If your refrigerator doesn't cool down, check that it's still plugged into the electrical outlet and that the switch that powers the kitchen appliances isn't turned off in the switch box. If you open the refrigerator and the light doesn't turn on and doesn't cool down, check the power supply. If the refrigerator is plugged in but doesn't show any signs of power, inspect the circuit breaker. If that's not the problem, then the electrical outlet could be the culprit.
To determine if the electrical outlet is receiving power, plug in another small appliance to see if it turns on. If the test apparatus receives power, it means that there is a serious problem with your refrigerator that needs to be addressed by a professional. Detach the refrigerator from the wall, disconnect it and remove the thin panel on the back, near the bottom, to access the compressor and condenser fan. Then plug in the refrigerator and wait for the compressor to turn on.
The fan should also turn on. If the compressor works but the fan doesn't work, or if the fan is making noise, you'll need a new fan. If neither works and the compressor is hot, unplug the refrigerator and set a fan or hair dryer to the “no heat” position on the compressor. Wait for the compressor to cool down and try again. If the compressor works but the fan doesn't, the fan is broken.
Unplug the refrigerator and replace the fan (project instructions below). If neither works, you may need a new relay or compressor. Call an appliance repair technician to find out. The air intake damper controls the amount of cold air that passes from the freezer to the refrigerator. Here are some tips for troubleshooting the refrigerator to help you focus on the problem if you notice that your refrigerator is not cooling.
There are several possible causes why a refrigerator doesn't keep milk cold or ice cream frozen. If any of the above solutions don't fix your refrigerator's cooling power, it's time to call a refrigerator repair technician. However, if your refrigerator is under warranty, attempting to replace the components yourself may void the warranty. Refrigerators circulate cold air back and forth through ventilation grilles that extend between the freezer compartment and the refrigerator compartment. According to the FDA, the refrigerator temperature must be at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius).
Normally, the condenser fan and the refrigerator compressor, located close to the floor at the back of most refrigerators, turn on when the thermostat requires more cooling. A freezer can take an entire day to defrost, so plan to store perishable foods in a cooler or in a neighbor's refrigerator. To determine if the evaporator coils are frozen, you'll need to remove the back panel of the refrigerator.
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