If your refigerator freezer is cold but refrigerator is not, it can be frustrating to determine the cause and how to fix it. Have you could yourself thinking, “My fridge isn’t cold but the freezer is”? This troubleshooting guide will outline the five most common reasons for this issue and provide you with troubleshooting steps to follow.
Refrigerator Freezer is Cold but Refrigerator is Not? This May Be Why…
Freezer is cold but refrigerator is not? This can be a frustrating problem to diagnose and fix. However, there are several DIY solutions that you can try before calling in a professional.
#1 – Overstuffing
One of the most common reasons a freezer is cold but refrigerator is not, is overstuffing. When the freezer is full, air cannot circulate properly and as a result, the fridge will warm up. The solution is simple- don’t overstuff your freezer!
Too much food in the freezer can cause the refrigerator to warm up. The solution is simple- don’t overstuff your freezer! Only put in 3/4 of what the freezer can hold and you’ll be good to go. Ensure that none of the vents that run between your freezer and refrigerator are covered, as it will restrict air circulation as well.
#2 – Condenser Coils Need to be Cleaned
If the freezer is cold but the refrigerator is not, the condenser coils may need to be cleaned. The condenser coils are located on the back or bottom of the refrigerator and they can become clogged with dust, pet hair, and other debris. When they are clogged, the fridge will warm up. Refrigerator not cooling but freezer works? Time to clean those condenser coils!
To clean the refrigerator coils:
- Unplug the fridge
- Vacuum the coils with a brush attachment
- Wipe down the coils with a coil cleaning solution
- Rinse the coils with water
- Dry the coils with a clean cloth
- If you’re having trouble locating the coils, consult your refrigerator’s manual. Once you’ve cleaned the coils, plug in the fridge and check to see if the freezer is still cold but refrigerator is not.
Cleaning the condenser coils can be a bit of a pain, but it’s worth it when you see your freezer is cold but refrigerator is not anymore!
#3 – Problem with Evaporator Fan Motor
The evaporator fan motor is located in the freezer and it circulates air throughout the fridge. If the fan motor is not working properly, the freezer will be cold but refrigerator will not.
To troubleshoot this issue:
- Make sure that there is nothing blocking the path of the fan blades.
- Check to see if the fan motor is getting power. If not, check the fuse or circuit breaker.
- If the fan motor is getting power but still not working, it will need to be replaced.
- The evaporator fan motor is an important component of your fridge and if it’s not working properly, it can cause the freezer to be cold but refrigerator is not.
- If you’re having trouble with your evaporator fan motor, make sure to check for blockages and ensure that it’s getting power before replacing it.
#4 – Thermistor is Faulty
The thermistor is a component that monitors the air temperature in the fridge. If the freezer is cold but refrigerator is not, it could be because the thermistor is faulty.
To test the thermistor:
- Unplug the fridge and remove the panel on the back of the freezer compartment.
- Locate the thermistor and test it with a multimeter.
- If the thermistor is faulty, it will need to be replaced.
#5 – Defrost System Failure
If your refrigerator won’t get cold but the freezer will, you may have a defrost system failure. The defrost system is responsible for melting frost and ice buildup on the evaporator coils. If the freezer is cold but refrigerator is not, it could be because the defrost system has failed.
There are several reasons why the defrost system could fail, but the most common is a faulty defrost timer. The defrost timer controls how often the freezer goes into defrost mode. If it’s not working properly, it can cause the freezer to be cold but refrigerator is not.
To troubleshoot this issue:
First, check the defrost timer to see if it’s working properly. If the defrost timer is not working, it will need to be replaced.
The defrost system is an important part of your fridge and if it’s not working properly, it can cause the freezer to be cold but refrigerator is not. If you’re having trouble with your defrost system, make sure to check the defrost timer and replace it if necessary.
If your freezer is cold but the refrigerator section isn’t staying cool, there are several possible causes that you can troubleshoot yourself. The most common issues are overstuffing the freezer, blocked condenser coils, a problem with the evaporator fan motor, and a faulty thermistor.
If you’re unable to fix the issue by following these steps, we recommend calling a professional refrigerator repair company like Dependable Appliance. We’re here to help and we’ll make sure your fridge is running properly in no time!
