When the refrigerator is broken, it could be as a result of varieties of issues. You have to look and find for the root of the problem in your fridge to be able to get a solution for it. Most of the time, how the refrigerator behaves, will give you a compass on which steps to take to reach an appropriate destination in seeking a fix. In this list, We highlight the most common symptoms on broken refrigerators and the most likely sources of the problems
| FRIDGE BEHAVIOUR | MOST LIKELY SOURCES OF PROBLEMS |
| The Refrigerator does not run and the light does not work | · Make sure the refrigerator is plugged in securely
· Check for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker · Test the power outlet for current · Inspect the electrical cord for damage · Eliminate use of an extension cord, if any is being used · Check the outlet voltage |
| The Refrigerator does not run but the light works | · Check the temperature setting
· 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 · Clean the condenser coils · Unplug the refrigerator, wait two hours and plug it in. If you hear it running, a problem is causing the compressor to overheat · Test the temperature control · Test the evaporator fan · Test the defrost timer · Test the compressor relay · Test the overload protector · Test the compressor motor |
| The Refrigerator light does not work | · Replace the bulb
· Test the door switch |
| The Refrigerator or freezer is not cold enough | · Check the temperature setting
· Assure that there is enough room for air flow in the refrigerator or freezer · Check for air flow restrictions in vents · Test the temperature control · Clean the condenser coils · Check the door seals · Test the door switch · Test the defrost heater · Test the defrost timer · Test the evaporator fan · Check for a clogged drain tube · Check for refrigerant leak |
| The Refrigerator or freezer is too cold | · Check the temperature setting
· Test the temperature control |
| The Refrigerator is noisy or makes strange sounds | · Hissing and popping is normal on frost free refrigerators, it is the defrost heater
· Check that the refrigerator is level · Check the drain pan · Check the condenser fan · Check the evaporator fan · Inspect the compressor mounts |
| The Refrigerator runs continuously | · Defrost the freezer
· Clean the condenser coils · Check the door seals · Test the door switch · If you recently adjusted the temperature control, loaded the refrigerator or are in a humid location, it is not uncommon for a refrigerator to run for 24 hours or more before getting cool. |
| The Refrigerator starts and stops frequently | · Clean the condenser coils
· Check the outlet voltage · Test the fridge condenser fan · Test the fridge compressor relay · Test the fridge overload protector · Test the fridge compressor motor |
| The Freezer does not defrost automatically | · Test the fridge defrost timer
· Test the fridge defrost heater · Test the fridge defrost thermostat |
| The Refrigerator has an unpleasant odor | · Remove spoiled food from the fridge
· Clean refrigerator interior with a solution of hot water and baking soda · Clean the door seals · Remove breaker strips and check for wet insulation |
| The Water on floor outside of refrigerator | · Check the drain pan
· If you have an ice-maker, check the water supply hose going into and coming out of the water inlet valve |
| The Water inside the refrigerator | · Clean the drain tube
· If you have an ice-maker, check refrigerator and ice-maker for level |