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Magic Chef freezer not working
Common reasons your Magic Chef freezer is not working
The most common reasons your Magic Chef freezer is not working are a failed compressor, malfunctioning electronic control board or a faulty condenser fan motor.
61% of the time it's the Compressor
23% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board
6% of the time it's the Condenser Fan Motor
10% of the time it's the Something else
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Most common repairs needed to fix a Magic Chef freezer
Compressor Replacement
When your freezer is not working, a failed compressor could be causing the problem. The function of a freezer compressor is to compress and pump the refrigerant gas that flows through the sealed system, which in turns absorbs and removes heat from the inside of the freezer, keeping it cool. When the compressor fails, the freezer won’t cool at all. Because the EPA regulates the handling and disposal of all refrigerants, you’ll need to have a certified service technician perform the repair. Schedule service through Sears Home Services and we’ll send a certified technician to your home to fix your freezer.
Electronic Control Board Replacement
If your freezer is not working, a malfunctioning electronic control board could be causing the problem. The electronic control board receives signals from various sensors to monitor the temperature inside the freezer. Using the information it receives from these sensors, the board starts or stops the compressor, fans, defrost cycle and other components. It also interprets user inputs such as temperature adjustments or mode selections and implements the corresponding actions. A dead control board can keep the freezer from working at all.
Condenser Fan Motor Replacement
A faulty condenser fan motor can keep your freezer from working. The condenser fan circulates cooling air through the condenser to cool refrigerant. The condenser fan also circulates cooling air over the compressor to help keep the compressor from overheating. Your freezer won’t cool properly when the fan motor stops working. Also, the compressor can overheat and shut off to further inhibit cooling. When your freezer stops working, have a Sears Home Services Technician visit your home and fix the problem.
Why won't my Magic Chef freezer turn on?
Power supply issues are a leading cause of your Magic Chef freezer not working. If your freezer has an interior light, open the door to see if the light turns on. If it does, then you know the appliance is getting electrical power.
If your freezer is completely dead, follow these basic troubleshooting steps to restore power:
- Check the power cord to make sure that it’s fully plugged into the electrical outlet. Check the power cord for damage and replace the power cord if it’s cut, frayed or damaged.
- If the power cord is okay and the freezer is completely dead, reset the house circuit breaker for the freezer outlet.
- If the freezer is still dead, test the electrical outlet for power by plugging a nightlight or other small electrical device into the outlet. If the outlet is dead, have an electrician fix the outlet.
If the outlet works and the freezer won’t power up, it may have a defective electronic control board or a bad cold control thermostat. A wiring failure or a number of other failures could also be preventing the freezer from getting power.
Freezer Control Failure
If you know the freezer has electrical power, but the compressor won't run, a failed cold control thermostat could be the problem if your freezer has a dial control.
To determine if the freezer cold control thermostat is working, unplug the freezer and check for continuity from the power cord wire that connects to the cold control thermostat and the wire that supplies power to the compressor from the control. If your meter doesn't measure continuity between those wires, then you'll likely need to replace the freezer cold control thermostat because it isn't sending electrical current to the compressor.
Here’s an illustrated guide that shows how to replace the cold control thermostat in a freezer:
How to replace the cold control thermostat in a freezer.
Freezer Electronic Control Failure
When the freezer is getting electrical power but the condenser fan and compressor won’t run because they’re not getting electrical current from the electronic control board, you’ll likely need to replace the circuit board.
Here’s a video that shows how to replace the electronic control board in a freezer:
If you’re uncertain that the electronic control board is bad or you need help resolving your freezer problem, schedule freezer repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the problem.
What to expect when you experience a Magic Chef freezer not working issue
How is the not working problem fixed?
Correcting most not working problems usually involves replacing the compressor, electronic control board or condenser fan motor. 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 freezer that is not working
When the freezer is not working 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 freezer failures.
What to look out for with a freezer not working diagnosis
Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your freezer 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
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Fridge repair.
Bradley was on time very professional had the fridge repaired in less than an hour up and going. Cleaned up and got us going for our Thanksgiving day. we had a great experience with Sears.
Curt C, Mount Carmel, IL
Happy!
Pedro was on time and super friendly. He seemed to know the job and was helpful in explaining everything. Showed me the controls and where the problem was. So nice, would definitely use your service again. Another company was going to take 3 days to come and service us. You guys came same day, what a lifesaver!
Lisa M, Sahuarita, AZ
Freezer repair
Great service. Freezer repaired in a timely matter. Cleaned up work area. Would recommend
Lynwood L, Dayton, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
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Glossary Terms
A freezer bag is a specially designed plastic bag used for the cold storage of food in the freezer, offering protection against freezer burn and preserving the food's freshness and flavor over extended periods.
A freezer compressor is a vital component of a freezer's refrigeration system, functioning as a pump to circulate refrigerant through the system, which cools the interior by absorbing and expelling heat.
A freezer door gasket is a flexible seal that outlines the edge of the freezer door, ensuring an airtight closure to maintain cold temperatures inside and prevent warm air from entering.
A manual defrost freezer is an appliance that needs to be switched off and allowed to thaw periodically to remove accumulated ice, ensuring efficient operation and storage space maximization.