Refrigerator not working

How do I fix my refrigerator that is not working?

Check for power

First, check to see if your refrigerator has power. If the control panel is dead or the interior light won’t turn on when you open the door, reset the house circuit breaker to see if the fridge will power up.

If the refrigerator doesn’t power up after resetting the breaker, test the electrical outlet for power by plugging a night light or similar item into the outlet to check for power. If the outlet is dead, have an electrician fix the outlet.

Troubleshoot compressor problems

When your refrigerator has power but the compressor isn’t running, follow the tips in this DIY video to troubleshoot compressor problems that will prevent the fridge from cooling:

Check the compressor start relay

Remove the machine compartment cover and check the condenser fan. If the condenser fan runs, then your compressor should be getting power because the compressor shares a circuit with the condenser fan motor on almost all refrigerators.

Unplug the refrigerator and unhook the start relay retainer clip. Pull the compressor start relay out of the refrigerator. Shake the start relay to see if it rattles. If it does, that's a tell-tale sign the relay is fried. Replace that part and your refrigerator may begin working again.

If the start relay doesn't rattle, you’ll need to check for continuity to confirm that it’s bad. Put the one meter lead into terminal 5 and the other meter lead into terminal 6.

If you detect an open circuit between those terminals then the meter will read 1 in the far left digit. You’ll need to replace the PTC relay.

If the start relay's okay, then you may have a defective compressor. Unfortunately, you’ll need to get a service technician’s help to replace a compressor, because that repair involves recovering Freon.

Check for thermistor problems

If your condenser fan wasn’t running, then you may have a defective electronic control board or a bad thermistor (temperature sensor).

Testing a thermistor in a refrigerator is fairly simple. Follow the steps in this DIY video to test the thermistor(s) in your refrigerator and/or freezer compartments:

Replace a thermistor if it isn’t working properly. This may restore cooling in your refrigerator.

If the compressor start relay and thermistors in the refrigerator are okay, then a problem with the electronic control board or a wiring failure may be preventing the compressor from running.

Follow the remaining troubleshooting tips in the video to find and fix the cause of the compressor failure or have a service technician visit your home and fix the fridge if you’re not able to repair the problem yourself.

What to expect when you experience a refrigerator not working issue

How do you fix a not working problem?

Addressing most now working issues usually requires replacing the electronic control board, temperature control thermostat, or compressor. However, there could be other underlying factors, making a thorough diagnosis essential. It's crucial to accurately diagnose the problem to understand the extent of the repair and ensure effective resolution.

Follow these recommendations for a refrigerator that is not working

If refrigerator is not working it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having an experienced Sears Home Services professional diagnose the issue and repair the problem.

Things to consider with a refrigerator not working diagnosis

The process of identifying issues with modern appliances demands a thorough understanding and specialized training. Merely swapping out parts without employing accurate diagnostic techniques may not effectively resolve refrigerator issues. With significant advancements in appliance technology over the past decade, contemporary models now incorporate sophisticated electronic components that pose considerable challenges for troubleshooting. Consequently, do-it-yourself repairs on modern appliances have become increasingly complex