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    • Refrigerator Problems Causes and Solutions

     Refrigerator Troubleshooting Guide

    EXAMPLE of REFRIGERATOR PROBLEMS:
    Not as cold as usual? Not cold at all? Frozen in the freezer side, and warming up in the fridge side? Frosting up? Pooling water or ice on the floor? Whistling, warbling, chirping, clicking, buzzing or making other funny noises? Did your ice maker stop working?
    Most refrigerator repairs can be accomplished QUICKLY, with no special tools or knowledge other than this service manual. The same things tend to fail in the same designs.
    LOW ON FREON! REFRIGERANT IS NOT THE PROBLEM! 95% of all refrigerator repairs have nothing to do with Freon-or R12. Dichlorodifluoromethane (R-12) is no longer being used by  refrigeration manufacturer! Banned in the United States along with many other countries in 1994 due to concerns about damage to the ozone layer. A common misconception is that refrigerator repairs always have something to do with the sealed system.
    This is just simply not true! Secrets of Trouble Shooting refrigerators by Appliance University video Will show you how to diagnose and fix the problems. Focusing on diagnosis and repair procedures for the most common symptoms, such as no cooling, ice or water buildup, noisy operation, electrical troubles, etc. Covers: Whirlpool, Sears/Kenmore, Coldspot, GE/Hotpoint, Amana, Maytag, Westinghouse, Frigidaire, Gibson, Kelvinator, most other major brands. And if there is a sealed system troubles AU video on the Secret of Seal System can be purchased. but we recommend you call a professional for these problems. And even if it does turn out that you have a sealed system problem, at least you can save yourself a diagnosis charge, and make an informed decision as to whether or not to have the fridge repaired. 

    Use this chart to find out what is causing a problem with your refrigerator. Look up the symptom and then review some of the possible causes. Follow links from the possible causes to videos on how to verify the cause and how to repair the problem.

    warning-img.pngElectric Shock can cause injury or death

    Never assume the electricity is off. Before servicing an electrical device, disconnect it from its electrical source either by unplugging the appliance or turning off the power at the breaker or fuse box. Mark the service panel with a note so that no one will restore power while you are working. After turning off the power to the circuit, test the circuit to be certain that there is no power. Some devices can store a hazardous electrical charge even when disconnected from an electrical source, always discharge these devices before attempting service. If you are unfamiliar with a device or its components, consult with a professional before attempting service.

    Symptom

     Click on underlined items for further course information

    Refrigerator does not run, and the light does not work     

    Electric Shock can cause injury or death

    Unplugging the appliance, or turning off the power at the breaker fuse box. 

    Refrigerator does not run but the light works

    General tips: 

    Check the temperature setting-controls should be set in the middle range and left alone. Ensure that there is enough room for air flow in the refrigerator or freezer. Check for air flow restrictions in vents, such as frost build up on the evaporator. Advance training needed to remove. Test the temperature control-advance training needed. See simple test on Cold-control. Clean the condensor coils-Do every 3'rd month, this saves the compressor run time, and lots of money. Check the door seals. Simple test: Close the door against a dollor bill, try to pull out, if a slight tug is necessary, the door seal is ok. Test the level-although not that important.

      SEE: Tutorials

    • Check the temperature setting, controls should be set in the middle range and left alone.

    • Make certain there is a three inch space outside of the refrigerator between the walls and the back and sides, and at least a one inch gap above, to allow for air flow. If the condenser coils are on the bottom, it's not that important.

    • Clean the condenser coils. Before cleaning the condenser coils, unplug the refrigerator to avoid a shock hazard.

    • Unplug the refrigerator, wait two hours and plug it in. If you hear it running, a problem is causing the compressor to overheat. Failed compressor-advance training

    • Test the cold control(see temp setting). A Simple test is to rap on the on and off temp control, if the refrigerator goes off with a wap, replace the cold control-advance training needed. 

    • Test the evaporator fan blade(fan inside of freezer). If stopped on it's own, flip the blade, and if the blade starts turning, if so replace-advance training needed.

    • Test the defrost timer-advance training needed.

    • Test the compressor relay-advance training needed. 

    • Test the overload protector-advance training needed.

    • Test the compressor motor-advance training needed 

    Water dripping inside the refrigerator under crisper or on to the kitchen floor

    General Information:

    To clean the drain tube use a turkey baster and force a solution of 1/2 gallon hot water mixed with 1/2 cup bleach through the opening. The water will go into the drain pan which is located under the refrigerator behind the front grille. Empty the drain pan after cleaning the drain tube.

    • Self-defrosting refrigerators dispose of the water generated during the defrost cycle, usually via a tube or channel that directs the water to a pan at the bottom of the refrigerator. From the pan, the water normally evaporates.

      If the tube or channel is clogged or obstructed, the water backs up and leaks into the inside of the refrigerator compartment. Then the water builds up at the bottom, inside of the refrigerator. When the water has built up for a time it may spill out of the front of the door opening. To fix this problem, clear the drain tube or channel and allow the defrost water to flow down to the drain pan.

    Refrigerator light   won't  work

    Refrigerator or freezer is not                  cold enough

     General tips: 

    The ideal freezer temperature is about 0 to 5 degrees (F), and is about 38 degrees (F) for the fridge.

    SIMPLE TEST: Check orange juice, if warm, turn Cold control up one notch. If OJ remains warm, call a serviceman. 

    Check Ice cream. if soft, call a serviceman

    SEE: Tutorials

     

    • Check the temperature setting-controls should be set in the middle range and left alone.

    • Ensure that there is enough room for air flow in the refrigerator or freezer.

    • Check for air flow restrictions in vents, such as frost build up on the evaporator. Advance training needed to remove frost-advance training needed.

    • Test the temperature control-advance training needed.  See simple test on Cold-control(thermostat).

    • Clean the condenser coils-Do every 3'rd month, this saves the compressor run time, and lots of money.

    • Check the door seals. Simple test: Close the door against a dollar bill, try to pull out, if a slight tug is necessary, the door seal is ok.

    • Test the level-although not that important.