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Refrigerator freezer not working but fridge is fine
Common reasons your Refrigerator freezer not working but fridge is fine
The most common reasons your refrigerator freezer is not working but the fridge is fine are a faulty thermostat, bad compressor or a defective electronic control board.
32% of the time it's the Thermostat
18% of the time it's the Compressor
10% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board
40% of the time it's the Something else
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Most common repairs needed to fix a refrigerator
Thermostat Replacement
When the refrigerator freezer is not working but the fridge is fine, a problem with the temperature control thermostat could be causing the freezer cooling failure. The temperature control thermostat is also called the cold control or cold control thermostat, and is located in the control housing. The thermostat has a sensor tube attached to it that detects the temperature inside the refrigerator cabinet. The temperature control thermostat controls the temperature inside the cabinet by turning on and shutting off the compressor based on the temperature sensed by the sensor tube. If the sensor tube isn’t detecting refrigerator temperature properly, the thermostat could be failing to run the compressor long enough to keep the freezer cold. Replace the temperature control thermostat if it fails to sense temperature properly or if it does not cycle the compressor properly.
Compressor Replacement
A bad compressor can be causing your refrigerator freezer to quit working even though the fridge is fine. A weak compressor can cool the evaporator enough to supply cold air to the refrigerator compartment but not supply enough cold air to adequately cool the freezer down to freezing temperature. A faulty compressor can also overheat frequently and shut off due to overheating so the fridge may get cool even though the freezer won’t get anywhere near freezing temperature. When you suspect that the compressor isn’t working properly, have a Sears Home Services technician visit your home to check the compressor and replace it if necessary.
Electronic Control Board Replacement
When your refrigerator freezer is not working but the fridge is fine, a defective electronic control board can be causing the problem. The electronic control board acts as the refrigerator's central control system, managing critical functions such as temperature regulation, fan operation, defrost cycles, icemaker functionality, and dispenser operations. When the board malfunctions, it can keep the freezer section from cooling properly even though the refrigerator section is cooling properly. It's best to have a Sears Home Services professional conduct diagnostic tests on the board to determine if replacement is warranted. If the control board is preventing the refrigerator freezer from cooling even though the refrigerator section is cooling properly, the technician will replace the electronic control board.
What to expect when you experience a refrigerator freezer not working but the fridge is fine
How to resolve a problem in your refrigerator when the freezer is not working but the fridge is fine
Fixing most freezer cooling problems when the fridge is fine usually involves replacing a faulty temperature control thermostat, bad compressor or defective electronic control board. However, this isn't always the case. A problem with an air damper or thermistor (temperature sensor) could also cause this type of cooling problem. A thorough diagnosis is key understanding the extent of repairs needed and resolving the issue.
Sears Home Services suggestions for a refrigerator freezer that is not working even though the fridge is fine
When your refrigerator freezer is not working and the refrigerator section is cooling, many different types of failures could be causing this symptom. Follow the troubleshooting steps described in your owner’s manual. If you have a fridge with electronic controls, unplug the refrigerator power cord for 2 minutes to reset the control board and then plug the cord back in to restore power. The control board will reboot and reset. The freezer may begin cooling properly after resetting the control board. If not, have a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem.
Things to consider when diagnosing a refrigerator freezer that is not working but the fridge is fine
Diagnosing issues with modern appliances can pose significant challenges for individuals lacking technical knowledge and training. Without employing proper diagnostic techniques, fixing refrigerator cooling problems may involve merely replacing parts based on guesswork. In the past decade, appliances have undergone substantial advancements, incorporating intricate electronic components that are increasingly difficult to troubleshoot. As a result, do-it-yourself repairs on contemporary appliance models have become progressively difficult. When you’re unable to determine the cause of a freezer cooling problem when the fridge is okay, schedule refrigerator repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the fridge.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Glossary Terms
A compressor is a mechanical device that increases the pressure of a gas by reducing its volume, essential in various systems including refrigerators, air conditioners, and HVAC units for cooling and refrigeration processes.
A condenser is a component of HVAC and refrigeration systems, responsible for releasing absorbed heat from the refrigerant into the outside air or a water line, thus facilitating the cooling process.
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.