Refrigerator Repair

Refrigerator problems can be costly especially when you factor in the food you could lose if it doesn't stay cool.  Here are some refrigerator repair and troubleshooting tips for common problems:

Poor Temperature Control

  • Make sure it is plugged in and fuse or breaker is not tripped
  • Dirty condenser coils – Should be cleaned periodically to remove dust build-up
  • Condenser fan motor may need to be replaced
  • Defrost timer stuck in defrost mode. Advance timer and see if compressor starts. If compressor starts and temperature starts to pull down, replace the timer before your evaporator ices up.
  • Evaporator fan motor may need to be replaced
  • Burned out defrost heater - Defrost problems are usually indicated by excess buildup of frost on back wall or bottom of freezer compartment.
  • Bad defrost thermostat. Run continuity test on defrost thermostat.
  • Compressor not starting – sometimes a constant humming and clicking sound can be heard when a compressor fails to start

Light stays on inside the refrigerator – Replace the switch

Excessive Sweating – Worn, damaged or dirty door gaskets.  Clean or replace if necessary.

Excessive Frosting in Freezer – Could be the defrost timer, defrost heater, thermostat or evaporator fan motor

Refrigerator Leaking – Check to see of the defrost drain hose is plugged.  Plugged defrost drain opening or drain hose. Also make sure gaskets are clean and not damaged.

These are just a few of the things that can go wrong with a refrigerator.  The number one refrigerator repair and maintenance tip is to refer to the troubleshooting section of the service manual.  It may be necessary to call a qualified service technician to fix the problem.  Read Refrigerator Maintenance Tips for more info.