Refrigerator freezer not working but fridge is fine
Common reasons your Refrigerator freezer not working but fridge is fine
The most common reasons your refrigerator freezer is not working but the fridge is fine are a faulty thermostat, bad compressor or a defective electronic control board.
32% of the time it's the
Thermostat
18% of the time it's the
Compressor
10% of the time it's the
Electronic Control Board
40% of the time it's the
Something else
Schedule your refrigerator repair now!
We can help! Our service technicians have repaired over 120,000 refrigerators. We can fix yours no matter where you bought it.
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
Most common repairs needed to fix a refrigerator
Thermostat Replacement
When the refrigerator freezer is not working but the fridge is fine, 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. 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 working even though the fridge is fine. 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 freezer is not working but the fridge is fine, 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 freezer not working but the fridge is fine
How to resolve a problem in your refrigerator when the freezer is not working but the fridge is fine
Fixing most freezer cooling problems when the fridge is fine usually involves replacing a faulty temperature control thermostat, bad compressor or defective electronic control board. However, this isn't always the case. A problem with an air damper or thermistor (temperature sensor) could also cause this type of cooling problem. A thorough diagnosis is key understanding the extent of repairs needed and resolving the issue.
Sears Home Services suggestions for a refrigerator freezer that is not working even though the fridge is fine
When your refrigerator freezer is not working and the refrigerator section is cooling, many different types of failures could be causing this symptom. Follow the troubleshooting steps described in your owner’s manual. If you have a fridge with electronic controls, unplug the refrigerator power cord for 2 minutes to reset the control board and then plug the cord back in to restore power. The control board will reboot and reset. The freezer may begin cooling properly after resetting the control board. If not, have a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem.
Things to consider when diagnosing a refrigerator freezer that is not working but the fridge is fine
Diagnosing issues with modern appliances can pose significant challenges for individuals lacking technical knowledge and training. Without employing proper diagnostic techniques, fixing refrigerator cooling problems may involve merely replacing parts based on guesswork. In the past decade, appliances have undergone substantial advancements, incorporating intricate electronic components that are increasingly difficult to troubleshoot. As a result, do-it-yourself repairs on contemporary appliance models have become progressively difficult. When you’re unable to determine the cause of a freezer cooling problem when the fridge is okay, schedule refrigerator repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the fridge.
Repair Refrigerator Resources
If your fridge isn’t working, these quick fixes can help.
Explore the top five summer refrigerator problems, including cycling, leaks, and ice buildup, and find solutions to keep your fridge running smoothly with expert tips from Sears Home Services.
Master DIY repair tips for your refrigerator's ice maker this summer. Learn to fix common issues like blockages, motor problems, and ice makers that stop working
Is your refrigerator not working? Discover the top 5 reasons why and how Sears Home Services can help get it cooling again. Expert solutions are just a click away.
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 cold but freezer not freezing
- 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 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