking sound, it means the bearing jammed.
3. Connect the refrigerator to the network and listen - if the fan does not start, it needs to be replaced.

How to temporarily restore cooling without a fan?

If the fan is broken and repairs are postponed, you can temporarily transfer food from the refrigerator compartment to the freezer (packing them in airtight containers). Installing a small USB fan (5-12V) inside the chamber to force air circulation will also help. But this is a temporary solution - without repair the temperature will be unstable.

3. Freon leak or clogged capillary tube

If the refrigerator compartment does not cool, and the freezer works poorly or has stopped freezing altogether, the reason may lie in leakage of refrigerant (freon) or a clog capillary tube. This is one of the most serious breakdowns, as it requires the intervention of a specialist with equipment for refilling freon.

Signs of a freon leak:

• 🧊 The condenser (grid on the back wall) does not heat up.
• 🔧 The compressor works non-stop, but there is no cold.
• 🛠️ Oil stains are visible on the tubes or in soldering areas (a sign of microcracks).

What to do:

It is impossible to eliminate the leak on your own - it is required:

1. Detecting the location of the leak (using a leak detector).
2. Eliminating the crack or replacing the damaged area.
3. Evacuating the system and refilling with new freon.

⚠️ Attention: If a freon leak occurred due to corrosion of the tubes (often happens in older refrigerators 10 years), repairs may be unprofitable. In this case, it is cheaper to buy a new refrigerator than to restore the old one.

4. Malfunction of the thermostat or temperature sensor

The thermostat (in mechanical models) or temperature sensor (in electronic refrigerators, for example, LG GA-B429, Samsung RB-29 FERNCSA) is responsible for turning the compressor on/off. If it fails, the compressor either does not start or works continuously, but there is no cold in the refrigerator compartment.

Signs of a thermostat failure:

• 🔄 The refrigerator does not turn off (the compressor hums constantly).
• ❄️ It’s too cold in the freezer, but it’s warm in the refrigerator.
• 📉 The temperature does not correspond to the set values (for example, it is set to +5°C, but actually +15°C).

How to check the thermostat:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network.
2. Remove the thermostat protective casing (usually located inside the refrigerator compartment or on the top panel).
3. Test the contacts with a multimeter in resistance testing mode. If the resistance does not change when you turn the regulator knob, the part is faulty.

Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains

Find the sensor (usually attached to the evaporator or back wall)

Disconnect the connector and ring with a multimeter

Compare the readings with nominal (indicated in the instructions)

If there is a malfunction, replace the sensor -->

In electronic models, a sensor malfunction is often accompanied by error code on the display (for example, Er IF or Er dS v refrigerators Samsung). In this case, replacement of the sensor or flashing of the control board is required.

5. Compressor or start relay failure

If the refrigerator compartment does not cool, and the freezer works poorly or is completely turned off, the problem may be compressor or start relay. The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator, and its breakdown often requires replacement.

Signs of a compressor malfunction:

• 🔇 The refrigerator does not turn on (no characteristic humming).
• 🔥 The start relay clicks, but the compressor does not start.
• 💥 When turned on, protection is triggered (knocks out plugs or RCD).

How to check the compressor:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and remove the back cover.
2. Inspect the compressor for visible damage (melting, cracks).
3. Test the windings with a multimeter:
   • Resistance between contacts C-S and C-M should be within 20–50 Ohms.
   • The resistance between S-M is the sum of the two previous values.
   • If the resistance is 0 or ∞, the compressor is faulty.

If the compressor is working but does not start, the problem may be start relay. You can also test it with a multimeter or replace it with a known working one to check.

⚠️ Attention: Replacing a compressor is a complex procedure that requires special equipment (vacuum pump, freon cylinder). Improper installation may result in repeated failure or refrigerant leakage. Entrust this work to professionals.

6. Problems with electronics: control board or display

In modern refrigerators (for example, Samsung Family Hub, LG InstaView) is responsible for the operation of all systems. electronic control board. If it fails, the refrigerator compartment may stop cooling, despite a working compressor and fan.

Signs of a board failure:

• 📱 The display does not respond to pressing or shows errors (Er FF, Er HS).
• 🔄 The refrigerator turns on/off spontaneously.
• 🔌 After a power outage, the refrigerator does not start.

What to do:

Independent repair of the board is possible only if you have experience working with electronics In most cases. required:

• Flashing the board (if the problem is in the software).
• Replacement of burnt elements (resistors, capacitors, relays).
• Complete replacement of the board (in case of serious damage).

7. Violation of operating rules: what to check first

Before committing a breakdown, make sure that the problem is not related to the improper operation refrigerator. Often, non-cooling of the refrigeration compartment is caused by:

• 🔌 Unstable voltage on the network (the compressor may not start at low voltage).
• 🌡️ Incorrect temperature settings (for example, the freezer is set to -24°C, and the refrigerator is +10°C).
• 🚪 Frequent opening of the door or its loose closure (check the seal!).
• ☀️ Location of the refrigerator near heat sources (battery, stove, direct sunlight).

What to do:

1. Check whether the door closes tightly If. the seal is torn or deformed - replace it.
2. Make sure that the refrigerator is level (adjustable with the legs). When tilted, the door may not fit tightly.
3. Measure the voltage in the socket with a multimeter - it should be between 220-230 V.
4. Check temperature settings: optimally in the refrigerator compartment +4...+6°C, in the freezer - -18°C.

8. When to call a technician: signs of serious problems. breakdowns

Some malfunctions require professional repair. Call a technician if:

• 🛠️ The refrigerator does not cool, and an error appears on the display (Er IF, Er dS, E1 etc.).
• 🔧 The compressor hums, but does not start (there may be a freon leak or a clogged capillary tube).
• 💥 When you turn on the refrigerator, the machine or RCD knocks out.
• 🧊 On the back wall the refrigerator has oil stains (a sign of a refrigerant leak).

The cost of repairs depends on the type of breakdown:

• Replacement of the thermostat — 1 500–3 000 ₽.
• Repair of the control board — 3 000–8 000 ₽.
• Refilling freon — 3 500–6 000 ₽.
• Replacing the compressor — 5 000–12 000 ₽.

⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator is under warranty, do not disassemble it yourself! This may lead to loss of warranty obligations. Contact the brand's service center.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about a non-working refrigeration compartment

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

The most likely reasons:

• Clogged drainage system or ventilation ducts (in models with No Frost).
• Failure of the fan responsible for air circulation.
• Malfunction of the thermostat or temperature sensor in the refrigerator compartment.
• Freon leak (if the compressor is running non-stop, but there is no cold).

Start by defrosting the refrigerator and checking the fan. If this does not help, call a technician.

The refrigerator is not cooling, but the light inside is on. What to do?

If there is light, but the refrigerator does not freeze, the problem may be in:

• Thermostat (does not send a signal to the compressor).
• Start relay (does not start compressor).
• The compressor itself (the winding is burned out).
• The electronic board (does not control cooling).

Try calling the thermostat and relay with a multimeter. If they are working, but the compressor does not start, a technician needs to diagnose it.

After defrosting, the refrigerator does not cool. Why?

Possible reasons:

• Moisture got into the system, which led to blockages in the capillary tube.
• The evaporator heater burned out (in models with No Frost).
• The temperature sensor or thermostat is damaged.
• There is a freon leak due to corrosion of the tubes.

If, after defrosting, the refrigerator does not begin to cool within 2-3 hours, turn it off and call a specialist.

Is it possible to temporarily operate the refrigerator, if only the refrigerator compartment is not working?

Yes, but with caution:

• Transfer perishable foods to the freezer (pack them in airtight containers).
• Do not store meat, dairy products, and ready-made meals in a non-working compartment.
• Use a cooler bag or ice for temporary storage.

Remember: temperatures in the refrigerator compartment above +10°C are dangerous for most products!

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

The cost depends on reasons:

Type of breakdown	Price (₽)
Drainage cleaning/No Frost	1 000–2 500
Fan replacement	2 000–4 000
Thermostat repair	1 500–3 000
Refilling freon	3 500–7 000
Replacing the compressor	6 000–12 000

In some cases (for example, if there is a freon leak in older models), repairs may be unprofitable - it’s cheaper to buy a new refrigerator.