Why Your Frigidaire Refrigerator Isn’t Cooling, but the Freezer Works
When it comes to home appliances, Frigidaire refrigerators are generally reliable. However, like any electronic device, issues can arise from time to time.
One common problem that Frigidaire refrigerator owners encounter is when the freezer is fine, but the refrigerator fails to cool properly.
In this article, we will explore the common causes of this problem and provide you with practical solutions to fix it.
1. Faulty Evaporator Fan Motor
A faulty evaporator fan motor is one of the main culprits behind a Frigidaire refrigerator not cooling while the freezer continues to work correctly.
The evaporator fan motor’s role is to pull cool air over the evaporator coils, removing heat and moisture, and distributing the cool air throughout the freezer.
If the fan motor is not functioning correctly, it can disrupt the cooling process.
To check if the evaporator fan motor is working properly, try manually turning the fan blade. It should spin continuously without any resistance. If it doesn’t, it may be time to replace the fan motor.
2. Refrigerator Door Won’t Stay Shut
Sometimes, the reason why your Frigidaire refrigerator isn’t cooling adequately is as simple as the door not staying shut properly.
There are a few potential causes for this issue:
Rearrange the Items Inside the Refrigerator
Inspect the door to see if any items obstruct the hinges or push against it.
If so, rearrange, remove, or move these items to ensure they don’t protrude off the edge of the shelf and prevent the door from closing fully.
Check If the Door Hinges Are Out of Alignment
Over time, the hinge screws on your refrigerator’s door may become loose, causing the door to misalign.
Check if the door hinges are out of alignment and tighten or adjust the hinge screws as necessary.
Use a Level Bar to Check If the Refrigerator Is Tilted Forward
A refrigerator that is tilted forward might also prevent the door from staying shut. Use a level bar to check if your refrigerator is level from side to side and front to back.
Additionally, ensure that the floor beneath the refrigerator is level.
If it isn’t, you may need to use level shims or adjust the height of the leveling legs to achieve proper alignment.
Dirty or Detached Door Seal
The door seal, or gasket, is responsible for preventing air from leaking out of the refrigerator.
If the seal becomes dirty, detached, or deformed, it can allow cool air to escape and warm air to enter, compromising the overall cooling efficiency of the refrigerator.
To address this issue, clean the door gasket at least once a week and apply petroleum jelly along the edges to maintain a proper seal.
If the gasket is old or defective, it may need to be replaced. Frigidaire refrigerator door gaskets can be purchased for $44 to $204.
3. Overstocked Refrigerator
An overstocked refrigerator can hinder proper airflow and prevent the cold air from circulating effectively.
When the airflow is restricted, the refrigerator’s motor has to work harder, which can lead to insufficient cooling and eventual failure.
Here are a few tips for maintaining the right temperature and airflow in your Frigidaire refrigerator:
- Keep the refrigerator filled to about 3/4 capacity to allow for proper airflow.
- Avoid placing items too close or directly in the path of the freezer air flow.
- Use a refrigerator thermometer to ensure the temperature inside the refrigerator stays at or below 40°F (4°C).
- Regularly clean your refrigerator and discard leftovers or expired items to prevent overcrowding.
4. Defective Components
Several components in your Frigidaire refrigerator can malfunction and affect its cooling capabilities.
Here are two common ones:
Evaporator Fan Motor
The evaporator fan motor, located either at the back of the freezer or refrigerator compartment, is responsible for drawing air over the evaporator coils to cool the refrigerator.
If the fan motor stops working, the internal temperature of the refrigerator will rise, resulting in inadequate cooling.
Signs of a defective evaporator fan motor include slow or completely stopped fan blades, rattling noises from the condenser unit, blown fuses, or a burning plastic smell.
If you suspect a faulty evaporator fan motor, you can purchase a replacement from Frigidaire or a local parts distributor, with prices ranging from $14.44 to $94.55.
Evaporator Coils
The evaporator coils, typically located at the back, top, or bottom of the refrigerator, absorb heat from the items inside the fridge.
If these coils become clogged with dirt or frost, they can’t effectively cool the air, resulting in insufficient cooling.
To prevent clogging, clean the evaporator coils every six to twelve months, or more frequently if you have pets that shed hair.
Use compressed air or a vacuum to remove dirt and dust without removing the grill. It’s important to unplug the refrigerator before cleaning the coils.
If your Frigidaire refrigerator requires manual defrosting, consider hiring a professional for this task.
The average cost of replacing evaporator coils ranges from $200 to $1,500, excluding installation costs.
5. Air Damper
The air damper, also known as the baffle or diffuser, controls the flow of cold air from the evaporator fan housing into the fresh food compartment.
It works in tandem with the thermostat to maintain the desired temperature.
If the air damper fails to open, cold air cannot freely flow into the fresh food compartment, leading to inadequate cooling.
To inspect the air damper, unplug the refrigerator and locate it at the top or back panel.
Check for any signs of damage or obstruction, and ensure that the control knob operates correctly.
The average price of a Frigidaire air damper is around $101 to $147, excluding labor costs.
6. Defrost Control Board
The defrost control board regulates the frequency of the defrosting cycle in your refrigerator.
If it malfunctions, it may fail to activate the defrost mode, resulting in excessive frost or ice buildup on the evaporator coils.
This can cause the refrigerator’s temperature to rise.
Replacing a defective defrost control board typically costs between $103 to $402, excluding labor costs.
When diagnosing defrosting-related problems, technicians will also check the defrost heater and defrost thermostat for proper functionality.
7. Thermistor
Thermistors, also known as temperature sensors or refrigerator evaporator sensors, play a crucial role in maintaining the ideal temperature range in your refrigerator.
They detect temperature changes and activate cooling cycles when necessary.
A defective thermistor can provide incorrect temperature readings, leading to fluctuating temperatures, prolonged operation, and failure to start the defrosting cycle.
If you suspect a malfunctioning thermistor, contact a certified technician for diagnosis and potential replacement.
Frigidaire thermistors are available for $24.99 to $84.98 each.
8. Defrost Timer
The defrost timer regulates the switching between defrost and cooling modes in your refrigerator at regular intervals.
If it fails to function correctly, it can cause frost to accumulate on the evaporator coils, restricting airflow and hindering cooling efficiency.
To determine if your defrost timer is defective, use a Volt-Ohm meter multimeter to test for continuity.
If necessary, consult a professional technician to replace the defrost timer. The average cost of a Frigidaire defrost timer ranges from $16.30 to $75.10.
Conclusion
If your Frigidaire refrigerator is not cooling properly while the freezer seems to be functioning fine, there are several potential causes to consider.
From a faulty evaporator fan motor to issues with the door seal, air damper, or defrost control board, each problem requires specific troubleshooting and potential replacement of components.
Remember to unplug your refrigerator before conducting any inspections or repairs, and consider seeking the assistance of a professional technician for complex issues.
Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the coils and monitoring the temperature, can also help prevent cooling problems in your Frigidaire refrigerator.
By addressing these common issues and following the recommended solutions, you can restore the proper cooling functionality of your refrigerator and keep your food fresh and safe.
Shery
