Comprehensive List of Refrigerator Problems
What do we do when the fridge has broken down? Well we’ve got to fix it, and the most important part of that is identifying what has caused the fault and what needs to be done to fix it.
Check out this list of 50, that’s right, 50! Problems that can happen with a refrigerator and what DIY fix you can try if you’re feeling up to the task before hiring an appliance repair professional.
So be sure to be safety minded when tackling any repairs and always unplug the refrigerator beforehand to avoid any possibility of electrocution. Complex fixes that involve electricity or refrigerant gas should always be left to a technician.
DIY vs. Technician Guidelines
DIY Repairs: Suitable for cleaning, replacing filters or bulbs, unblocking drains, and easy part swaps like gaskets or minor components.
Technician Repairs: Necessary for electrical issues, refrigerant, internal parts like the compressor or fans, and repairs needing specialized tools or expertise.
- Refrigerator Not Cooling
- Possible Causes: Thermostat problems, dirty condenser coils, faulty evaporator fan, compressor issues.
- DIY: Clean condenser coils, adjust thermostat.
- Technician: Replace evaporator fan or compressor.
- Possible Parts: Thermostat, evaporator fan, compressor.
- Freezer Not Freezing
- Possible Causes: Dirty coils, broken defrost system, faulty temperature control.
- DIY: Clean coils, check door seals.
- Technician: Replace defrost system or temperature control.
- Possible Parts: Defrost timer, defrost heater, temperature control board.
- Water Leaking
- Possible Causes: Blocked defrost drain, broken water line, bad water filter.
- DIY: Unblock drain, replace filter.
- Technician: Replace water line.
- Possible Parts: Water filter, water line.
- Ice Maker Not Working
- Possible Causes: Frozen water line, broken ice maker, water inlet valve issues.
- DIY: Defrost water line, check settings.
- Technician: Replace valve or ice maker.
- Possible Parts: Ice maker assembly, water inlet valve.
- Noisy Operation
- Possible Causes: Bad fan, compressor issues.
- DIY: Clean fan blades, tighten loose parts.
- Technician: Replace evaporator fan, compressor.
- Possible Parts: Evaporator fan motor, compressor.
- Refrigerator Runs Constantly
- Possible Causes: Dirty coils, bad door gasket, thermostat issues.
- DIY: Clean coils, replace gasket.
- Technician: Replace thermostat.
- Possible Parts: Thermostat, door gasket.
- Door Not Sealing Properly
- Possible Causes: Worn gasket, misaligned door.
- DIY: Replace gasket, adjust door.
- Technician: Only if complex issues arise.
- Possible Parts: Door gasket, hinges.
- Refrigerator Light Not Working
- Possible Causes: Burned-out bulb, faulty switch.
- DIY: Replace bulb, check switch.
- Technician: Replace switch if wiring is faulty.
- Possible Parts: Bulb, light switch.
- Frost Buildup in Freezer
- Possible Causes: Bad gasket, defrost heater issues.
- DIY: Replace gasket, manually defrost.
- Technician: Replace heater or control board.
- Possible Parts: Gasket, defrost heater.
- Refrigerator Not Running
- Possible Causes: Electrical issues, faulty compressor.
- DIY: Check power supply, reset breaker.
- Technician: Replace electrical components or compressor.
- Possible Parts: Power cord, compressor.
- Water Dispenser Not Working
- Possible Causes: Frozen or clogged water line, bad water valve.
- DIY: Defrost or unclog line, replace filter.
- Technician: Replace valve or control board.
- Possible Parts: Filter, water inlet valve.
- Excessive Condensation
- Possible Causes: Door gasket issues, incorrect temperature.
- DIY: Replace gasket, adjust temperature.
- Technician: Repair internal components for balance.
- Possible Parts: Gasket, temperature control board.
- Refrigerator Too Cold
- Possible Causes: Bad thermostat or control board.
- DIY: Adjust settings.
- Technician: Replace thermostat or control board.
- Possible Parts: Thermostat, control board.
- Strange Odors
- Possible Causes: Spoiled food, clogged defrost drain, mold.
- DIY: Clean interior, clear drain.
- Technician: Only if odor persists due to internal issues.
- Possible Parts: Cleaning supplies, defrost drain tube.
- Motor Cycling On and Off
- Possible Causes: Dirty coils, bad compressor, thermostat issues.
- DIY: Clean coils.
- Technician: Replace compressor or thermostat.
- Possible Parts: Compressor, thermostat.
- Refrigerator Vibrates or Shakes
- Possible Causes: Unstable base, loose parts.
- DIY: Level refrigerator, tighten parts.
- Technician: Only if internal parts are damaged.
- Possible Parts: Leveling legs, screws or bolts.
- Control Panel Not Responding
- Possible Causes: Bad control board, electrical issues.
- DIY: Reset refrigerator.
- Technician: Replace control board.
- Possible Parts: Control board.
- Unusual Clicking or Buzzing Sounds
- Possible Causes: Start relay issues, bad fans.
- DIY: Check and replace relay if accessible.
- Technician: Replace fans or compressor.
- Possible Parts: Start relay, fan motor.
- Interior Lights Flickering
- Possible Causes: Loose bulb, bad switch or wiring.
- DIY: Tighten or replace the bulb.
- Technician: Repair wiring or switch.
- Possible Parts: Bulb, light switch.
- Food Spoils Quickly
- Possible Causes: Inconsistent temperature, door not sealing.
- DIY: Adjust temperature, replace gasket.
- Technician: Repair temperature control system.
- Possible Parts: Thermostat, door gasket.
- Fridge Beeping
- Possible Causes: Door left open, temperature issues, sensor problems.
- DIY: Close door, adjust temperature.
- Technician: Replace sensors.
- Possible Parts: Door sensor, temperature sensor.
- Burning Smell
- Possible Causes: Electrical issues, overheating components.
- DIY: Unplug and inspect.
- Technician: Repair electrical faults or replace components.
- Possible Parts: Electrical wiring, compressor.
- Freezer Burn on Food
- Possible Causes: Improper settings, airflow issues.
- DIY: Adjust temperature, ensure proper storage.
- Technician: Only if caused by malfunctioning parts.
- Possible Parts: Temperature control board.
- Temperature Inconsistent
- Possible Causes: Thermostat issues, airflow blocks.
- DIY: Adjust thermostat, rearrange food.
- Technician: Replace thermostat or repair airflow system.
- Possible Parts: Thermostat, fan motor.
- Energy Bill Increase
- Possible Causes: Inefficient running, seal issues.
- DIY: Clean coils, replace gasket.
- Technician: Diagnose internal efficiency issues.
- Possible Parts: Gasket, condenser coils.
- Refrigerator Humming Sound
- Possible Causes: Compressor running, fan motor issues.
- DIY: Level fridge, clean fan blades.
- Technician: Replace compressor or fan motor.
- Possible Parts: Compressor, fan motor.
- Fridge Cycling Too Frequently
- Possible Causes: Dirty coils, low temperature setting.
- DIY: Clean coils, adjust temperature.
- Technician: Repair internal components.
- Possible Parts: Thermostat, condenser coils.
- Refrigerator Too Warm
- Possible Causes: Bad temperature control, blocked vents.
- DIY: Adjust settings, clear vents.
- Technician: Replace control board.
- Possible Parts: Temperature control board.
- Ice Dispenser Not Working
- Possible Causes: Jammed chute, bad motor.
- DIY: Clear chute, check settings.
- Technician: Replace motor or control board.
- Possible Parts: Dispenser motor, control board.
- Interior Moisture Buildup
- Possible Causes: Door gasket issues, temperature problems.
- DIY: Replace gasket, adjust settings.
- Technician: Repair internal components.
- Possible Parts: Gasket, control board.
- Water Filter Not Fitting
- Possible Causes: Wrong filter type, incorrect installation.
- DIY: Ensure correct filter, follow instructions.
- Technician: Only if housing is damaged.
- Possible Parts: Correct filter, filter housing.
- Fridge Making Popping Noise
- Possible Causes: Thermal expansion, defrost cycle.
- DIY: Normal operation, ensure proper installation.
- Technician: Only if noise is excessive.
- Possible Parts: None typically required.
- Fridge Door Drooping
- Possible Causes: Worn hinges, misaligned door.
- DIY: Adjust or replace hinges.
- Technician: Only if the door is damaged.
- Possible Parts: Hinges.
- Refrigerator Smells Musty
- Possible Causes: Mold, spoiled food.
- DIY: Clean interior, check for mold.
- Technician: Only if odor persists.
- Possible Parts: Cleaning supplies, defrost drain cleaner.
- Control Panel Display Not Working
- Possible Causes: Bad control board, power issues.
- DIY: Reset fridge, check power.
- Technician: Replace control board.
- Possible Parts: Control board.
- Ice Buildup in Freezer
- Possible Causes: Defrost system failure, gasket issues.
- DIY: Manually defrost, replace gasket.
- Technician: Repair defrost system.
- Possible Parts: Defrost heater, gasket.
- Fridge Warm but Freezer Cold
- Possible Causes: Airflow issues, bad fan.
- DIY: Check airflow, clean fan.
- Technician: Replace fan motor.
- Possible Parts: Fan motor.
- Refrigerator Water Tastes Bad
- Possible Causes: Old filter, contaminated supply.
- DIY: Replace filter.
- Technician: Check supply lines.
- Possible Parts: Filter.
- Refrigerator Not Defrosting
- Possible Causes: Timer or heater issues.
- DIY: Manually defrost, check timer.
- Technician: Replace timer or heater.
- Possible Parts: Defrost timer, heater.
- Refrigerator Door Hard to Open
- Possible Causes: Air pressure, sticky gasket.
- DIY: Clean and lubricate gasket.
- Technician: Rarely needed.
- Possible Parts: Gasket.
- Refrigerator Leaking Inside
- Possible Causes: Blocked drain, water line issues.
- DIY: Unblock drain, check lines.
- Technician: Replace lines.
- Possible Parts: Drain tube, water line.
- Exterior Condensation
- Possible Causes: High humidity, gasket issues.
- DIY: Replace gasket.
- Technician: Only if gasket replacement is complex.
- Possible Parts: Gasket.
- Refrigerator Clicking Sound
- Possible Causes: Start relay or compressor issues.
- DIY: Replace relay.
- Technician: Replace compressor.
- Possible Parts: Relay, compressor.
- Water Line Frozen
- Possible Causes: Temperature settings, line placement.
- DIY: Adjust settings, defrost line.
- Technician: Relocate line.
- Possible Parts: Water line.
- Ice Maker Overflowing
- Possible Causes: Bad water valve, ice maker issues.
- DIY: Adjust settings, check valve.
- Technician: Replace valve.
- Possible Parts: Water valve, ice maker.
- Freezer Door Not Sealing
- Possible Causes: Worn gasket, misaligned door.
- DIY: Replace gasket, adjust door.
- Technician: Only if complex issues arise.
- Possible Parts: Freezer gasket, hinges.
- Refrigerator Too Noisy
- Possible Causes: Compressor, fan motors.
- DIY: Clean fan blades.
- Technician: Replace noisy parts.
- Possible Parts: Compressor, motors.
- Refrigerator Error Codes
- Possible Causes: Varies with code.
- DIY: Check manual for code interpretation.
- Technician: Repair based on code.
- Possible Parts: Varies with code.
- Freezer Floor Icy
- Possible Causes: Blocked defrost drain.
- DIY: Unblock drain.
- Technician: Only if the drain system needs repair.
- Possible Parts: Defrost tube.
- Display Panel Blank
- Possible Causes: Power issues, bad panel.
- DIY: Check power, reset.
- Technician: Replace panel.
- Possible Parts: Display panel.
Conclusion
Refrigerators are incredibly useful appliances, when they stop working it can be frustrating, there are only several main components that could be at fault and sometimes you can get them going again with a little DIY maintenance.
If you’re completely stuck just give us a call on our appliance repair hotline – (917) 764-3985 and we will talk you through a process to getting your fridge operating as normal again.
Joanne Ailana
Joanne Ailana (Repair Woman Joanne) is a valuable member of the Appliance Repair Team, she has years of industry experience, and loves to put on a smile and get to work repairing a customers appliance as fast as she can.