Maytag refrigerator not cooling

Common reasons your Maytag refrigerator is not cooling

The most common reasons your Maytag refrigerator is not cooling are a locked compressor, defective electronic control board or a damaged evaporator.

66% of the time it's the
Compressor

15% of the time it's the
Electronic Control Board

12% of the time it's the
Evaporator

7% of the time it's the
Something else

Most common repairs needed to fix a Maytag 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.

Troubleshooting compressor problems in refrigerators

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.

How to replace the electronic control board in a refrigerator

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.

Troubleshooting a refrigerator not cooling

What to expect when you experience a Maytag 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 scheduling Maytag refrigerator repair with a local Sears Home Services professional who can 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.

Maytag Refrigerator Not Cooling but Freezer is Working

When your Maytag refrigerator is not cooling but the freezer is working, blocked air vents are a leading cause of this problem. Refer to the owner’s manual for your Maytag refrigerator to identify the location of air supply and return vents inside the refrigerator compartment. Move items that you find blocking the air vents inside the refrigerator. If you have a French door or bottom-freezer Maytag fridge, check for labels or other items blocking the return air vents at the bottom rear corners of the refrigerator compartment. This is a common cause of cooling problems in the refrigerator compartment of those models.

Other problems that can cause problems with your Maytag refrigerator not cooling but the freezer is working include:

Air damper failure.
Thermistor (temperature sensor) problems.
Automatic defrost system failure.
Electronic control board failure.
Wiring failure.

Schedule refrigerator repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician diagnose and repair these types of failures when your Maytag refrigerator is not cooling but the freezer is working.

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Glossary Terms

What is a French-Door Refrigerator?

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.

What is Refrigerant?

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.

What is R-12 Refrigerant?

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.

What is CFC Certification?

CFC certification refers to the credentialing process that qualifies HVAC technicians to handle chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other refrigerants in a manner that complies with environmental regulations. It is essential for professionals who install, maintain, or repair HVAC systems and refrigeration equipment.