Appointment Lookup
646-440-2692
Frigidaire refrigerator not cooling
Common reasons your Frigidaire refrigerator is not cooling
The most common reasons your Frigidaire refrigerator is not cooling are a locked compressor, defective electronic control board or a damaged evaporator.
63% of the time it's the Compressor
8% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board
8% of the time it's the Evaporator
21% of the time it's the Something else
Schedule your refrigerator repair now!
We can help! Our service technicians have repaired over 300,000 Frigidaire refrigerators. We can fix yours no matter where you bought it.
Most common repairs needed to fix a Frigidaire refrigerator
Compressor Replacement
A locked refrigerator compressor can exhibit several symptoms indicative of a malfunction. The most noticeable sign is a lack of cooling in the refrigerator compartment, leading to elevated temperatures and the potential for food spoilage. The freezer may also fail to maintain the desired freezing temperatures, resulting in no ice production from the ice maker or dispenser. Additionally, you'll observe that the compressor is unusually silent or fails to produce its typical humming sound during operation. In some cases, the compressor may attempt to start but fail, resulting in repeated clicking noises. The inability of the compressor to circulate refrigerant properly can affect the defrosting process, leading to ice buildup in the freezer. Furthermore, a faulty compressor could send a sudden influx of melting frost to the drain line, causing it to back up, preventing adequate draining, and potentially causing water leaks.
Electronic Control Board Replacement
A defective electronic control board can lead to various failures in a refrigerator, including a lack of power or cooling and water leaking. This is because the board serves as the brain of the refrigerator, controlling crucial operations such as regulating internal temperatures, running fans, managing defrost cycles, overseeing the ice maker, and controlling dispenser functions. If the electronic control board malfunctions, it can disrupt communication between many different components, including automatic doors if equipped. A failing board may cause a chattering or clicking noise from the refrigerator and may emit a burning odor. Due to the potential impact on multiple components, it is advisable to have a Sears Home Services professional conduct diagnostic tests on the board to confirm if replacement is necessary.
Evaporator Replacement
A damaged refrigerator evaporator causes a decrease in overall cooling performance, leading to elevated temperatures in both the refrigerator and freezer compartments. These higher temperatures can result in food spoilage and less effective preservation of frozen items. Frost or ice buildup on the evaporator coils may hinder their ability to absorb heat efficiently. Excessive condensation inside the refrigerator can lead to leaks. Additionally, a damaged evaporator may cause unusual noises, such as hissing or gurgling sounds, during the refrigeration cycle.
Why is my Frigidaire refrigerator not getting cold?
When your Frigidaire refrigerator is not getting cold, there are a few different issues that could be responsible for the problem, including a failed automatic defrost system, compressor, evaporator fan or thermistor (also known as the temperature sensor).
This video from shows how to troubleshoot problems when your refrigerator isn't cooling:
Your refrigerator might seem warmer than usual for a day if you’ve just added a lot of food—wait 24 hours after adding a lot of food to see if the refrigerator cools properly.
Also make sure none of the food containers are blocking airflow at the vents; the owner's manual usually shows where the vents are located.
Check for electrical power
If you haven't added a lot of food during the past day, and you can’t hear your refrigerator running, the first thing to do is check for power. Open the refrigerator door and see if the light turns on.
If the light doesn’t turn on, let’s check the power cord and the outlet. Obviously, you’ll want to make sure that the refrigerator is plugged in and that the power cord isn’t damaged. Then make sure that the electrical outlet is working by plugging in a lamp or some other appliance that makes noise. If your outlet isn't working, you’ll need to have it repaired by a qualified electrician.
Check for excessive frost
Once you’ve confirmed that your refrigerator is getting power, the next thing you will want to check for is excessive frost built up on the evaporator, which can inhibit cooling.
You may need to troubleshoot issues with the automatic defrost system if the evaporator is caked with frost. This video will walk you through that process:
Diagnosing compressor and evaporator fan problems
If there’s no frost on the evaporator coils, move on to some more advanced checks. Most Frigidaire refrigerators, have a diagnostic test mode that checks refrigerator operations.
First, check to see if the compressor and evaporator fan run in the test mode. To enter the diagnostic test mode on this Kenmore model, within 2 seconds, press the light switch 3 times and then press and hold it a 4th time until you hear a long beep. You're now in the test mode. If this doesn’t work on your model, check your tech sheet for instructions. You can usually find it located behind the bottom front grill or taped to the back of the refrigerator.
Press the door switch twice to start the compressor. The control beeps twice and then you should hear the compressor start. If you don’t hear the compressor turn on, check the start relay on the compressor.
This video will show you how to troubleshoot issues with your compressor:
To check the fan, press the door switch twice within 2 seconds and wait for the two beeps. Repeat this step 2 more times. The control beeps twice and then starts the evaporator fan.
If the evaporator fan doesn't run, unplug the refrigerator and check the evaporator fan. This video will show you how to troubleshoot problems with your evaporator fan:
Check the temperature sensor
If the compressor and evaporator fan both work in the diagnostic test mode, you’ll need to check the thermistor, which is the temperature sensor. This video will show you how to troubleshoot problems with the temperature sensor:
To exit the test mode, within 2 seconds, press the door switch 3 times and then hold the switch down until the control beeps. Or just unplug the refrigerator.
These expert tips may help you resolve the cooling problem in your Frigidaire refrigerator. If not, schedule refrigerator repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the cooling problem.
What to expect when you experience a Frigidaire refrigerator not cooling issue
How is the not cooling problem fixed?
Correcting most not cooling problems usually involves replacing the compressor, electronic control board or evaporator. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.
Sears Home Services recommendations for a refrigerator that is not cooling
When the refrigerator is not cooling it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of refrigerator failures.
What to look out for with a refrigerator not cooling diagnosis
Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your refrigerator problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.
What our customers say about us
With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it
Jake is a great person.
He did a great job, the problem is with the refrigerator.
Nancy V, Meridian, ID
Great job
Robert did a great job and was kind and courteous. He cleaned up everything. I would highly recommend using him.
Karen K, Mount Laurel, NJ
Service appointment
Joe was very professional and knowledgeable technician who quickly found and fixed the problem. I would recommend for service again
Tim R, Schaghticoke, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Repair Refrigerator Resources
Learn how to install refrigerator ice maker kit IM116000 on a compatible top-freezer refrigerator.
Find out why your Samsung fridge is not cooling but the freezer section works. Get expert troubleshooting tips to fix the problem.
Find out why the fridge is not cool but the freezer is and learn how to troubleshoot the common problems that cause this failure.
Find out what to do when the freezer is not freezing but the fridge works fine. Fix the problem fast with our expert DIY troubleshooting tips.
Glossary Terms
A dual ice maker is a feature in some refrigerators that includes two separate ice makers: one in the fridge compartment and another in the freezer section. This setup doubles the appliance's ice-making capacity.
A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.
Refrigerant is a chemical compound used in HVAC systems and refrigerators to absorb heat from the environment by cycling through states of evaporation and condensation, enabling the cooling process through its cycle of evaporation and condensation.
R-12 refrigerant, also known as Freon-12, is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compound that was once widely used in air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and aerosol propellants before its phase-out due to environmental concerns.