Choose Product
Identify Problem
03
Find Solutions
HomeRepair HelpMagic Chef Refrigerator RepairMagic Chef Refrigerator freezing food Repair

Magic Chef Refrigerator freezing food

If your refrigerator is freezing food or is too cold, start by suspecting the temperature control thermostat, which directs power to the compressor and fans and when stuck on will run the system too long. Next check the thermistor; a bad thermistor reports incorrect temperatures and makes the control run cold. Faulty temperature control boards, and only rarely the main control board, can also send continuous voltage that overcools the cabinet. Before swapping electronics, confirm the temperature setting is not simply set too cold; aim for 34 to 38 degrees F and wait 24 hours after changes. A seized evaporator fan motor can let freezer air migrate into the fridge section, and food packed directly in front of vents will freeze even at normal settings. You can often hear a thermostat click or test components with a multimeter to narrow the culprit. If you need a replacement thermostat, thermistor, fan motor, or control board, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact part that fits your refrigerator.

01 - Magic Chef 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.
Enter model number to search for the required part specific to your product
Need help finding your model number?
Shop all Magic Chef Refrigerator Temperature Control Thermostat Parts
Top Solution

02 - Magic Chef 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.
Shop all Magic Chef Refrigerator Thermistor Parts
Highly Likely

03 - Magic Chef 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.
Shop all Magic Chef Refrigerator Temperature Control Board Parts
Highly Likely

04 - Magic Chef 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.
Shop all Magic Chef Refrigerator Main Control Board Parts
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 - Magic Chef 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.
Shop all Magic Chef Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor Parts
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?
Is the refrigerator control board causing my fridge to run too cold?
My refrigerator is set correctly but runs constantly and freezes food, could the evaporator fan or damper be the problem?
How do I tell if the temperature control thermostat is bad?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?

Shop by Popular Magic Chef Refrigerator Models

Magic Chef RNC22EY-3A/5M68B Refrigerator PartsMagic Chef RND22AA-3A/2L48A Refrigerator PartsMagic Chef RND22AA-3A/3M53B Refrigerator PartsMagic Chef RND22AA-3A/4N52B Refrigerator PartsMagic Chef RND22AN-3A/2L48A Refrigerator PartsMagic Chef RND22AN-3A/3M53B Refrigerator Parts
Magic Chef RND22AN-3A/4N52B Refrigerator PartsMagic Chef RND22AY-3A/2L48A Refrigerator PartsMagic Chef RND22AY-3A/3M53B Refrigerator PartsMagic Chef RND22AY-3A/4N52B Refrigerator PartsMagic Chef RND22EA-3A/5M78B Refrigerator PartsMagic Chef RND22EN-3A/5M78B Refrigerator Parts
Magic Chef RND24AA-3A/2L49A Refrigerator PartsMagic Chef RND24AA-3A/3M54B Refrigerator PartsMagic Chef RND24AN-3A/3M54B Refrigerator PartsMagic Chef RND24AN-3A/4N53B Refrigerator Parts
View more