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Refrigerator not working
Common reasons your refrigerator not working
The most common reasons your refrigerator is not working are a defective electronic control board, bad temperature control thermostat or a locked compressor.
65% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board
12% of the time it's the Temperature Control Thermostat
11% of the time it's the Compressor
12% of the time it's the Something else
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Common refrigerator repair parts you may need
Replacing one of these refrigerator parts may fix your problem.
Electronic Control Board Replacement
A failed electronic control board can lead to a range of issues in a refrigerator, including power loss, cooling irregularities, and water seepage. This is because the 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 disrupt communication among different components, including automatic door mechanisms if present. A faulty board may manifest as clicking or chattering noises and emit a burning odor. Due to its potential impact on multiple components, it's advisable to have a Sears Home Services professional conduct diagnostic tests on the board to determine if replacement is warranted.
Temperature Control Thermostat Replacement
A clear indication of a faulty temperature control thermostat is inconsistent temperatures in the refrigerator, resulting in either not enough cooling or overly cold conditions. You may observe changes in food freshness and discover items freezing when they shouldn't. The refrigerator might run all the time or turn on and off frequently, indicating an inability to keep the temperature stable. In some cases, the thermostat might make the refrigerator completely unresponsive, causing it not to cool at all.
Compressor Replacement
When the refrigerator compressor is locked, it may exhibit several symptoms indicating a malfunction. The primary sign is a lack of cooling in the refrigerator compartment, resulting in elevated temperatures and the risk of food spoilage. The freezer may also struggle to maintain the desired freezing temperatures, leading to no ice production from the icemaker or dispenser. Additionally, you might notice that the compressor is unusually silent or fails to emit its typical humming sound during operation. In some cases, the compressor may attempt to start but fail, resulting in repeated clicking noises. The compressor's inability to circulate refrigerant properly can affect the defrosting process, resulting in ice buildup in the freezer. Furthermore, a faulty compressor could cause a sudden surge of melting frost into the drain line, leading to blockages, inadequate drainage, and potential water leaks.
How do I fix my refrigerator that is not working?
Check for power
First, check to see if your refrigerator has power. If the control panel is dead or the interior light won’t turn on when you open the door, reset the house circuit breaker to see if the fridge will power up.
If the refrigerator doesn’t power up after resetting the breaker, test the electrical outlet for power by plugging a night light or similar item into the outlet to check for power. If the outlet is dead, have an electrician fix the outlet.
Troubleshoot compressor problems
When your refrigerator has power but the compressor isn’t running, follow the tips in this DIY video to troubleshoot compressor problems that will prevent the fridge from cooling:
Check the compressor start relay
Remove the machine compartment cover and check the condenser fan. If the condenser fan runs, then your compressor should be getting power because the compressor shares a circuit with the condenser fan motor on almost all refrigerators.
Unplug the refrigerator and unhook the start relay retainer clip. Pull the compressor start relay out of the refrigerator. Shake the start relay to see if it rattles. If it does, that's a tell-tale sign the relay is fried. Replace that part and your refrigerator may begin working again.
If the start relay doesn't rattle, you’ll need to check for continuity to confirm that it’s bad. Put the one meter lead into terminal 5 and the other meter lead into terminal 6.
If you detect an open circuit between those terminals then the meter will read 1 in the far left digit. You’ll need to replace the PTC relay.
If the start relay's okay, then you may have a defective compressor. Unfortunately, you’ll need to get a service technician’s help to replace a compressor, because that repair involves recovering Freon.
Check for thermistor problems
If your condenser fan wasn’t running, then you may have a defective electronic control board or a bad thermistor (temperature sensor).
Testing a thermistor in a refrigerator is fairly simple. Follow the steps in this DIY video to test the thermistor(s) in your refrigerator and/or freezer compartments:
Replace a thermistor if it isn’t working properly. This may restore cooling in your refrigerator.
If the compressor start relay and thermistors in the refrigerator are okay, then a problem with the electronic control board or a wiring failure may be preventing the compressor from running.
Follow the remaining troubleshooting tips in the video to find and fix the cause of the compressor failure or have a service technician visit your home and fix the fridge if you’re not able to repair the problem yourself.
What to expect when you experience a refrigerator not working issue
How do you fix a not working problem?
Addressing most now working issues usually requires replacing the electronic control board, temperature control thermostat, or compressor. However, there could be other underlying factors, making a thorough diagnosis essential. It's crucial to accurately diagnose the problem to understand the extent of the repair and ensure effective resolution.
Follow these recommendations for a refrigerator that is not working
If refrigerator is not working it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having an experienced Sears Home Services professional diagnose the issue and repair the problem.
Things to consider with a refrigerator not working diagnosis
The process of identifying issues with modern appliances demands a thorough understanding and specialized training. Merely swapping out parts without employing accurate diagnostic techniques may not effectively resolve refrigerator issues. With significant advancements in appliance technology over the past decade, contemporary models now incorporate sophisticated electronic components that pose considerable challenges for troubleshooting. Consequently, do-it-yourself repairs on modern appliances have become increasingly complex
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Frequently Asked Questions
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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.