InfoZone


Help! My Refrigerator Doesn't Get Cold Enough


If the refrigerator is not getting cold enough the problem might be caused by the defrost timer, defrost heater, defrost thermostat or you might need to check the condensing fan motor.

Before you start to investigate this problem make sure that the power source to the refrigerator has been turned off. Make sure that you have a multitester, screwdriver and a pen and something to label the wires.

Most multitesters are hand-held with an LCD display. They have two wires referred to as leads. One wire is red and the other is black, with metal tips called probes. You can purchase one in almost any hardware store.

The multitester will be your aid in diagnosing electrical issues and you will also use it to measure resistance. The way this is done is by measuring the ohms - resistance of the wire to flow of electricity. The range of ohms goes from zero to infinity. A reading of zero ohms shows that it is very easy for the electricity to flow. A reading of infinity means there is no path for the electricity to go through.

--The defrost timer can be located either behind the lower kickplate, in the control panel or behind the refrigerator. They have four metal terminals that extend from the bottom.

--The defrost heater is behind the back panel of the freezer or under the floor of the refrigerator’s freezer. You will usually find this part under the evaporator’s coils.

--The defrost thermostat is located in different spots depending upon what kind of unit you own. If you have a “freezer on top” model it will either be at the back of the freezer or under the floor of the unit. If your unit is a “side-by-side” this part will be found at the back of the freezer.

--The condensing fan motor and coils can be found at the bottom of the refrigerator.

Follow our steps to easily diagnose and fix any of these possible problems.