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Refrigerator Troubleshooting

Refrigerator troubleshooting allows you to determine what is going wrong. In some cases,a simple trip to an appliance parts shop will allow you to fix the problem yourself. In others, you may end up calling in a professional. However, taking a few minutes of your own time can save you money if it prevents an unnecessary call to a technician.

The Entire Fridge Is Not Running

Check the circuit breaker or fuse first. Make sure there is power to the refrigerator outlet. If the circuit is good, take a lamp (or small appliance) and plug it in that outlet. If the lamp doesn't work, then you may have a problem with the outlet. Try plugging the refrigerator into another outlet. If the refrigerator works on another outlet, you have a wiring problem somewhere in the circuit.

Both Sides Are Warm or the Refrigerator Is Warm, but the Freezer Is Cold

Check the thermostat settings for both the freezer and the refrigerator. Someone in the house may have reset the temperature settings. If the settings are normal, then it may be an airflow problem. The refrigerator side receives its cooling from air that comes from the freezer side. If the freezer is set too cold, some models automatically close off the airflow baffle to the refrigerator side. Make sure the airflow baffle is clear on both sides. If none of this works, clean off the condenser coils. If too much dust collects on them, the refrigerator may not work properly. If none of this works, you may have an issue with the condenser or compressor.

Water Leaking

If you notice water coming from under the refrigerator, check for a frozen or clogged drain line. If you have an automatic icemaker, check the connection behind the fridge for any water dripping.

Icemaker Not Working

Make sure the freezer thermostat is set properly. If it is too warm, the icemaker will not work. If everything is good there, check the water flow to the icemaker. Most have a valve at the wall where you can shut off the water. Make sure it is on and water is flowing. If water is flowing, but no ice is coming out, check the icemaker settings. Some have a switch that allows you to turn off ice making. Make sure this is set to on.