5 Ways To Fix Fridge Compressor Running But Not Cooling

Fridge Compressor Running but Not Cooling
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Fridge Compressor Running but Not Cooling

Refrigerators are an essential appliance in every household. Like every piece of equipment, they also require regular maintenance, and if neglected, they can develop many issues. Compressor not cooling is a common problem associated with most refrigerators.

Many users have reported that the compressor doesn’t produce cool air sometimes, even if it is running. Of course, this problem can be quite frustrating for the user as the food will be liable to spoilage. If you find yourself in a similar situation, this article is for you!

Today, we intend to discuss some common reasons for this problem, and we’ve got some solutions to put a smile back on your face. Let’s dig deeper without any further delay!

How to Fix Fridge Compressor Running But Not Cooling?

Is the compressor of your refrigerator running but not cooling? Here are a few workarounds to try.

  1. Reset The Compressor

It may sound counter-intuitive, but resetting can actually fix this problem. To reset the compressor, check to see if your refrigerator has a reset button. If it has, simply pressing it will reset the compressor.

However, the reset process may vary depending on the model of your refrigerator. So, if you are unsure about it, consider reading the user manual. All refrigerators come with a user manual that covers detailed information about the refrigerator.

It will give you all the information you need to reset the compressor. If you cannot find a reset button in your unit, follow the steps mentioned below to reset the compressor.

Young Woman Looking In Fridge
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  1. Unplug the cord and turn off your refrigerator from the control panel. Set it to zero, or simply turn it off.
  2. Leave it unplugged for a few minutes.
  3. Turn it on.
  4. Adjust its temperature settings. The ideal temperature may be different for different fridges, so it would be better to consult the user manual.
  5. Refrigerator temperature takes time to stabilize. So, take out the edibles and keep the fridge empty for a day to let it stabilize. Once it has been reset, the compressor will start working again.

It is important to note that although resetting has worked for many users, it may not work for you. So, if you have reset the compressor and still feel no cooling in your refrigerator, proceed to check the evaporator coils of your refrigerator.

  1. Evaporator Coils Are Damaged

The problem may also arise if the evaporator coils are damaged. The evaporator coils are responsible for dissipating heat from the refrigerator. So, it plays a key role in keeping the inside of your refrigerator cold, and if there is something wrong with it, the compressor won’t produce cool air.

If you see a decline in the cooling power of your refrigerator, the chances are that your evaporator coils are damaged or frozen. So, examine them for any signs of damage. They are usually located behind the refrigerator and look like a radiator.

Refrigerator repair. Freezer compartment back panel removed
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However, their location may differ depending on the model and make of your refrigerator. Evaporator coils are protected by a panel. So, remove the panel using a screwdriver to access them. If the evaporator coils are leaky, it would be better to replace them.

Many people make the common mistake of using a soldering gun to fix the leakage. However, be mindful that a soldering gun operates at very high temperatures and can melt thin evaporator coils.

The last thing you’d want is to cause additional damage to your refrigerator while attempting to fix it. On the other hand, if the evaporator coils have frozen, check the evaporator fan and make sure it is not in cooling mode.

If it is, simply change it to the defrost mode to resolve the issue. Most refrigerators have a button to change the mode of the evaporator fan. This button is located just behind the door. You will have to press it thrice quickly and close the door within five seconds to set it to defrost mode.

  1. Fans Are Not Working

A technician uses a screwdriver in refrigerator fridge
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A refrigerator uses three fans to produce cold air and release warm air. These fans include an evaporator fan, condenser fan, and compressor fan. The fans can get damaged over time, often leading to this problem. You will need to check each fan to find the culprit.

The evaporator fan pulls air through the condenser coils and helps your refrigerator maintain a cool temperature. It is located behind the freezer wall on most models. If you feel that the refrigerator has stopped generating cool air, the problem could be with the evaporator fan.

Start troubleshooting this problem by disconnecting the power of your refrigerator. This will ensure your safety while working. Next, open your fridge and empty it. Oftentimes, the evaporator fan shows problems when its motor goes bad. So, check the motor and get it replaced if it is faulty.

The condenser fan is responsible for cooling the compressor and condenser coils, and it operates when the compressor operates. So, if the condenser fan stops working for some reason, the refrigerator won’t be able to maintain its low temperature.

Apart from that, since the condenser fan works to cool the compressor, a malfunctioning condenser fan will likely cause the compressor to overheat. The compressor fan is another important component of the refrigeration system.

A properly working compressor fan circulates the air across the coils. If the compressor of your refrigerator is running but not cooling, consider taking a look at its fan. If found the culprit, replace it to restore the original functionality of your compressor.

  1. Cleaning Required

In many cases, this problem cropped up when the cleaning of the refrigerator was neglected for a long time. So, inspect all the components and clean them if they are dirty. Condenser coils need to be cleaned every 5-6 months. So, check to see if they need cleaning.

If the coils are clogged, the refrigerator will have to work harder to maintain the temperature. This will disturb the energy efficiency, and the unit will likely consume more electricity than it normally does. If they are too dirty, you will need a vacuum cleaner to clean them properly.

  1. Incorrect Temperature

A control of freezer in the fridge, close-up view
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Lastly, be sure to check the temperature of your refrigerator. Most fridges nowadays come with a control panel that allows you to adjust the temperature. So, if it is set to a high temperature, consider adjusting it.

The Bottom Line

Compressors are a vital part of every refrigerator. At times, it may stop cooling, even if it is running. In most cases, the problem can be fixed by resetting the compressor.

However, if the problem persists, take a look at the evaporator coils and make sure they are in good working condition. If you haven’t cleaned the unit for a long time, consider cleaning it.

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