Appliance Tips

Diagnosing & Fixing Refrigerator Problems*

Do you give your refrigerator conscientious care? If so, this key kitchen appliance will usually perform its tasks for years with a minimum of problems. Here are some helpful maintenance and repair tips from the experts at American Home Shield.

Routine Maintenance Tips
Keep the Drain Pan Clean
Do you have an automatically defrosted model? If so, water from the melting frost flows out the floor drain into a pan, where it evaporates. Food particles can be carried along, clogging the drain and causing odors. Follow these simple steps to clean your drain:
  1. Remove the stopper.
  2. Using a pipe cleaner or similar device, push any accumulations through to the drain pan below.
  3. Force a solution made from soap, ammonia, and water through the drain.
  4. Empty the pan and wash it.
Refrigerator Door Gasket
Is your door gasket sealing well? Close a dollar bill in the door. If you feel a resistance when you pull it out, the gasket is holding. Repeat the test in several places. Replace the gasket if it does not pass this test.

Refrigerator Temperature Settings
Temperature dials in refrigerator and freezer compartments are given arbitrary numbers. But generally 37 degrees F is ideal for the refrigerator compartment and 0 degrees F for the freezer. If you suspect a problem, test temperatures with a refrigerator or outdoor thermometer.

Troubleshooting Refrigerator Problems
 Problem  Possible solutions
Your refrigerator has stopped running, no sound can be heard, and the lights don't work.
  • If there's no power at the outlet, check the fuse box/circuit breaker. Also check the outlet with a VOM or lamp. If the refrigerator blows fuses, put it on its own circuit.
  • Could be a damaged power cord. Replace the cord.
Your refrigerator has stopped running, but the light is on and you can hear occasional clicking.
  • If your condenser coils are dirty, clean them.
  • For frost-free units, your condenser fan could be defective. Check it.
  • Your unit may not be getting the correct voltage. Check the voltage with a VOM. If it's not between 105 and 125 volts, call your power company.
  • The unit's thermostat could be defective. Test it and replace if necessary.
  • The compressor could be defective.
Your refrigerator constantly cycles on and off.
  • The wrong voltage could be reaching the unit. Run the unit's own circuit. Check the voltage at the outlet.
  • Could be a defective compressor.
  • The unit could be leaking refrigerant.
  • The condenser coils could be dirty. If so, clean them.
The unit doesn't cool well or runs constantly.
  • The thermostat could be on the wrong setting. Check the temperature.
  • Condenser coils could be dirty. If so, clean them.
  • The door gasket may be damaged. Check it.
  • Could be a sagging door. If so, straighten it to improve efficiency.
  • Do you have heavy frost accumulation? Try defrosting your unit more often.
  • If the weather is hot and humid, it's normal for your refrigerator to run more often.
  • If the inside light is on, check the door switch.
  • Wet insulation on the door and sides? Open the unit on a dry day and let it dry out. Also repair or replace cracked doorjambs and panels.
  • If the room is too warm, move the refrigerator to a cooler place or start cooling the room.
  • The evaporator or condenser fans could be damaged.
  • The unit's defrost timer could be defective.
  • You may be low on refrigerant.
Frost forms rapidly or the unit does not defrost at all.
  • Open the door as little as possible.
  • In the case of a sagging door, straighten it for best efficiency.
  • The door gasket could be damaged. Replace it.
  • Be sure to cover and seal all foods, especially liquids.
  • Check for and clean clogged drains.
  • Check the unit's timer, heater and thermostat for defects.
The unit makes an unusual noise.
  • If the unit is not sitting level, adjust its position.
  • Could be a rattling drain pan. If so, move the pan so it doesn't touch the unit sides.
  • The unit's compressor mounts could be hard or broken. If so, replace them.
  • Could be blocked fan blades. Check the evaporator and compressor fans for obstructions.
The unit smells unusual.
  • Could be a clogged drain. Open and flush drains.
  • Check the unit's drain pan. If it's dirty, clean and disinfect it.
Water is leaking underneath or inside the unit.
  • Check for a broken drain hose or drain pan. Replace broken parts.
  • Could be a clogged drain or full pan. Open the drains or empty the drain pan.
To learn about the benefits of a home warranty plan, schedule an appointment with the experts at American Home Shield.

*Please note, the knowledge skill and experience level required to follow these tips varies. If you are in doubt as to your ability to properly and safely implement these suggestions, contact a professional. Every home, home appliance and system are different as are the problems that can affect them. Accordingly, the tips referenced above are meant only as suggestions to be considered for the listed problems. American Home Shield can not be responsible for any damages arising from any actions or inactions taken pursuant to tips provided herein.


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