Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Cooling
When a refrigerator stops cooling, the most common causes are dirty condenser coils, a failed evaporator or condenser fan, or a defrost fault that has let the evaporator ice over and block airflow.
Before you start: Unplug the refrigerator before removing any interior panel or working near the compressor.
What's specific to Frigidaire
Frigidaire units most often lose cooling through dirty condenser coils or a failed evaporator fan. The coils on many models are underneath and collect dust quickly.
Causes, in order of likelihood
| Cause | How often | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Dirty condenser coils | Most common | DIY |
| Failed evaporator fan | Most common | $200–$420 |
| Defrost system failure, evaporator iced over | Common | $220–$500 |
| Condenser fan not running | Common | $200–$420 |
| Worn door seals | Common | $150–$350 |
| Failed start relay or compressor | Less common | $500–$1,200 |
1. Dirty condenser coilsYou can check this
How to check: Pull the fridge out and look at the coils underneath or behind. A blanket of dust means the unit cannot shed heat.
The fix: Vacuum and brush the coils. Twice a year is reasonable, more with pets.
2. Failed evaporator fanTechnician job
How to check: The signature is a warm fridge with a freezer that still works, because cold air is never moved between compartments. You may hear nothing when the freezer door switch is held in.
The fix: Replace the fan motor.
3. Defrost system failure, evaporator iced overTechnician job
How to check: Heavy frost on the freezer back wall. Cooling improves for a day after manually defrosting, then fails again — that pattern is conclusive.
The fix: Replace whichever of the defrost heater, thermostat or control has failed.
4. Condenser fan not runningTechnician job
How to check: With the compressor running, the fan near the compressor should also turn.
The fix: Clear any obstruction, or replace the motor.
5. Worn door sealsTechnician job
How to check: Close the door on a banknote. If it slides out with no resistance, the seal is not sealing.
The fix: Clean the gasket first — sticky residue is often the issue — and replace it if it is cracked or deformed.
6. Failed start relay or compressorTechnician job
How to check: The compressor clicks and hums but does not start, or stays silent while everything else works.
The fix: A relay is inexpensive; a failed compressor is a sealed-system repair and often the point where replacement is the better value.
When to call a technician
If the coils are clean and both fans run, the fault is in the defrost circuit or the sealed system, and both need a technician.
Describe the fault and get matched with an independent appliance technician in California.
Call (844) 659-0046