When your Frigidaire fridge is not cooling, it becomes the day’s unexpected problem, and the inconvenience can be quite significant.
You may wonder why your once-dependable appliance fails to keep your food fresh.
Today, we will walk you through some of the most common issues and their corresponding fixes.
Whether it’s a simple filter issue or a more complex compressor problem, we have the insights you need.
The most common reasons your Frigidaire refrigerator stops cooling are clogged condenser coils, a faulty thermostat, failed compressor, blocked condenser fan, and overloaded interior.
Let’s troubleshoot together, ensuring your Frigidaire is back to its best without unnecessary stress or expense.
Table of Contents
How to Fix Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Cooling?
Discovering your Frigidaire refrigerator malfunctioning can feel unsettling.
Before you call in the technician, let’s explore some DIY fixes to repair the Frigidaire refrigerator cooling problem.
1. Clogged Air Filter
Your Frigidaire fridge requires a steady flow of cool air to function correctly.
A clogged air filter is often the stealthy culprit behind a Frigidaire fridge not freezing as it should.
Easy Fix:
To restore the chill, start by locating and removing the old air filter—typically found under the bin in the door panel.
Dispose of it responsibly, considering these filters are not meant for reuse. Slot in a new filter, ensuring it fits snugly without forcing it to avoid any potential damage.
2. Broken Power Circuit
A quiet kitchen can be a sign of calmness unless it’s due to your Frigidaire refrigerator not cooling after a move.
If both the condenser fan and compressor are not making their usual humming noises, this silence might be pointing toward a broken power circuit.
Easy Fix:
Start by unplugging the refrigerator for safety. Open the machine compartment to examine the condenser fan and compressor circuitry.
Look for signs of life, such as a fan spin or compressor vibration. If nothing stirs, the PTC relay could be the problem. A rattling sound when shaken means the relay has failed and needs replacing.
Also, inspect the control box and use a multimeter to check for proper voltage, ensuring that all connections are secure and wiring is free of damage.
3. Faulty Start Relay
A fan running while the compressor remains quiet usually points to a faulty start relay.
This small but crucial component triggers the compressor to start and maintain the refrigerator’s cooling cycle.
Easy Fix:
Locate the start relay on the side of the compressor at the fridge’s back.
If shaking the relay produces a rattle, it indicates internal breakage, and it’s time for a new one.
Confirm with an ohmmeter for continuity. If there’s a lack of continuity, the relay is not functioning properly and should be replaced with a model-specific part, as per your refrigerator’s manual.
4. Compressor Malfunction
If your Frigidaire refrigerator compressor is not running even though the start relay seems operational, the compressor may be the issue.
Easy Fix:
Using a multimeter, test the compressor’s connections for continuity. A lack of continuity clearly indicates that the compressor may need replacing.
This is a complex repair, typically outside the realm of DIY, due to the technical knowledge and tools required.
Contacting a qualified technician is recommended to handle the compressor replacement and ensure your refrigerator returns to optimal cooling efficiency.
5. Clogged Condenser Coils
Over time, dust and dirt can build up on the condenser coils on the back of your Frigidaire fridge.
This prevents the coils from releasing heat properly, making it difficult for your fridge to stay cold.
In some cases, the coils may get so clogged that your Frigidaire refrigerator completely stops freezing food.
Easy Fix:
To fix clogged condenser coils, you first need to unplug the refrigerator and pull it out from the wall.
This will give you access to remove the grille that covers the condenser coils, which are usually located at the bottom back of the fridge.
Once you remove the grille, you can get to work cleaning the coils. Use a stiff bristle brush and vacuum to scrub and suck up all the dirt and dust from the coils.
Make sure to run a thin tube brush back and forth between each coil to dislodge any debris stuck within. Dig in to remove all built-up gunk.
After thoroughly cleaning each coil, replace the grille cover and slide the fridge back into position against the wall. Be sure to plug it back in.
Regularly cleaning the condenser coils, about every 3-6 months, prevents them from getting clogged with dust, pet hair, and other debris.
This allows your Frigidaire refrigerator to run efficiently for optimal cooling and freezing temperatures.
6. Non-Functional Thermostat
If adjusting the thermostat yields no response, it could be why your Frigidaire fridge isn’t cooling. The thermostat is crucial for monitoring and controlling the temperature.
Easy Fix:
Start troubleshooting your Frigidaire refrigerator by turning it from the lowest to the highest setting and listening for a clicking sound that indicates engagement.
If there’s no sound, test the thermostat using a multimeter for continuity. Should the thermostat fail this test, it will need to be replaced.
Choose the correct model-specific thermostat for your refrigerator to ensure proper function.
7. Worn seals of Frigidaire Refrigerator
Degraded seals around your Frigidaire refrigerator’s door can lead to cool air escaping, reducing the unit’s cooling efficiency. This can also result in Frigidaire fridge not making ice problems.
Easy Fix:
Acquire a new door seal that matches your refrigerator’s model. Carefully remove the old seal, ensuring that all fasteners are accounted for. Fit the new seal in place, pressing firmly to establish a tight closure.
Checking the door seal integrity is a basic yet critical step in maintaining your refrigerator’s temperature control.
8. Overcrowded Refrigerator
One of the most obvious reasons why Frigidaire fridge won’t cool is because it’s full.
If the refrigerator is overcrowded, the items can obstruct air circulation and block vents, resulting in uneven or insufficient cooling.
Easy Fix:
Clear out unnecessary items to ensure proper airflow. Be aware of where the air vents are located and avoid blocking them with food containers.
Organize the contents to keep the fridge at an optimal 70% to 85% capacity. This allows for efficient air circulation, crucial for maintaining consistent cooling throughout the unit.
Regularly managing the space within your fridge is an easy way to prevent cooling issues.
Check out the following articles for solving the same problem if you have a different refrigerator brand:
Summing Up
After going through the troubleshooting steps above, you should have a good understanding of the most common reasons a Frigidaire refrigerator can stop cooling properly.
The good news is that you can fix many issues like clogged condenser coils, faulty thermostats, and crowded interiors without calling for service.
Of course, some problems like compressor failure do require professional repair. However, refrigerators are designed to operate reliably for years when properly maintained.
By staying on top of regular maintenance, like cleaning coils and replacing air filters, you can prevent many cooling issues with your Frigidaire fridge before they happen.
If, even after troubleshooting, your Frigidaire refrigerator is still not cooling food to the right temperature, don’t hesitate to call in a trained appliance repair technician.
Steven Settles is an ISCET-certified master in appliance repair. He has aced the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam, showcasing his exceptional diagnostic and repair skills. With an in-depth understanding of the latest repair technologies and a keen eye on evolving industry standards, Steven is a go-to expert for any appliance issue.