Fridge Freezer Not Freezing – Common Faults Summary
| Fault/Component | Symptoms | Common Causes | DIY Check | Professional Repair Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faulty Defrost Heater | Excessive frost buildup on evaporator coils, reduced cooling | Burnt-out heating element, electrical failure | Check for heavy frost on back wall inside freezer | Yes – Component replacement required |
| Defrost Timer/Control | Frost accumulation, inconsistent cooling cycles | Mechanical failure, stuck timer motor | Manually advance timer to see if defrost initiates | Yes – Timer or control board replacement |
| Defrost Thermostat | Ice buildup prevents airflow, warm freezer | Thermostat stuck open or closed, calibration loss | Visual inspection for frost, temperature monitoring | Yes – Thermostat testing and replacement |
| Evaporator Fan Motor | No cold air circulation, warm refrigerator section, normal compressor operation | Worn bearings, motor seizure, electrical failure | Listen for fan noise when door closes, check if blade spins freely | Yes – Fan motor replacement |
| Damaged Door Gasket | Warm air infiltration, frost around door edges, high energy bills | Torn seal, hardened rubber, loss of magnetic properties | Dollar bill test – close door on bill and try to pull out | Can DIY replace or professional service |
| Low Refrigerant | Gradual loss of cooling, compressor runs constantly | Refrigerant leak in sealed system | Check if condenser coils are cold when compressor runs | Yes – Requires certified technician for leak repair and recharge |
| Faulty Thermostat | Temperature doesn’t respond to control adjustments | Worn contacts, broken capillary tube, sensor failure | Test by adjusting settings and monitoring temperature over 24 hours | Yes – Thermostat replacement |
| Compressor Problems | No cooling, warm cabinet, compressor hot or not running | Mechanical failure, seized compressor, overload protector tripped | Listen for compressor operation, check if it’s hot to touch | Yes – Major repair or compressor replacement |
| Blocked Air Vents | Uneven cooling, some areas freezing while others warm | Food items blocking vents, ice obstruction | Visual inspection of vents inside compartments | DIY – Rearrange food items |
| Condenser Coils (Dirty) | Reduced cooling efficiency, compressor runs continuously | Dust and debris accumulation preventing heat dissipation | Inspect coils at back or bottom of unit | DIY – Clean with coil brush or vacuum |
| Temperature Setting | Overall warm temperature | Incorrect temperature dial position, accidental adjustment | Check control settings | DIY – Adjust to recommended settings (-18°C) |
| Overloading | Poor air circulation, warm spots | Too many items packed tightly | Visual assessment of freezer contents | DIY – Remove excess items, organize properly |
| Faulty Start Relay | Compressor clicks but doesn’t start, no cooling | Burnt contacts, relay coil failure | Listen for clicking without compressor starting | Yes – Relay replacement |
| Water Inlet Valve (Ice Maker) | Ice maker not working affects overall perception | Clogged valve, electrical failure | Check if ice maker produces ice | Yes – Valve replacement |
| Condenser Fan Motor | Compressor overheating, reduced cooling | Motor failure, blocked fan blade | Check if fan near compressor runs | Yes – Fan motor replacement |
Quick Diagnostic Guide
If freezer is completely warm:
- Check power supply and circuit breaker
- Listen for compressor operation
- If compressor not running → Check start relay and compressor
- If compressor running but no cooling → Check refrigerant levels and fans
If freezer is slightly warm:
- Check temperature settings
- Inspect door gasket seal
- Look for frost buildup indicating defrost system failure
- Check for blocked vents
If frost is excessive:
- Defrost system components likely failed
- Check evaporator fan operation
- Inspect door seal for warm air entry
For expert diagnosis and repair of any freezer cooling issues, contact bestappliancerepairs.co.ke/ – Kenya's trusted refrigerator repair specialists.
A freezer that fails to maintain freezing temperatures is a serious problem that can result in significant food waste and financial loss. Understanding the causes can help you take appropriate action.
Common Causes: Several factors can cause a freezer to stop freezing properly. A faulty defrost heater or defrost timer can lead to excessive frost buildup on the evaporator coils, blocking airflow. A malfunctioning evaporator fan prevents cold air circulation throughout the freezer compartment. Low refrigerant levels due to leaks in the sealed system will also prevent proper freezing. Additionally, a damaged door gasket allows warm air to enter, raising the internal temperature.
Possible Remedies: Begin by checking the temperature setting to ensure it’s set correctly, typically between -18°C to -15°C. Inspect the door seal for any tears or gaps and replace if necessary. Remove any excessive frost buildup manually and check if the evaporator fan is running. You can hear the fan motor when the freezer door is open.
Ensure the condenser coils are clean and free from dust accumulation. Check that the freezer isn’t overloaded with food items, which can restrict air circulation. If frost continues to build up rapidly after manual defrosting, the automatic defrost system may be malfunctioning.
Professional Service from bestappliancerepairs.co.ke/: bestappliancerepairs.co.ke/ specializes in diagnosing and repairing complex freezer issues. Our technicians are trained to handle refrigerant leaks safely and efficiently, ensuring environmental compliance. We replace faulty defrost components, repair or replace evaporator and condenser fans, and fix sealed system problems. With our 24/7 emergency service, we respond quickly to prevent food spoilage. Our transparent pricing and professional service have made us Kenya's trusted refrigerator repair experts.
