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Refrigerator freezing food

If your refrigerator is freezing food, the most likely culprits are parts that control how long the compressor and fans run. Start with the temperature control thermostat — it directs voltage to the compressor and fans and should click when you change settings; no click or no continuity on a multimeter means replace it. Next is the thermistor, which sends temperature readings to the control board; if its resistance does not change with temperature, it can make the fridge run too cold. The temperature control board and, less commonly, the main control board can also supply continuous voltage and overcool the cabinet, so test other components before swapping boards. Sometimes the fix is as simple as the temperature set too cold; set the fridge between 34 and 38°F and give it 24 hours to stabilize. Finally, a failing evaporator fan motor can overcool parts of the fridge by misdirecting cold air. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement thermostat, thermistor, control board, fan motor, or other parts for your refrigerator.

01 - 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 cause the refrigerant system to run longer than necessary. As a result, the refrigerator will be too cold. 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.
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Top Solution

02 - Refrigerator Thermistor

The thermistor monitors the air 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 run too frequently. As a result, the refrigerator will be too cool. 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.
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Highly Likely

03 - Refrigerator Main Control Board

The main control board might be defective. However, the control board is very rarely the cause of the problem. Before replacing the control board, first test all of the more commonly defective components. If none of these components are defective, consider replacing the main control board.
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Highly Likely

04 - Refrigerator Temperature Control Board

The temperature control board provides voltage to the compressor and fan motors. If the control board is faulty, it may send continuous voltage to the compressor or fan motors. As a result, the refrigerator will be too cool. Control boards are often misdiagnosed—before replacing the control board, first test all of the more commonly defective components. If none of the other components are defective, consider replacing the temperature control board.
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Highly Likely

05 - Temperature set too cold

Adjust the refrigerator temperature control to a warmer setting. Many models have a recommended temperature setting displayed, usually between 34 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit (1 and 4 degrees Celsius). Wait 24 hours for the temperature to adjust appropriately.
Highly Likely

06 - Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor

The refrigerator's evaporator fan motor draws air over the cold evaporator coils which chills the air. The air is then circulated through the refrigerator and freezer compartments to keep the temperature low enough to preserve food. If the evaporator fan motor is malfunctioning, the cold air from the freezer or refrigerator evaporator coils can migrate through the air ducts to the bottom of the refrigerator and freeze the food. You should try rotating the evaporator fan blades to see if they spin freely. If not, it's likely the motor bearings have seized and the motor will need to be replaced. You can also use a multimeter... to test the motor for electrical continuity. If the motor has no electrical continuity, the component won't run and a new motor will need to be installed.
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Common

07 - Food Items too close to the vents

Since food placed directly in front of the cold air vents can freeze, allow space between the air vents and the food.
Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my refrigerator freezing food?
My thermostat clicks but the fridge is still too cold — could the thermistor or control board be the problem?
How can a bad evaporator fan motor cause my fridge to freeze food?
How do I test the thermistor or temperature control thermostat with a multimeter?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement part?

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