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HomeRepair HelpCaloric Refrigerator RepairCaloric Refrigerator freezer not freezing Repair
Caloric Refrigerator freezer not freezing
If your Caloric freezer is not freezing, start with the parts that most often stop cold air from circulating: the evaporator fan motor, followed by a damaged door gasket, then the condenser fan motor, with the control board, temperature control thermostat, and start relay less likely but still possible. The evaporator fan moves cold air through the freezer; if the blade won’t turn freely, is noisy, or the motor shows no continuity, replace it. A twisted or torn gasket lets warm air in and prevents proper freezing. The condenser fan must blow across the condenser and compressor, so check for obstructions and that the blade spins freely. Control boards are commonly misdiagnosed, so only replace one after checking the fans and thermostat. The thermostat should click when you change settings and show continuity; the start relay can fail to start the compressor and may smell burnt or test open. If you need the right replacement, enter your model number at RepairClinic.com to find the exact part for your refrigerator.
01 - Caloric Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor
The evaporator fan motor draws air over the evaporator (cooling) coils and circulates it throughout the refrigerator and freezer compartments. Some refrigerators have more than one evaporator fan motor. On refrigerators with two evaporators, there will be an evaporator located in both the freezer and refrigerator compartments. If the evaporator fan is not working, it will not circulate the cold air in the compartment. If this occurs, the refrigerator may still get cold, while the freezer will not get cold or vice versa. To determine if the evaporator fan motor is defective, try turning the fan blade by hand. If the fan bla...
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02 - Caloric Refrigerator Door Gasket
A freezer 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 freezer not freezing properly. Inspect the door gasket for any damage and replace with a new one if necessary.
Highly Likely
03 - Caloric 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 freezer's refrigerant system from running. 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 control thermostat does not have continuity at any setting, replace it.
Common
04 - Caloric Refrigerator Control Board
Control boards are often misdiagnosed—before replacing the control board, first check more commonly defective parts. If you have determined that all of the other components are working properly, replace the control board.
Common
05 - Caloric Refrigerator Condenser Fan Motor
The condenser fan motor draws air though the condenser coils and over the compressor. If the condenser fan motor is not working properly, the refrigerator won’t cool properly. To determine if the fan motor is defective, first check the fan blade for obstructions. Next, try turning the fan motor blade by hand. If the blade does not spin freely, replace the condenser fan motor. If no obstructions are present and the fan blade spins freely, use a multimeter to test the fan motor for continuity. If the condenser fan motor does not have continuity, replace it.
Common
06 - Caloric Refrigerator Start Device
A start device, like a start relay, works in conjunction with the start winding to start the compressor. If the start device is defective, the compressor may sometimes fail to run or may not run at all. As a result, the freezer won't be able to freeze. To determine if the start device is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity between the run and start terminal sockets. If the start device does not have continuity between the run and start terminal sockets, replace it. In addition, if the start device has a burnt odor, replace it.
Common
07 - Caloric Refrigerator Inverter Board
The inverter board controls the power to the compressor. The main control board monitors the temperatures in the refrigerator and freezer compartments and sends signals to the inverter board. The inverter board varies the compressor speed depending on temperature change and run time.
Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my freezer not freezing while the refrigerator seems cold?
Fridge not cooling but freezer cold: what should I check first?
How do I test the evaporator fan, condenser fan, and start relay?
When should I replace the refrigerator control board?
How do I use my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to order the right part?