Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Cooling

Short answer: If your Frigidaire fridge isn’t cooling, check the power source, verify temperature settings, inspect door seals, ensure vents aren’t blocked, clean condenser coils, and assess the evaporator fan. If issues remain, consult a technician.

A Frigidaire refrigerator not cooling can be a significant inconvenience, compromising food safety and causing household disruption. While Frigidaire is a reputable brand known for producing reliable appliances, like any refrigerator, it’s not immune to issues. This guide aims to help you troubleshoot common problems that can lead to cooling inefficiency, offering practical tips to identify and perhaps even resolve the issue. From checking the most straightforward solutions like power and temperature settings to evaluating components like door seals, vents, and coils, I’ll walk you through the essential steps to take before calling in professional help.

Several Reasons Why Frigidaire Refrigerator Is Not Cooling

No Power:

If your Frigidaire refrigerator is not receiving power, it won’t cool. Ensure it’s plugged in and the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped.

Fridge improperly located:

A refrigerator needs space around it to dissipate heat. If placed tightly between cabinets or against walls, it may overheat and not cool efficiently.

Failing door seals:

Damaged or dirty seals allow cool air to escape and warm air to enter, reducing the refrigerator’s efficiency.

Refrigerator leak:

Leaks in the refrigeration system can lead to a loss of refrigerant, affecting cooling performance.

Faulty Evaporator Fan Motor:

This fan circulates cold air from the freezer to the refrigerator. If malfunctions, the fridge won’t cool as it should.

Broken Temperature Thermostat:

This regulates how long the compressor runs. If broken, it might not signal the compressor to start, affecting cooling.

Faulty Control Board:

The main control board governs most of the fridge’s functions. A malfunction can affect cooling operations.

Dirty Condenser Coils:

Over time, these coils collect dust and debris, reducing their efficiency in dissipating heat, and leading to reduced cooling.

Faulty Condenser Fan Motor:

This fan cools the condenser coils. If it’s not working, the coils can’t release heat effectively.

Broken Compressor:

The compressor is the heart of the cooling system. If it fails, the refrigerator will not cool.

Broken Start Relay:

This provides power to the compressor. A faulty relay means the compressor won’t start.

Broken Start Relay Capacitor:

This gives the compressor motor an initial boost to start. If broken, the compressor might not run.

Broken Thermistor:

It measures refrigerator temperature and sends readings to the control board. A faulty thermistor can lead to temperature discrepancies.

The Air Filter Is Clogged:

A blocked air filter prevents proper airflow, which can lead to inefficient cooling.

You Are Storing Too Many Things In Your Fridge:

Overfilling limits air circulation, causing the appliance to work harder and possibly not cool adequately.

Troubleshooting Tips For A Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Cooling

Fixing the Damper Issue:

Step 1: Reset the fridge: Unplug it for 10 seconds then plug it back in.

Step 2: Check airflow: Check the air damper in the back. Make sure there is no airflow, signaling a potential problem with the freezer fan or damper motor.

Step 3: Inspect the damper: Use a mirror to inspect the damper.

Step 4: Reassembling:

• Ensured the red wire didn’t block the damper.
• Ensured correct placement of the thermistor.
• Reconnected the wires.
• Slid the assembly back into position.
• Re-screwed the shelf into place with care.

Inspecting the Dampener System:

Step 1: Preparation:

• Use a narrow screwdriver.
• Remove the cold control assembly (held by five screws).

Step 2: Inspection:

• Test dampener motor for free operation.
• Turn the fresh food knob off and on to check the dampener movement.
• If defective or frozen, replacement is needed.

Inspecting the Evaporator System:

Step 1: Accessing the Evaporator:

• Remove wire shelves (using plastic C-rings).
• Remove screws holding a panel (can use a cordless drill).

Step 2: Observations and Checks:

• Look for excessive ice buildup.
• Green corrosion on the evaporator tubing weld suggests a refrigerant leak.
• Manually defrost if necessary (using a fan or steam gun).
• Check the defrost system components (defrost heater and thermostat). Replace the swollen thermostat.
• Test the defrost heater using a multimeter.
• Check evaporator fan operation. Adjust cold control knobs or activate the door switch if necessary.

Replace the motor: 

Tools and Materials:

• Half-inch wrench
• 3/8 socket with a swivel
• Quarter-inch screwdriver
• Drill driver (optional)

Steps for Replacement:

Step 1: Preparation:

• Pull the refrigerator from the wall, ensuring not pull against hoses or electric cords.
• Disconnect any automatic ice maker (raising the bar for this specific model).
• Cut off the water supply to the ice maker.

Step 2: Accessing the Condenser Motor:

• Remove the back panel of the refrigerator. Note: Some models might have a cardboard back; the demonstrated model has a metal one.
• Remove the ice maker line using a half-inch wrench.
• Locate the condenser motor in the middle of the unit.
• Disconnect the power lines by squeezing two tabs and pulling them apart.

Step 3: Removing the Old Motor:

• Notice a component that might obstruct the removal. It is held in place by a bolt on the top and bottom.
• Loosen the bottom bolt and completely remove the top bolt.
• Carefully extract the motor.
• Pull the blade off the motor.
• Flip the motor and use a quarter-inch screwdriver to remove screws and then the motor.
• Note the orientation of the motor for reassembly.

Step 4: Installing the New Motor:

• Ensure the new motor’s orientation matches the old one.
• Replace the screws (caution: if using a drill driver, avoid over-tightening as the threads are plastic).
• Reattach the fan blade in the correct orientation.
• Reinstall the motor into the refrigerator, ensuring proper alignment.
• Reconnect the power.

Step 5: Finishing Up:

• Plug in the refrigerator (note: it might take a while for the compressor and fan motor to start).
• Reattach the back panel and reconnect the water supply.

Adjust Refrigerator Temperature:

If your Frigidaire refrigerator is not cooling as it should, adjusting the temperature settings might help. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:

Step 1: Locate the Control Panel: Most Frigidaire refrigerators have a digital or manual control panel, usually found inside the fridge compartment, near the top.

Step 2: Power On the Refrigerator: Ensure that your refrigerator is plugged in and receiving power.

Step 3: Adjust the Refrigerator Temperature:

For Digital Control Panels:

• Press the ‘Refrigerator’ or ‘Fridge’ button (the specific label might vary).
• Using the ‘+’ or ‘Up’ arrow, increase the temperature setting. Using the ‘-‘ or ‘Down’ arrow, decrease the temperature setting.
• Typically, the recommended temperature setting for the refrigerator compartment is 37°F (3°C).

For Manual Control Panels (with a dial or knob): Turn the dial to the desired setting. Typically, the middle setting is recommended as a starting point. If the fridge is too warm, turn the dial to a higher number, and if it’s too cold, turn it to a lower number.

Step 4: Adjust the Freezer Temperature (if needed):

For Digital Control Panels:

• Press the ‘Freezer’ button.
• Adjust the temperature using the ‘+’ or ‘-‘ buttons. The recommended temperature for the freezer compartment is 0°F (-18°C).

For Manual Control Panels: Adjust using a separate dial or knob specifically for the freezer. As with the fridge, turn the dial to a higher number if the freezer is too warm and to a lower number if it’s too cold.

Step 5: Wait and Monitor: After making adjustments, allow the refrigerator to stabilize for at least 24 hours. The temperatures inside won’t change immediately. It’s essential to wait and see if the new settings are effective.

Step 6: Check Using a Thermometer: For accuracy, place a refrigerator thermometer inside both the fridge and freezer compartments. After 24 hours, check the temperatures. This will give you a clear idea if further adjustments are needed.

Replace The Start Relay:

Replacing the start relay on a Frigidaire refrigerator that’s not cooling properly can sometimes resolve the issue. The start relay helps to start the compressor, and a faulty relay can lead to problems with cooling. Here’s how to replace it:

Tools and Supplies Needed:

• Screwdriver set
• Multimeter (optional)
• A new start relay compatible with your Frigidaire model
• Work gloves

Step 1: Unplug the Refrigerator: Always unplug the appliance before performing any maintenance or repair work. Safety first!

Step 2: Locate the Compressor and Start Relay: Access to the compressor and start relay is usually found at the back of the refrigerator. You may need to move the fridge away from the wall and remove the back panel using a screwdriver.

Step 3: Identify the Start Relay: The start relay is generally a small device plugged into the side of the compressor. It’s often a plastic box connected via terminals.

Step 4: Remove the Old Start Relay:

• Detach any wiring connectors from the relay. Take a picture before disconnecting so you know how to reconnect them later.
• Pull out the old start relay. This might require gently wiggling it to loosen it from the compressor’s prongs. Some models may have a retention clip; if so, remove that first.

Step 5: Install the New Start Relay:

• Align the new relay with the compressor prongs and push it firmly in place.
• Reconnect any wiring connectors as per the picture you took earlier.

Step 6: Secure Any Retention Clips: If your model has a retention clip, put this back in place now.

Step 7: Replace the Back Panel: Screw the back panel in place if you removed it earlier.

Step 8: Plug the Refrigerator Back In: Before putting everything back in its place, plug the fridge back in to test it out and make sure the new relay is working correctly. Listen for the compressor to start.

Step 9: Monitor the Temperature: Place a thermometer inside the fridge and freezer compartments and check them after several hours to ensure they are cooling as expected.

FAQs

How do I check if the vents in my Frigidaire refrigerator are blocked?

Ensure that food or containers aren’t pushed up against the vents. Also, check for any ice buildup or debris blocking the vent pathways.

Can I manually defrost my Frigidaire refrigerator if I suspect ice buildup?

Yes, you can manually defrost it by turning off the refrigerator and leaving the doors open for a few hours. Ensure to remove perishables and have towels ready to soak up melted ice.

How can I test if the thermostat in my Frigidaire refrigerator is working correctly?

Set the thermostat to the coldest setting and listen for a click. If you don’t hear a click, the thermostat might be faulty and may need replacement.

The back of my refrigerator feels hot. Is this normal?

Some warmth is normal due to the compressor running. However, excessive heat could indicate dirty condenser coils or a malfunctioning condenser fan.

How often should I clean the condenser coils?

Ideally, you should clean the condenser coils every 6-12 months to ensure optimal performance.

How do I know if there’s a refrigerant leak in my Frigidaire refrigerator?

If you see green corrosion on the evaporator tubes or if the refrigerator isn’t cooling despite all other components working, it might indicate a refrigerant leak.

Conclusion

A Frigidaire refrigerator not cooling can be a cause of concern, especially when storing perishable items. Several factors can contribute to this issue, from blocked vents to faulty electrical components. Often, addressing the most common culprits, such as dirty coils or a malfunctioning start relay, can restore the appliance to its optimal performance. However, it’s crucial to approach each potential solution with safety in mind, ensuring the refrigerator is unplugged before conducting any repairs. If DIY troubleshooting doesn’t yield a solution, consulting a professional technician is the next best step. Keeping your refrigerator in optimal working condition ensures food safety and reduces unnecessary expenses from food spoilage.