Why the refrigerator does not work, but the freezer works: causes and troubleshooting

The situation when the refrigerator suddenly stops producing cold, even though the freezer is working properly, is very common.And this does not necessarily mean a low quality refrigerator or a factory defect.

In fact, the problem often appears as a result of improper operation, and in some cases it can be fixed independently.

In this text, we will consider the main causes of a refrigerator malfunction.

Refrigerator device

Cooling in the refrigerator occurs due to the use of a compressor.

In fact, the operation of the refrigerator is based on the transformation of the refrigerant circulating in it from a liquid state into a gaseous state. This procedure is called condensation and is what gives the desired cooling effect.

A refrigerant is nothing but a liquid that evaporates at a low temperature. It absorbs heat inside the chamber and then passes through the condenser, that is, through the very curved pipe usually located at the back of the refrigerator.

The compressor is responsible for the whole process. If the compressor breaks down, the temperature in the refrigerator will rise sharply, which will adversely affect the food stored in it.

Thus, the compressor is the "heart" of the entire refrigerator, because it is thanks to its work that the refrigerant can circulate freely throughout the refrigerator.

The refrigerant passes from the compressor to the condenser, which is located at the back of the refrigerator, in the form of a coil. Thanks to this device, the refrigerant condenses under high pressure and becomes a liquid again.

In the evaporator, the refrigerant absorbs heat inside the refrigerator. Then it turns into expanded gas, which again enters the compressor, and then the whole process is repeated.

The temperature controller or thermostat is another important component of the refrigerator, which is responsible for the timely supply of voltage to the compressor and fan motors at the temperature set by the mode switch.

If the thermostat is not working properly, it can disrupt the refrigeration system and therefore the refrigerator will simply not cool.

How should the refrigerator be installed?

First of all, no refrigerator should be adjacent to the wall. Always leave about 2 centimeters of free space between the device and the wall.

This will ensure the necessary ventilation of the elements that heat up during operation of the refrigerator.

In addition, at the stage of planning the installation of a refrigerator, it is necessary to ensure direct access of the device to the outlet. Then there will be no need to use extension cords and hide them behind furniture.

If the floor in your kitchen is not level everywhere, install the refrigerator in the most level area, since the refrigerator must be level.

It is very important that the appliance is not located in close proximity to an oven, freestanding stove or fireplace. Also avoid placing the refrigerator near a radiator or heater.

The operation of these appliances can adversely affect the operation of the refrigerator, as it will have to work more intensively, which will lead to higher operating costs and an increase in electricity demand.

Simple reasons

Consider the most simple and not requiring the intervention of specialists, the reasons why the refrigeration compartment may not work.

Wrong temperature

A common cause of refrigerator malfunction is incorrect temperature setting.

Check the temperature set in the refrigerator: if it is not equal to 5 ° C, then change the parameters to the optimal ones.

And also keep in mind that frequent and unreasonable opening of the refrigerator door does not contribute to its proper operation. Warm air gets inside, and if there is too much of it in the refrigerator, it will be difficult for him to cope with all this load.

Incorrect location of the refrigerator

Some hardware failures can be directly related to the fact that the user did not install the refrigerator correctly.

Quick assembly of the device without carefully reading the instructions is not the best idea, because. this often leads to breakage.

A very common mistake is to put the refrigerator next to the wall (if it is not specifically adapted to it), thus significantly reducing the air access to the device. This leads to incorrect operation of all equipment, including problems with optimal cooling.

It is necessary to check the refrigerator's operating instructions for free space at the back and sides. If these conditions are not currently met, provide the device with the required distance from the wall.

Placement of hot food in the refrigerator

Many people put pots of hot food in the refrigerator with no thought of the implications this may have on the appliances.

Hot food heats up the air in the chamber, which means that the compressor has to do more work to ensure optimal conditions for stored food.

If the air inside the upper chamber is too warm, you will naturally get the impression that the refrigerator does not freeze well, although in fact there is cooling, it is just almost imperceptible.

The refrigerator has not been defrosted for a long time

In older models of refrigerators (for example, Atlant XM-4010-500), regular defrosting is a prerequisite for their proper functioning. Failure to do so will result in reduced device performance.

In many models, only the freezer is equipped with the No Frost function, while the refrigerator still requires manual defrosting. Even if only once a year.

In this case, the situation is just common when the freezer, even after years of operation, works fine, and the refrigerator has performance problems or even does not work at all.

To prevent this from happening, check out the manufacturer's instructions for equipping your refrigerator with a No Frost system. If your model uses only a partial version of this function, remember to defrost regularly.

Incorrect fit of the refrigerator door seal

Even the smallest gap in the door can allow warm air to enter the refrigerator.

Due to the lack of suitable conditions, the cooling of the device quickly loses its effectiveness. Often in such a situation, damage or factory defects of the rubber seal are to blame, due to which, when the door is opened, the rubber part slightly changes its position or even opens, leaving gaps that are quite enough for warm air to enter the refrigerator.

To make sure everything is working properly, do a simple test: put your hand near a closed door and slowly slide it down. If you feel even minimal. coolness, then the cause of the breakdown is a leaky gasket.

The solution to this problem depends on how damaged the gasket is and whether it needs to be replaced. In some cases, it is enough to simply return the gasket to its place and press it firmly against the door wall. The door will then close normally.

But in most cases, the participation of specialists is still required.

Complicated breakdowns

If the cause of the breakdown concerns a malfunction of complex elements of household appliances, you cannot do without professional help, under warranty or from independent specialists.

Faulty fan motor

It is thanks to the correct operation of the fan motor that the cooling and distribution of cold air in the refrigerator and freezer compartments occurs equally. However, some refrigerators have more than one fan motor (for example, a condenser fan motor).

If the condenser fan motor is not running, cold air will simply not circulate through the refrigerator compartment.

In this case, the titled situation is possible when the freezer is stably cooled, but the refrigerator is not.

To determine if the fan motor is good, simply check the fan blade with a stick or finger. If the propeller does not spin freely, the fan motor needs to be replaced.

The same applies to the problem when the engine runs unusually loud. If the engine does not start at all, check the integrity of the windings with a multimeter and, if necessary, again, replace the components.

Faulty starter

Sometimes the refrigerator compressor does not start, not because of its own malfunction, but because of a broken start relay.

It may happen that the starter simply does not give the appropriate signal to the components of the equipment, and as a result, the cooling process simply does not start.

In such a situation, it may be necessary to replace the starter - a rather complicated procedure that should be entrusted to professionals.

Compressor overheating

As you already know, a compressor is a type of engine that compresses the refrigerant and distributes it through the evaporator and condenser. Thanks to this, the inside of the refrigerator is generally cooled.

Of course, in case of overheating of such an important component of technology, its functionality can be questioned.

Compressor overheating is most often caused by insufficient lubrication, although it can also be an incorrect thermostat setting that leads to overload and overheating.

Incorrect heat dissipation by the refrigerator can also be caused by debris, dirt and dust buildup on the condenser coils. In this case, manual cleaning is sufficient.

But if the cause of overheating is a more complex malfunction, a replacement may be required.

Faulty temperature sensor or thermostat

The temperature sensor monitors the temperature in the refrigerator and transmits data to the control module. Based on them, the control module regulates the power supply of the compressor and fan.

If the sensor is broken, the compressor and evaporator fan may not start when needed. As a result, the temperature of the refrigerator will not be cold enough.

To determine if the temperature sensor is working, turn the thermostat knob from the minimum value to the maximum value until you hear a characteristic click.

If you hear a click, the thermostat is probably good. If there is no click, use a tester or special measuring equipment (multimeter) to check the integrity of the component.

The resistance of the sensor should change depending on the temperature in the refrigerator. If the resistance of the sensor does not change, then it must be replaced with a new one.

Faulty control board

If the capacitor is the “heart” of the refrigerator, then the control module is the “brain”. This device is responsible for all the functions of the refrigerator, including defrosting, rapid cooling, thermostat activation when the temperature drops below or above the set level.

If the control board is faulty, these features simply won't work.

The cause of the malfunction may be different - sometimes it is a factory defect, and sometimes it is diodes that have burned out as a result of a power surge.

However, this does not happen often. It is much more likely that the cause of the malfunction is something else, so check other components of the device before replacing the board. If you have already ruled out other possible causes, entrust the replacement of the board to specialists.

Clogged or oxidized pipes

The condenser is usually located on the back of the refrigerator, although sometimes it is located at the bottom of the appliance. As the refrigerant passes through the condenser, it dissipates heat, allowing the inside of the refrigerator to cool down.

If the condenser is dirty, it will not be able to efficiently remove heat. Thus, the dirt accumulated on this element greatly reduces the efficiency of the refrigerator. He has to work harder to perform his normal functions and maintain the proper temperature.

Therefore, do not forget to clean the condenser if its tubes are dirty or subject to oxidation.

Useful video

What to do if the refrigerator does not work with a working freezer, you will learn from the video: