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HomeRepair HelpRefrigerator RepairRefrigerator freezer is cold but refrigerator is warm Repair
Fridge Not Cooling but the Freezer Works? 10 Reasons Why the Fridge is Not Cold but the Freezer Is
If your freezer is cold but the refrigerator compartment stays warm, the most likely causes are a frosted-over evaporator (usually from a failed defrost system), a dead or seized evaporator fan motor, or blocked airflow from a door that is not closing fully. Start by looking for heavy frost on the evaporator coils and test the defrost heater and thermostat if you see ice buildup. If the coils are clear, try turning the evaporator fan blade by hand and listen or watch for operation; a noisy, stuck, or nonrunning fan will stop cold air from reaching the fridge. Also check that the door closes and seals properly and that shelves or bins are not holding it open. Less likely but worth checking are a faulty temperature control thermostat or a stuck damper control that won’t admit cold air. Repair Clinic carries the parts you need and shows tests and replacement steps for each component; enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your refrigerator.
01 - The Evaporator Coils are Frosted Over
The defrost heater assembly turns on a few times throughout the day to melt away any frost that may have accumulated on the evaporator coils. If the defrost heater assembly is defective, frost will continue to accumulate on the evaporator coils, and the coils will become plugged with frost. If the evaporator coils are frosted over, the airflow through the coils will be restricted, causing the refrigerator not to cool. Check the evaporator coils to determine if they are frosted over. If the evaporator coils are frosted over, test each component of the defrost system.
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02 - Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor
The evaporator fan motor draws cold air over the evaporator coils and circulates it throughout the freezer. If the evaporator fan is not working, the freezer or refrigerator will not cool adequately. To determine if the evaporator fan motor is defective, try turning the fan blade by hand. If the fan blade does not turn freely, replace the fan motor. Additionally, if the motor is unusually noisy, replace it. Finally, if the motor does not run at all, use a multimeter to test the motor windings for continuity. If the windings do not have continuity, replace the evaporator fan motor..
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03 - Door not closing all the way
Misaligned door bins and shelving, or an excess of food items, may be keeping the door slightly open and prevent the refrigerator from cooling properly. Make sure the shelves and door bins are in the proper locations and avoid overloading the bins and shelves with food items.
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04 - Refrigerator Temperature Control Thermostat
The temperature control thermostat directs voltage to the compressor, evaporator fan motor, and condenser fan motor (if applicable). If the temperature control thermostat is not working properly, it may prevent the refrigerant system from running properly, resulting in the refrigerator compartment not cooling as expected. To determine if the thermostat is defective, rotate the thermostat from the lowest setting to the highest setting and listen for a click. If the thermostat clicks, it is not likely defective. If the thermostat does not click, use a multimeter to test the thermostat for continuity. If the temperature contr...
Highly Likely
05 - Refrigerator Door Gasket
A refrigerator door gasket should form an airtight seal around the appliance's frame to keep the cold air in and the warm air out. If the door gasket is twisted or torn, gaps can form that will allow warm air in, resulting in the refrigerator compartment being warm even though the freezer compartment is cold. Inspect the door gasket for any damage and replace with a new one if necessary.
Highly Likely
06 - Refrigerator Damper Control Assembly
The air damper control opens and closes to let the proper amount of cold air into the refrigerator compartment. If the damper does not open properly, it won’t let enough cold air into the refrigerator. Check the damper control to determine if it is broken or stuck closed.
Highly Likely
07 - Refrigerator Thermistor
The thermistor monitors the refrigerator temperature and sends the temperature reading to the control board. The control board then regulates power to the compressor and evaporator fan based on the thermistor readings. If the thermistor is defective, the compressor and evaporator fan may not run when necessary, or may run too frequently. To determine if the thermistor is defective, test it with a multimeter. The thermistor resistance should change in conjunction with the refrigerator temperature. If the thermistor resistance does not change, or the thermistor does not have continuity, replace the thermistor.
Common
Frequently Asked Questions
My freezer is cold but the fridge is warm. What should I check first?
How can I tell if the evaporator fan motor is causing my fridge not to cool?
Could a bad defrost heater make the refrigerator warm while the freezer stays cold?
Fridge not cooling but freezer works — could the door gasket or door not closing be the issue?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?