Refrigerator cold but freezer not freezing
Common reasons your Refrigerator cold but freezer not freezing
The most common reasons your refrigerator is cold but the freezer is not freezing are a bad thermostat, faulty compressor or a defective electronic control board.
32% of the time it's the
Thermostat
18% of the time it's the
Compressor
11% of the time it's the
Electronic Control Board
39% of the time it's the
Something else
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Most common repairs needed to fix a refrigerator
Thermostat Replacement
When the refrigerator is cold but the freezer is not freezing, a problem with the temperature control thermostat could be causing the freezer cooling failure. The temperature control thermostat is also called the cold control or cold control thermostat, and is located in the control housing. The thermostat has a sensor tube attached to it that detects the temperature inside the refrigerator cabinet. The temperature control thermostat controls the temperature inside the cabinet by turning on and shutting off the compressor based on the temperature sensed by the sensor tube. If the sensor tube isn’t detecting refrigerator temperature properly, the thermostat could be failing to run the compressor long enough to keep the freezer cold. Have a service technician replace the temperature control thermostat if it fails to sense temperature properly or if it does not cycle the compressor properly.
Compressor Replacement
A bad compressor can be causing your refrigerator freezer to quit freezing even though the fridge is cold. A weak compressor can cool the evaporator enough to supply cold air to the refrigerator compartment but not supply enough cold air to adequately cool the freezer down to freezing temperature. A faulty compressor can also overheat frequently and shut off due to overheating so the fridge may get cool even though the freezer won’t get anywhere near freezing temperature. When you suspect that the compressor isn’t working properly, have a Sears Home Services technician visit your home to check the compressor and replace it if necessary.
Electronic Control Board Replacement
When your refrigerator is cold but the freezer is not freezing, a defective electronic control board can be causing the problem. The electronic control board acts as the refrigerator's central control system, managing critical functions such as temperature regulation, fan operation, defrost cycles, icemaker functionality, and dispenser operations. When the board malfunctions, it can keep the freezer section from cooling properly even though the refrigerator section is cooling properly. It's best to have a Sears Home Services professional conduct diagnostic tests on the board to determine if replacement is warranted. If the control board is preventing the refrigerator freezer from cooling even though the refrigerator section is cooling properly, the technician will replace the electronic control board.
What to expect when you experience a refrigerator that is cold but the freezer not freezing
Troubleshooting a refrigerator that is cold but the freezer is not freezing
Fixing most problems with the refrigerator that is cold but the freezer is not freezing involves replacing a faulty temperature control thermostat, bad compressor or a defective electronic control board. Other problems that can cause cooling problems in the freezer include:
- Dirty condenser coils.
- Bad condenser fan motor.
- Faulty automatic defrost system.
- Air leaks into the freezer.
Several other issues can prevent the freezer from freezing even though the refrigerator sections is cool. Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual for troubleshooting cooling problems in your refrigerator. If you’re unable to find the cause of the problem on your own and get your fridge cooling properly again, schedule refrigerator repair service to have our technician fix the issue.
What to do when you find the freezer not freezing even though the refrigerator is cool
Check the refrigerator temperature settings and adjust the settings if necessary. The freezer should be set at 0-degrees and the fridge temperature at 37-degrees. Adjust the temperature settings if necessary so the fridge and freezer cool properly. Follow the troubleshooting tips in the owner’s manual to resolve the freezer cooling problem. If the basic troubleshooting tips in the manual don’t help resolve the cooling problem, schedule refrigerator repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician visit your home and repair the fridge.
What to expect with a refrigerator that is cold but the freezer is not freezing
When you have a service technician visit your home to fix a refrigerator that is cold but the freezer is not freezing, the technician will first check basic issues such as the temperature settings and condition of the condenser coils and fans. The technician will typically measure actual refrigerator and freezer compartment temperatures and may take readings on sealed system pressures. After thorough analysis of the condition of your fridge and testing of components, the technician will determine the cause of the freezer cooling failure and fix the problem.
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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.
Common refrigerator symptoms to look out for
- Refrigerator broken shelf
- Refrigerator burning smell
- Refrigerator compressor not running
- Refrigerator dispenser not working
- Refrigerator display not working
- Refrigerator door not closing
- Refrigerator drawer problem
- Refrigerator fan not working
- Refrigerator freezer not working but fridge is
- Refrigerator freezer not working but fridge is fine
- Refrigerator leaking
- Refrigerator leaking from bottom
- Refrigerator leaking water
- Refrigerator leaks water
- Refrigerator light not working
- Refrigerator no power
- Refrigerator no water
- Refrigerator noisy
- Refrigerator not cooling
- Refrigerator not draining
- Refrigerator not turning on
- Refrigerator not working
- Refrigerator stopped working
- Refrigerator too cold freezer too warm
- Refrigerator water dispenser not working
- Refrigerator will not make ice
- Refrigerator won't turn on when plugged in