DIY Guide: Fix a Refrigerator That's Not Cooling

Stage One: Grab Your Toolbox, It's Time To Become Your Own Refrigerator Mechanic!

Picture this: you're returning from a sweaty, exhausting day, ready to rejuvenate yourself with a crisp, cold beverage, but to your horror, the fridge is warm. That sticky soda bottle and melting tub of ice cream is a nightmare no one wants to face.

The normal course of action? Dial the nearest repair service and anxiously wait. But what if I told you that you could roll up your sleeves and get that refrigerator up and running by yourself? That's right! So let's dive in, and I'll guide you through the process of repairing a refrigerator that's not cooling. Who knows, by the end of this blog post, you might qualify to add "semi-professional fridge fixer" to your CV!

Stage Two: Understanding the Problem

Before you start tinkering, it's crucial to understand why your refrigerator isn't cooling. The villain behind your warm fridge could be one of the following: the condenser coil, the thermostat, the start relay, the start capacitor, or the evaporator fan. The good news is we'll cover how to handle any of these culprits.

Diagnosing The Culprit

Now, let's put on our detective glasses and find out who's responsible. Listen closely. If you hear a humming sound, your thermostat, evaporator fan, or condenser coil could be the culprits. No sound at all? That's likely the start relay or capacitor. Whew! Diagnosis: done. Now let's move to stage three!

Stage Three: Fixing The Problems

A. Dealing with the Condenser Coil

Dirty condenser coils lead to a less cooled fridge. You can find these coils at the back of your fridge. Time for a careful cleaning session! Unplug the fridge, and sweep off the dust using a coil brush. Once done, plug your fridge back in. If it starts cooling again, you've solved your problem. High-five!

B. Thermostat Troubles

If your thermostat’s on the fritz, your refrigerator's temperature goes for a toss. Adjust the thermostat to the coldest setting and listen for a click. No click? That means it needs replacing. Removing the old and installing the new thermostat should follow manufacturer's instructions, so arm yourself with the user manual and head into battle.

C. Resolving Relay Issues

Are you hearing a humming sound but your fridge isn’t cooling? Time to inspect your start relay. You can find it at the rear, near the compressor. Unplug the fridge, remove the relay, and shake it. If you hear a rattle, it's time for a replacement.

D. The Start Capacitor Scenario

After dealing with the start relay, it's time to check the start capacitor. Use a multimeter to check it. Set the multimeter to the Rx1 setting, place the probes on the capacitor's terminals. If you get a reading of infinity, time for a new capacitor.

E. Evaporator Fan Fiasco

If your fridge’s freezer is cold but the fridge isn't, your evaporator fan might have kicked the bucket. You can find it at the back of the freezer compartment. First, try manually spinning the fan. If it doesn't spin freely, a replacement is in order.

Stage Four: Pat Yourself On The Back, You've Done It!

Well, DIYers, we've reached the end of our journey. You've successfully diagnosed and fixed your lukewarm refrigerator all on your own! Congrats! Now it's time to neatly put your tools away and reward yourself with a cold one—once your fridge is chilly again, that is!

Remember, sometimes, a problem may demand professional intervention. In such scenarios, don't hesitate to call in the cavalry. However, with the knowledge you've gathered today, you're one step closer to becoming the ultimate DIY warrior! Over and out, good luck with your DIY adventures, pals!