Common Refrigerator Problems & Solutions
- Refrigerator doesn’t run and light doesn’t work
- Refrigerator doesn’t run but light works
- Refrigerator starts and stops rapidly
- Refrigerator runs constantly
- Refrigerator not cold enough
- Refrigerator too cold
- Refrigerator doesn’t defrost automatically
- Moisture around refrigerator door or frame
- Ice in drain pan or water on bottom of refrigerator
- Water on floor around refrigerator
- Interior light doesn’t work
- Refrigerator smells bad
- Refrigerator noisy
Refrigerator doesn’t run and light doesn’t work
| Possible cause | Procedure |
|---|---|
| No power to refrigerator | Check that refrigerator is plugged in Check for blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker |
| Power cord loose or faulty | Test power cord |
Refrigerator doesn’t run but light works
| Possible cause | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Temperature control turned off | Check temperature control |
| Temperature control faulty | Test temperature control |
| Compressor overheated | Clean condenser coils |
| Defrost timer faulty | Test defrost timer |
| Condenser fan faulty | Call for service |
| Overload protector faulty | Call for service |
| Compressor or relay faulty | Call for service |
Refrigerator starts and stops rapidly
| Possible cause | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Condenser coils dirty | Clean condenser coils |
| Condenser fan faulty | Call for service |
| Compressor faulty | Call for service |
| Overload protector tripping repeatedly | Have an electrician check voltage at outlet |
Refrigerator runs constantly
| Possible cause | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Frost buildup | Defrost refrigerator |
| Door seal inadequate | Check door seal |
| Door gasket damaged | Replace door gasket |
| Condenser coils dirty | Clean condenser coils |
| Evaporator plate or coils dirty | Clean evaporator plate or coils with warm soapy water |
| Condenser fan faulty | Call for service |
Refrigerator not cold enough
| Possible cause | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Temperature control set too high | Set temperature control to lower setting |
| Temperature control faulty | Test control |
| Condenser coils dirty | Clean condenser coils |
| Door doesn’t close automatically | Door should swing shut when left open halfway. If not, raise front leveling legs or rollers to tilt refrigerator backward slightly |
| Door seal inadequate | Check door seal |
| Door gasket damaged | Replace gasket |
| Door switch faulty (some models) | Test door switch |
| Evaporator fan faulty | Service evaporator fan |
| Evaporator clogged by ice | Defrost refrigerator, test defrost heater, test defrost limit switch, test defrost timer |
| Refrigerant leaking or contaminated | Call for service |
Refrigerator too cold
| Possible cause | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Temperature control set too low | Set temperature control to higher setting |
| Temperature control faulty | Test control |
Refrigerator doesn’t defrost automatically
| Possible cause | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Defrost heater faulty | Test defrost heater |
| Defrost limit switch faulty | Test defrost limit switch |
| Defrost timer faulty | Test defrost timer |
Moisture around refrigerator door or frame
| Possible cause | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Breaker strips faulty | Inspect breaker strips |
| Energy saver switch on or faulty | Reset or test energy saver switch |
| Internal heater defective | Call for service |
Ice in drain pan or water on bottom of refrigerator
| Possible cause | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Drain tube clogged | Clean drain tube |
Water on floor around refrigerator
| Possible cause | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Drain pan damaged or misaligned | Check drain pan |
| Drain tube clogged | Clean drain tube |
| Icemaker water valve leaking | Call for service |
Interior light doesn’t work
| Possible cause | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Bulb loose or burned out | Check bulb |
| Door switch faulty | Test door switch |
Refrigerator smells bad
| Possible cause | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Contents spoiled | Remove spoiled content, wash interior of refrigerator with baking soda and warm water |
| Drain pan dirty | Wash drain pan |
| Insulation absorbs moisture through damaged breaker strips | Remove breaker strips and allow insulation to dry. Replace strips if damaged |
Refrigerator noisy
| Possible cause | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator not leveled | Adjust leveling feet or rollers |
| Drain pan rattling | Reposition drain pan |
| Evaporator fan damaged | Inspect evaporator fan |
| Compressor mountings loose or hardened | Call for service |
| Condenser fan damaged | Call for service |
