Like any device, your fridge will have issues now and then. Most of these issues will have simple fixes. They should be covered by the manufacturer or extended warranty. You can fix some problems at home, but others need a professional. However, in some cases a refrigerator problem may not be easy to fix and replacements may be required. Here are the most common refrigerator problems and what you can do about them.
Refrigerator Problem #1: Fridge Not Cooling

This is the most common problem people face. Here are the reasons, from most likely to least likely:
- Condenser coils can get dirty: If you can see the coils at the back of your fridge, they may collect dust and cobwebs. When they are too dirty, they won't work properly. Clean them thoroughly and check if the problem is fixed.
- Evaporator Fan Motor Not Working – If the fan motor fails, cold air won't reach the fresh food compartment. You may need professional help to replace or repair the motor.
- Condenser Fan Motor – If the condenser fan motor fails, it won't pull air through the condenser coils or over the compressor. You will need professional help to replace or repair the motor.
- Start Relay – If the start relay is faulty, the compressor may fail to start at all. You will need professional help to replace or repair the start relay.
- Temperature Control Thermostat – If the thermostat doesn't work, the compressor, evaporator fan motor, and condenser fan motor won’t get power when they need it. You will need professional help to replace or repair this.
- Start Capacitor – A faulty Start Capacitor will not let your compressor start. You will need professional help to replace or repair the start capacitor.
- Thermistor – A defective thermistor can cause the compressor and evaporator fan to not run when needed. You will need professional help to repair or replace the thermistor.
- Temperature Control Board – A defective temperature control board won't send voltage to the cooling system. You will need professional help to fix the problem.
- Compressor – The compressor is a motor that compresses the refrigerant. It also circulates the refrigerant through the evaporator and condenser coils. If the compressor is not working, the refrigerator won’t cool. However, this isn’t usually the case. Before replacing the compressor, first check all of the more commonly defective components. If all of the other components are working properly, call for professional help.
- Main Control Board – The main control board might be defective. Before replacing the main control board, test all the more common defective parts. This is the least likely cause. If the other parts are fine, think about replacing the main control board.
Refrigerator Problem #2: Fridge Not Defrosting

This is the second most common problem, and the causes are ordered from the most likely to least likely to occur.
- Defrost Control Board – If the board fails, the refrigerator will not go into the defrost cycle. You will need professional help to diagnose and replace this.
- Defrost Timer – If the defrost timer is broken, it might not move into the defrost cycle. Also, it may fail to power the defrost heater when needed. This may need replacement.
- Defrost Heater Assembly – A defective defrost heater assembly stops the defrost system. This leads to frost building up on the evaporator coils. This may need replacement.
- Defrost Thermostat – A faulty defrost thermostat won't close its contacts. This stops power from reaching the defrost heater. You will need professional help to fix this.
- If the defrost sensor fuse blows - the defrost system fails. This means the refrigerator won't defrost. The defrost sensor fuse cannot be reset and needs to be replaced in case of fault.
- Main Control Board – A defective main control board might stop sending voltage to the defrost system. This has to be replaced.
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Refrigerator Problem #3: Freezer is Cool, but Fridge Stays Warm

When this happens, the freezer stays cool. However, the fresh foods compartment does not cool and may even stay warm. The problem that might cause it is listed in order of likelihood of occurrence:
- Evaporator coils frost over. If the defrost heater is broken, frost will build up on them. The coils can get completely blocked with frost. A professional will fix this for you.
- Evaporator Fan Motor – If the fan motor fails, cold air can't get to the fresh food section. You may need professional help to replace or repair the motor.
- Damper Control Assembly – If the damper doesn’t open right, it won’t let in enough cold air for the refrigerator. Check the damper control to determine if it is broken or stuck closed.
- Thermistor – Replace the thermistor if its resistance is constant or if it shows no continuity.
- Temperature Control Board – A faulty control board can stop voltage from reaching the compressor or fan motors.
- Defrost Control Board – If this board fails, the refrigerator won't run the defrost cycle. As a result, frost will keep building up on the evaporator coils.
- Defrost Timer – A defective defrost timer may fail to move into the defrost cycle. It also might not provide power to the defrost heater during this cycle. If the defrost system fails, frost builds up on the evaporator coils. Then, the refrigerator works harder to remove heat. As a result, the refrigerator may be too warm.
- Defrost Thermostat – If the defrost thermostat is bad, the contacts won't close. This means power can't reach the defrost heater during the defrost cycle. As a result, the thermostat won’t provide power to the defrost heater.
- Main Control Board – The main control board might be defective. But because this is the least likely cause, before replacing the main control board, test all of more commonly defective parts. If the other parts work fine, think about replacing the main control board.
Refrigerator Problem #4: Fridge Leaking Water

This could happen for several reasons. Here are the common causes, listed from most to least frequent:
- Clogged or Frozen Defrost Drain – If the drain is frozen, water will overflow. It will trickle down to the bottom of the compartment and may leak onto the floor. Check the defrost drain to determine if it is clogged or frozen. If the defrost drain is frozen, thaw the ice. In addition, flush the drain with hot water to ensure that it is clear of debris.
- Water Tank Assembly – Inspect the water tank assembly for any leaks that is causing the water to flow out. The leak may be very small and hard to find. If you discover a leak, replace the water tank. Do not attempt to repair the water tank—glue will not stick properly to the plastic of the tank. This requires professional help.
- Water Inlet Valve – If the water inlet valve is cracked or has a loose fitting, water will leak from the valve. Inspect the water inlet valve for cracks, and make sure that it is tightly secured to the water supply line.
- Water Filter Housing – Inspect the water filter housing for cracks. If you discover any cracks in the water filter housing, replace the housing.
- Water Filter Head – The water filter head might be cracked, or the seal may be torn or missing, causing the leak. If this happens, replace it.
- Drain Pan – If the drain pan is cracked, it will leak water as the defrost cycle is running. Replace it if you see a crack.
Refrigerator Problem #5: Fridge Freezing Food

The freezer is meant to freeze food, while the fresh foods compartment should keep the food cool. If you find ice crystals in food stored in the fresh foods compartment, here are the likely causes:
- Temperature Control Thermostat – A faulty thermostat can cause the refrigerant system to run too long. This can make the refrigerator too cold. Check at the lowest setting and if this is still happening, call for help.
- Thermistor – A bad thermistor can make the compressor and evaporator fan work too hard. This will make the refrigerator too cold. This may need replacing.
- Temperature Control Board – A faulty control board can send constant voltage to the compressor or fan motors. A repairman can diagnose this problem and fix it.
- Main Control Board – The main control board might be defective. This rarely happens. You should check the other systems carefully for issues. If none of these components is defective, consider replacing the main control board.
- Damper Control Assembly – The air damper control opens and closes. It lets in the right amount of cold air to the refrigerator compartment. If the damper does not close properly, it will let too much cold air into the refrigerator.
- Damper – The damper opens and closes. It controls how much cold air enters the refrigerator compartment. If the damper is stuck open, it will let too much cold air into the refrigerator. As a result, the refrigerator will be too cold. Check the damper to determine if it is broken or stuck open.
Refrigerator Problem #6: Light Not Working

The light in the fresh foods compartment helps you see inside. But this is also prone to damage. In most cases it is the light bulb that is defective, and simply replacing it will do the trick. If the LED strips or light still don’t work after you replace them, the light board or socket might have an issue. It’s best to have a professional check it.
These refrigerator problems might strike any time after you purchase the appliance. The manufacturer warranty covers repairs for one year. After that, repairs can be expensive. If you buy an extended warranty, your fridge gets extra protection. Then, repairs or replacements can be handled by authorized service technicians.