If your fridge is not cooling but the light is on, the most likely cause is a faulty thermostat or a clogged condenser coil. These are two common problems that can prevent your fridge from maintaining the optimal temperature and keeping your food fresh. In this article, we will explain how to diagnose and fix these issues, as well as some other possible causes and solutions for a fridge that is not cooling properly.
The thermostat is the device that regulates the temperature inside your fridge. It tells the compressor when to turn on and off to maintain the desired level of cooling. If the thermostat is defective, it may not send the correct signal to the compressor, resulting in a fridge that is too warm or too cold.
To check the thermostat, you will need a multimeter, a screwdriver, and a wire stripper. Follow these steps:
Unplug the fridge from the power source and locate the thermostat. It is usually located behind the temperature control knob or dial inside the fridge.
Remove the knob or dial and unscrew the thermostat from its mounting bracket. You may need to cut or disconnect some wires to access the thermostat.
Set the multimeter to the lowest resistance setting and touch the probes to the two terminals on the thermostat. You should get a reading of zero or close to zero ohms.
Rotate the thermostat knob or dial to the highest setting and check the multimeter again. You should get a reading of infinity or close to infinity ohms.
If the readings do not match the expected values, the thermostat is faulty and needs to be replaced.
The condenser coil is the part of the fridge that releases the heat from the refrigerant. It is usually located at the back or bottom of the fridge, behind a metal or plastic cover. If the condenser coil is clogged with dust, dirt, or debris, it can reduce the efficiency of the cooling system and cause the fridge to overheat.
To clean the condenser coil, you will need a vacuum cleaner, a soft brush, and a cloth. Follow these steps:
Unplug the fridge from the power source and remove the cover that protects the condenser coil. You may need to unscrew or unclip the cover to access the coil.
Use the vacuum cleaner to remove any loose dust or dirt from the coil. Be careful not to damage the coil or the fins with the vacuum nozzle.
Use the soft brush to gently scrub any stubborn dirt or grime from the coil. Do not use any abrasive or corrosive materials that could damage the coil or the fins.
Use the cloth to wipe the coil and the cover with a damp cloth. Make sure the coil and the cover are completely dry before reinstalling them.
Plug the fridge back into the power source and check if the cooling performance has improved.
Other Possible Causes and Solutions
If the thermostat and the condenser coil are not the problem, there are some other possible causes and solutions for a fridge that is not cooling but the light is on. Here are some of them:
The evaporator fan is not working. The evaporator fan is the part of the fridge that circulates the cold air inside the fridge. If the fan is not working, the cold air will not reach the food compartments and the fridge will not cool properly. To fix this, you will need to replace the fan motor or the fan blade.
The door gasket is leaking. The door gasket is the rubber seal that prevents the cold air from escaping the fridge. If the gasket is torn, cracked, or loose, it will allow warm air to enter the fridge and reduce the cooling efficiency. To fix this, you will need to replace the door gasket or adjust the door alignment.
The refrigerant is low or leaking. The refrigerant is the substance that absorbs and releases heat in the cooling system. If the refrigerant is low or leaking, the fridge will not be able to cool properly. To fix this, you will need to call a professional technician to refill or repair the refrigerant system.
A fridge that is not cooling but the light is on can be a frustrating and costly problem. However, by following the steps in this article, you can diagnose and fix some of the most common causes of this issue. If none of the solutions work, you may need to contact a professional appliance repair service to get your fridge back to normal. We hope this article was helpful and informative for you. Thank you for reading!
