Sears Home Services
Sears Home Advantage
appointment lookup logoAppointment Lookup
telephone logo646-440-2692
RepairHome WarrantyTune-Up & MaintainFencingShop Parts
Resources
RepairHome WarrantyTune-Up & MaintainFencingShop PartsResource CenterGlossaryHelp
sears home advantageSears Home Advantageappointment lookup logoAppointment Lookup
  1. Repair
  2. Frigidaire
  3. Frigidaire Refrigerator

Frigidaire Refrigerator refrigerator not freezing

Common reasons your Frigidaire Refrigerator refrigerator not freezing

The most common reasons your Frigidaire refrigerator is not freezing foods in the freezer are a failed compressor start relay, malfunctioning electronic control board or a bad compressor.

  • 38%

    38% of the time it's the
    Compressor Start Relay

  • 30%

    30% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 11%

    11% of the time it's the
    Compressor

  • 21%

    21% of the time it's the
    Something else

  • Use The Repair or Replace Calculator

    Determine What's Best For Your Appliance

    Product Type
    Home Appliance Brand
    How Old Is Your Appliance?

    Most common repairs needed to fix a Frigidaire refrigerator

    Compressor Start Relay Replacement

    When your Frigidaire refrigerator is not freezing items in the freezer compartment and you don’t hear the compressor running, a bad compressor start relay could be preventing the compressor from starting. The compressor start relay sends current to the motor start windings to boost motor torque to start the motor, and to the motor run windings. Once the motor starts, the relay continues to send current to the run windings, but cuts off current to the start windings. A defective start relay won't send current to the start windings, run windings or both. The start relay includes an overload component that shuts off all current to the motor if the motor overheats. A defective overload trips when the motor isn't overheated, preventing the motor from starting. Have a Sears Home Services technician check the compressor start relay and replace it if it’s bad.


    Electronic Control Board Replacement

    When your Frigidaire refrigerator is not freezing food in the freezer section, a malfunctioning electronic control board could be causing the problem. The electronic control board receives signals from various sensors to monitor the temperature inside the refrigerator and freezer sections. Using the information it receives from these sensors, the board starts or stops the compressor, fans, defrost cycle and other components. A bad internal relay or corrupted internal logic on the circuit board can prevent the electronic control board from sending electric current to the compressor for cooling. When the freezer isn’t cooling in your Frigidaire refrigerator, schedule service through Sears Home Services. Our technician will visit your home and fix the cooling problem in your freezer.

    Compressor Replacement

    When your Frigidaire refrigerator is not freezing items in the freezer section, a malfunctioning compressor might be the culprit. The compressor's role is to compress and circulate the refrigerant gas within the sealed system, which extracts heat from the freezer's interior, maintaining its cool temperature. If the compressor fails to work as it should, the freezer won't cool properly. Due to EPA regulations governing refrigerant handling and disposal, it's essential to enlist the services of a certified technician for repairs. You can schedule a service through Sears Home Services, and we'll dispatch a certified technician to your home to address the issue.

    What to expect when you experience a Frigidaire refrigerator not freezing in the freezer section issue

    How is the not freezing problem fixed?

    Correcting most not freezing problems in a Frigidaire refrigerator usually involves replacing the compressor start relay, electronic control board or compressor. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

    Sears Home Services recommendations for a Frigidaire refrigerator not freezing items in the freezer

    When the freezer section is not freezing it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of refrigerator failures.

    What to look out for with a freezer not freezing in a Frigidaire refrigerator diagnosis

    Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your freezer problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

    What our customers say about us

    With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it

    Jake is a great person.

    He did a great job, the problem is with the refrigerator.


    Nancy V, Meridian, ID

    Great job

    Robert did a great job and was kind and courteous. He cleaned up everything. I would highly recommend using him.


    Karen K, Mount Laurel, NJ

    Service appointment

    Joe was very professional and knowledgeable technician who quickly found and fixed the problem. I would recommend for service again


    Tim R, Schaghticoke, NY

    Repair Refrigerator Resources

    8 Common Mistakes People Make When Buying a Refrigerator
    4 min readNov. 19

    Buying a refrigerator is a big decision that requires careful planning to avoid costly mistakes. Learn how to choose the right style, measure your space, and make environmentally friendly choices with ease.

    Samsung Fridge Troubleshooting: A Comprehensive Guide image.
    6 min readNov. 15

    Get expert troubleshooting tips for your Samsung fridge with our comprehensive guide.

    Title image for blog article "How Does an Inverter Work?"
    6 min readNov. 13

    Learn how an inverter compressor works in a refrigerator.

    Title image for blog article "How Does a Refrigerator Ice Maker Work?"
    9 min readNov. 13

    Learn how a refrigerator ice maker works and how to keep it in top shape.

    Glossary Terms

    Refrigerant is a chemical compound used in HVAC systems and refrigerators to absorb heat from the environment by cycling through states of evaporation and condensation, enabling the cooling process through its cycle of evaporation and condensation.

    R-12 refrigerant, also known as Freon-12, is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compound that was once widely used in air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and aerosol propellants before its phase-out due to environmental concerns.

    CFC certification refers to the credentialing process that qualifies HVAC technicians to handle chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other refrigerants in a manner that complies with environmental regulations. It is essential for professionals who install, maintain, or repair HVAC systems and refrigeration equipment.

    A refrigerator thermostat is a device within a refrigerator that regulates its temperature by turning the cooling system on and off based on the interior temperature compared to the set desired temperature.

    Additional possible Frigidaire refrigerator symptoms you may experience