FRIGIDAIRE REFRIGERATOR NOT COOLING – SOLUTION GUIDE

Food and beverages remain cool and edible if your refrigerator is working fine. From making noise to putting out warm air, fridges experience a lot of problems. One such issue is the Frigidaire refrigerator not cooling issue.

A faulty thermostat, destroyed thermistor, or clogging will make your Frigidaire nonfunctional. A broken compressor or start relay capacitor also causes the fridge to be unresponsive. The best part is that all these problems have some solutions. So, read our guide to learn how to solve the issue of your Frigidaire refrigerator not cooling. Let’s get started!

Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Cooling: Faulty Control Board

The control board controls makes sure that every component can communicate with one another. If your Frigidaire refrigerator is not cooling, it may be due to a defective control board. The control board handles the compressor and fans. Its malfunctioning stops the cooling process.

It is an important part of the fridge so check the continuity between the two terminals on board using a multimeter. If you find no continuity, replace the board or repair it.

Why Does It Fail?

There are some obvious reasons for control board failure in which the most common reason is a power surge. It heats up the control board and stops working. Other reasons are corrosion, water damage or physical damage. The control board also fails due to moisture, excessive heat and errors. If someone suspects a faulty control board, hire a technician to repair or replace it according to need. Let’s learn the DIY fixing of a faulty control board.

How To Fix It?

You can easily fix it because it is easy to fix the control board. Replace the control board with a new one to restore your fridge back to normal. Make sure to check all components before replacing the CB with new one. It is one of the most less likely components of the fridge to fail, so there is no need to worry. Solve the problem of the control board to prevent Frigidaire refrigerator not cooling issue.

Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Cooling: Power Surges

A short and sudden increase in voltage may also be a cause of your Frigidaire refrigerator not cooling. It will happen in seconds and affect your appliance and outlets. In most modern fridges like Frigidaire or even Bosch Refrigerators, these power bumps are due to software glitches that affect performance.

Resetting will clear all issues that prevent the fridge from cooling properly. You can reset the Frigidaire refrigerator by unplugging the power chord and turning off the circuit breaker. Restore the power after 10 to 15 minutes and check the function of the fridge. If the fridge functions properly, it means the issue is fixed.

Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Cooling: The Air Filter Is Clogged

Frigidaire refrigerators and other models of fridges require regular cool air to keep things cold. But if there is a clog in the air filter, it will cause an obstruction in the filter and stop the passage of cold air. You must clean the air filter or replace it easily. Overloading and excessive items in the fridge affect its cooling process.

How Do You Fix This?

Fixing the air filter is an easy process which is given below:

1. Remove the old air filter that has clogs. In most models, the location of the air filter is under the bin in the door panel. Open the door panel and remove the filter but be careful while removing it, because it will spread the debris and create mess if you won’t handle it properly.
2. Discard the old filter because it is not reusable anymore. The six-month-old filter should replace new one to continue proper function.
3. Install the new filter carefully. Make sure that it doesn’t bend, otherwise it is less effective.

Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Cooling: Unorganized Food Storage

Disorganized and overloaded fridges restrict the flow of cool air from the vents. The cooling system of your fridge will work harder to keep your food cool and fresh. You must keep more cold items in the refrigerator to maintain its temperature.

Excessive items block the air vents that bring cool air into the freezer. Due to limited airflow, the temperature of the fridge rises which automatically slows the cooling. Make sure to keep the things away from the vents to provide proper airflow in the fridge.

Fill the refrigerator to only ¾ to maintain the internal temperature and maximum airflow. If this problem persists, it will lead to damage to internal parts that will require replacement. Let’s learn how to rearrange your fridge content.

1. Rearrange your fridge items by placing them in required shelves and bins. Find air vent locations and keep things away from these vents.
2. The door is the warmest zone of the fridge so stock the nonperishable items in the door, like sodas. You can also add those items that are used daily like small food jars for easy access and visibility.
3. Store meat, cheese and eggs in the shallow drawers or bottom shelf because it is a colder place than other fridge compartments.
4. In the middle shelves, add yogurt, fruit cups, dairy products and snacks because the temperature is consistent in this drawer.
5. You can use the crisper drawer for vegetables and fruits.
6. Make sure that there is at least an inch of space between food and the refrigerator walls.

Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Cooling: Thermostat isn’t working

The thermostat is an important component of fridge that monitors the temperature inside the fridge and turns the compressor off depending on temperature. If your Frigidaire refrigerator not cooling, it may be due to broken or faulty thermostat as it also causes a GE refrigerator not cooling issues.

The optimal temperature of the thermostat is set between 35-37℉. Check the user manual for optimal temperature of the specific model of refrigerator. Sometimes, it is mistakenly changed by shifting items or touching that has changed the temperature to warmer. If that is not the case, then it might be a fault or broken thermostat issue. We will first discuss the reasons for the thermostat fault and then its fixation.

Why It Fails (Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Cooling):

The first reason for its failure is that the wiring of thermostat gets damaged or part of contact assembly inside the thermostat breaks. The thermostat has a small tube that contains gas and it is used to measure the temperature.

The pressure inside the tube also changes with temperature inside the fridge. The thermostat detects these pressure changes and calculates the temperature inside the fridge. If the pressure tube leaks and loses all of its pressure, the thermostat will not calculate the temperature correctly which will affect the fridge cooling process.

How To Fix It (Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Cooling):

• First, figure out if the thermostat has stopped working by finding its location.
• Rotate the thermostat from lower setting to the highest and check for a clicking sound.
• If you don’t hear, that means it gets busted. Use a multimeter to check its continuity.
• In case of no continuity, you must replace thermostat.
• Check its knob in the back part of the fridge. The knob is used to adjust the temperature and if it is not turning, then it means you won’t be able to adjust the cooling. Therefore, the knob also needs replacement.
• Use a screwdriver and remove the thermostat. Unplug the wiring and connector, linking the thermostat to the fridge. Also remove the cold control knob with screwdriver.
• Remove the wires from cold control terminal by using flathead screwdriver and green ground wire from connection.
• Now remove full cold control terminal and Styrofoam block from the thermostat housing in one piece.
• Use multimeter for continuity test of thermostat, and If it is not working follow the guide. 
• Remove faulty or damaged thermostat and install new one. You can’t repair the thermostat, instead you can only replace it. Now you must repeat the step 3, then 2 and one.
• Testing the thermostat is necessary; if it works well, adjust the temperature as the last step.

Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Cooling: Fridge Improperly Located

Frigidaire refrigerator not cooling is sometimes due to improper placement. Refrigerators perform best around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) and fluctuations in temperature affect the cooling.

It will not work best where temperature drops below 6 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius), and fridge may shut down or stop cooling. It may also not work properly in a warm room, under the sun or near hot appliances such as dishwasher or oven. You can keep your fridge safe and work properly by correct installment of your fridge. Let’s find out how to fix the issue.

1. Don’t install the fridge close to the wall, as fridge needs ample space to ventilate properly. Installation close to the wall overheats it to cause breakdown.
2. Avoid placing the fridge near warm places and separate it from heat source.
3. You can use fans and provide adequate airflow to cool the room where you have placed your refrigerator.

The minimum clearance requirements for refrigerators are as follows:

1. Keep 2 inches of clearance from the back wall to improve air circulation.
2. Keep a minimum clearance of 1” from cabinet to the top of fridge.
3. It is necessary to maintain at least 1/2” up to 1” of clearance on all sides of the fridge.

Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Cooling: Broken Compressor

If your Frigidaire refrigerator is not cooling, one of the possible reasons is a broken compressor. A compressor circulates coolant throughout the fridge, so it plays an important role in the cooling process. The fridge will not maintain a cool temperature if compressor is not working or is broken. Some of the major signs of a faulty compressor are as follows:

1. The fridge will make loud sound when you turn it on.
2. Ice will build up in the fridge.
3. It will take more time than usual to cool down.

Why Does It Fail (Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Cooling)?

Compressors mostly don’t fail to work, but it can sometimes fail for particular reasons. The most common reason is the compressor age, but if it fails in the new fridge then it may be a manufacturing defect, overloading or poor maintenance. Sometimes too much or too little refrigerant within the system puts stress on the compressor to break down. Air, debris and moisture also damage the compressor.

How To Fix It (Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Cooling)?

You can check the fault with a multimeter as well. If the multimeter shows an open circuit then you have to replace or repair it. Seek a professional technician to help to replace or repair the compressor. Find A Pro Near You Here!

If you find roaches in your fridge, you can read our guide, Roaches in Refrigerator, to find solutions.

Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Cooling: Broken Thermistor (Temperature Sensor)

A broken thermistor can be the reason Why your Frigidaire refrigerator is not cooling. This is because it is responsible for controlling the temperature range When it is broken, you will not be able to change the temperature, resulting in temperatures that are either too hot or too cold. 

Why Does It Fail (Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Cooling)?

There are many reasons for thermistor failure; from which the most common is thermistor age. If it is too old then it needs replacement. Another major reason is sensor blocking with dirt and debris. Improper ventilation can cause the sensor to fail and that will affect the thermistor. If some internal components of the thermistor separate from each other, it can cause the thermistor to stop working. These parts separate due to mishandling, overheating and old age.

How To Fix It (Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Cooling)?

Test your fridge thermistor with a multimeter. Multimeter resistance changes as the temperature of the fridge changes. If there is no change in resistance, the thermistor needs replacement. Infinite and zero resistance also show that your thermistor needs replacement.

Hire an expert to diagnose and fix the thermistor issue. The only thing that you can do is to clean sensor with a soft cloth and warm water. If it doesn’t work, replace the sensors as well.

Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Cooling: Broken Start Relay Capacitor

A broken start relay capacitor is also one of the major reasons your Frigidaire refrigerator is not cooling. The start relay is present at the back of the fridge and looks like a small black box near the compressor. If the start relay is broken it will stop the compressor from running and your fridge stops cooling down items.

Why Does It Fail?

The start relay capacitor fails due to two major reasons. One of which is a manufacturing defect and second is improper fridge maintenance. Replacing the capacitor will fix the problem.

How To Fix It

Its fixes are simple and you can do it by yourself. Fix it immediately to prevent your Frigidaire refrigerator not cooling. Find the start relay capacitor position on the fridge. The start relay capacitor is a small box with two wires present on back side of fridge.

Check capacitor continuity with a multimeter. The capacitor with no continuity needs replacement. Simply disconnect the two wires from old capacitor and connect with new one.

Reattach black box back to the fridge. Check the working of the start relay capacitor by turning on the fridge power source. It is recommended to choose a professional technician to replace or repair the capacitor.

FAQs

How do I know if my start relay capacitor is failing?

Suppose you feel clicking noise coming from the refrigerator, that is the major symptom of a failing start relay capacitor. If electric contact inside the start relay capacitor fails to make a proper connection, it starts making noise. This indicates that capacitor is failing. Unplug the refrigerator and seek help from a qualified technician.

How much does it cost to replace the start relay capacitor?

Replacing the capacitor is just like a repair that is completed in about 30 minutes. You will have to pay only $100 and $150 depending on model of your fridge.

Conclusion (Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Cooling)

If your Frigidaire refrigerator is not cooling, you need to do some tests and repair the faulty component of your fridge. Our guide is helpful as you can find all solutions related to Frigidaire fridges in it.

If you cannot fix this issue after troubleshooting, please hire a professional. Find A Pro Near You Here!