Frost-Free Fridge Freezer Fault-Finding Guide
Freezer is working, but the fridge is not cooling
Possible Cause: Ice buildup in the freezer blocking airflow to the fridge.
Solution: Perform a 36-48 hour defrost to clear the ice. Check the defrost drain for blockages.
Fridge or freezer is not cooling at all
Possible Cause 1: Compressor is running but not cooling – likely a refrigerant (gas) issue.
Solution: Check if the manufacturer offers a fixed-fee repair. If out of warranty, replacement may be more cost-effective.
Possible Cause 2: Ice buildup on the evaporator coils.
Solution: Perform a 36-48 hour defrost. If the problem recurs, the defrost heater, thermostat, or timer may need replacing.
Water pooling inside the fridge
Possible Cause: Blocked defrost drain.
Solution: Perform a defrost and clean the drain with warm water and a pipe cleaner.
Ice buildup in the freezer
Possible Cause 1: Faulty defrost heater, thermostat, or timer.
Solution: Perform a defrost. If the issue returns, a replacement part may be needed.
Possible Cause 2: Door left open or power cut causing partial defrost and refreeze.
Solution: Perform a 36-48 hour defrost to reset the system.
Unusual noises (cracking, hammer drill sounds)
Possible Cause 1: Ice buildup around the fan or evaporator coils.
Solution: Perform a defrost to clear the ice.
Possible Cause 2: Faulty fan motor.
Solution: If the noise stops when the door is opened, it’s likely ice. If not, the fan motor may need replacing.
Fridge or freezer is too warm
Possible Cause 1: Ice buildup blocking airflow.
Solution: Perform a defrost to clear the ice.
Possible Cause 2: Faulty thermostat or temperature sensor.
Solution: Check the thermostat settings. If the issue persists, a replacement part may be needed.
Freezer is too cold, fridge is too warm
Possible Cause: Ice buildup in the freezer blocking airflow to the fridge.
Solution: Perform a 36-48 hour defrost to clear the ice.
Fridge or freezer is not turning on
Possible Cause 1: Power supply issue (check the plug and socket).
Solution: Ensure the appliance is plugged in and the socket is working.
Possible Cause 2: Faulty control board or thermostat.
Solution: If the appliance has power but won’t turn on, a replacement part may be needed.
Fridge or freezer is cycling on and off too frequently
Possible Cause 1: Ice buildup on the evaporator coils.
Solution: Perform a defrost to clear the ice.
Possible Cause 2: Faulty thermostat or temperature sensor.
Solution: Check the thermostat settings. If the issue persists, a replacement part may be needed.
Fridge or freezer is making a loud humming noise
Possible Cause 1: Ice buildup around the fan or evaporator coils.
Solution: Perform a defrost to clear the ice.
Possible Cause 2: Faulty compressor or fan motor.
Solution: If the noise persists after defrosting, a replacement part may be needed.
Fridge or freezer door is not sealing properly
Possible Cause: Damaged door seal or gasket.
Solution: Inspect the seal for damage or debris. Clean or replace the seal if necessary.
Complete Frost-Free Fridge Freezer Fault-Finding Guide
If your frost-free fridge freezer isn’t working properly, this guide will help you troubleshoot common issues. Many problems can be resolved with a simple defrost, while others may require professional repair or replacement.
Common Faults and Solutions
- Freezer is working, but the fridge is not cooling: This is often caused by ice buildup in the freezer blocking airflow to the fridge. Perform a 36-48 hour defrost to clear the ice.
- Fridge or freezer is not cooling at all: If the compressor is running but the appliance isn’t cooling, it could be a refrigerant (gas) issue or ice buildup on the evaporator coils. A defrost may help, but if the problem persists, professional repair may be needed.
- Water pooling inside the fridge: This is usually caused by a blocked defrost drain. Perform a defrost and clean the drain with warm water and a pipe cleaner.
- Ice buildup in the freezer: This can be caused by a faulty defrost heater, thermostat, or timer. A defrost may temporarily resolve the issue, but recurring problems may require part replacement.
- Unusual noises (cracking, hammer drill sounds): These noises are often caused by ice buildup around the fan or evaporator coils. A defrost can clear the ice, but if the noise persists, the fan motor may need replacing.
- Fridge or freezer is too warm: Ice buildup blocking airflow or a faulty thermostat can cause this issue. A defrost may help, but if the problem persists, the thermostat may need replacing.
- Freezer is too cold, fridge is too warm: This is often caused by ice buildup in the freezer blocking airflow to the fridge. A 36-48 hour defrost can resolve the issue.
- Fridge or freezer is not turning on: Check the power supply and ensure the appliance is plugged in. If the appliance has power but won’t turn on, the control board or thermostat may need replacing.
- Fridge or freezer is cycling on and off too frequently: This can be caused by ice buildup on the evaporator coils or a faulty thermostat. A defrost may help, but if the problem persists, the thermostat may need replacing.
- Fridge or freezer is making a loud humming noise: This is often caused by ice buildup around the fan or evaporator coils. A defrost can clear the ice, but if the noise persists, the compressor or fan motor may need replacing.
- Fridge or freezer door is not sealing properly: Inspect the door seal for damage or debris. Clean or replace the seal if necessary.
When to Call a Professional
If a 36-48 hour defrost doesn’t resolve the issue, or if you suspect a refrigerant leak, it’s time to call a professional. Note that repairing refrigerant leaks is often expensive and may not be cost-effective for older appliances.
