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HomeRepair HelpRefrigerator RepairRefrigerator runs constantly Repair
Refrigerator runs constantly
If your refrigerator runs constantly, start with the easy checks and work toward the parts that fail. Most often a fridge running constantly is simply working harder because the room is too hot or humid, so keep the appliance in the recommended 60 to 95 F range and out of direct sun. If the ambient temperature is fine, verify fan motors and the thermistor; when those are working an inefficient compressor can cause the refrigerator compressor to run continuously. Also check the freezer temperature — a freezer above about 10 F will slow airflow and make the fridge run non stop — and make sure the door is closing fully and the gasket is sealing. If airflow is blocked by frost, a failed defrost heater or defrost thermostat can let frost build on the evaporator coils and force continuous operation; you can test those parts for continuity with a multimeter. If you need replacement parts, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact part that fits your refrigerator.
01 - Room Temperature is Hot
Normal operating temperatures for a refrigerator are between 60 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit (16 and 35 degrees Celsius). The hotter and more humid the air is the less efficient the refrigerator will be, causing it to run more. If possible, keep the refrigerator within the recommended operating temperatures and as cool as possible.
Top Solution
02 - Refrigerator Compressor
The compressor is the component that pumps refrigerant through the sealed system to cool the appliance. If you've determined the fan motors are all working and the thermistor is accurately monitoring the air temperature, it's possible the compressor itself is inefficient, resulting in it running continuously, although this is not a common problem.
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Highly Likely
03 - Freezer Temperature is Above 10 Degrees F (-12C)
Since the refrigerator compartment gets its cold air from the freezer compartment for many model types ("Top Freezer", "Bottom Freezer", and "Side by Side" models, for example), the refrigerator compartment will take longer to cool down if the freezer is not cold enough. As a result, the compressor may run constantly. The freezer temperature should be set between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 to -15 Celsius).
Highly Likely
04 - Door Not Fully Closing
Check to see that the doors are closing properly. If a door bin or food item is keeping the door open slightly the refrigerator may not cool properly, which can cause the refrigerator to run constantly.
Highly Likely
05 - Refrigerator Defrost Heater Assembly
The defrost heater assembly turns on several times throughout the day to melt away any frost that may have accumulated on the evaporator coils. If the defrost heater assembly is defective, the refrigerator will not defrost, and frost will continue to accumulate on the evaporator coils. If the evaporator coils are frosted over, the refrigerator will work harder to remove the heat. As a result, the refrigerator will run constantly in an effort to cool down. To determine if the defrost heater is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the defrost heater does not have continuity, replace it.
Common
06 - Refrigerator Defrost Thermostat
If the refrigerator runs constantly, the defrost thermostat might be defective. Several times a day the defrost heater turns on for a few minutes to melt away any frost that may have accumulated on the freezer or refrigerator evaporator coils. In order for this to work, the defrost thermostat has to sense that the coils are cold enough. If the coils are cold enough the defrost heater will turn on. If the thermostat is defective it may not be able to sense the temperature of the coils and then won't turn on the defrost heater. If the defrost heater doesn't turn on, the frost will build up on the coils and eventually no air ...
Common
07 - Refrigerator Control Board
If the refrigerator runs constantly, the control board might be defective. A few times a day the control board is supposed to turn off the cooling system and turn on the defrost heater to melt away any frost that may have accumulated on the freezer evaporator coils. If the control board is defective it could cause the system to never cycle into defrost.
Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my refrigerator running constantly?
Freezer cold but fridge warm, why is the refrigerator not cooling?
How do I check the defrost heater assembly or defrost thermostat?
Could a bad compressor make my refrigerator run nonstop?
How do I enter my model number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?