Refrigerator won't turn on when plugged in
Common reasons your Refrigerator won't turn on when plugged in
The most common reasons your refrigerator won’t turn on when plugged in are a defective electronic control board, faulty thermostat or damaged power cord.
31% of the time it's the
Electronic Control Board
26% of the time it's the
Thermostat
19% of the time it's the
Power Cord
24% of the time it's the
Something else
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Most common repairs needed to fix a refrigerator
Electronic Control Board Replacement
When your refrigerator won’t turn on when plugged in, a failed 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 refrigerator from turning on when you plug in the power cord. 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 from powering up, the technician will replace the electronic control board.
Thermostat Replacement
When your refrigerator has a dial control and an electro-mechanical temperature control thermostat, a failed electrical contact in that thermostat can prevent the refrigerator from turning on when plugged in. The power cord wires connect to the temperature control thermostat to provide power to the fridge. When the power cord is properly supplying power to the fridge through the temperature control thermostat but the refrigerator will not turn on, you’ll likely need to have a service technician replace the temperature control thermostat.
Power Cord Replacement
When the refrigerator won’t turn on when plugged in, a faulty power cord may be causing the failure. The power cord connects to the electronic control board or the temperature control thermostat depending on the type of fridge that you have. Damage to the internal wiring or the power cord prongs will prevent electric current from traveling through the power cord to turn on the refrigerator. Have a service technician examine the power cord for your refrigerator and replace that part if it’s broken or damaged.
What to expect when you experience a refrigerator that won’t turn on when plugged in
Steps to resolve a problem with your refrigerator that won’t turn on when plugged in
Solving most problems with a refrigerator that won’t turn on when plugged in usually involves replacing a defective electronic control board, faulty thermostat or broken power cord. However, there are many potential causes for this problem. A tripped circuit breaker or bad refrigerator electrical outlet can also prevent the fridge from turning on when plugged in. A thorough diagnosis is key to understanding the extent of repairs needed and what’s needed for resolving the power issue.
Our recommendations for a refrigerator that won’t turn on when plugged in
When the refrigerator has no power it can be for many reasons. Checking the house circuit breaker and electrical outlet for power are the first steps to resolve a power problem with the fridge. If the failure is internal, avoid replacing unneeded parts by having a Sears Home Services professional inspect the refrigerator and repair the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of refrigerator failures.
What to watch for with a refrigerator that won’t turn on when you plug it in
Effectively diagnosing malfunctions in modern appliances necessitates a comprehensive understanding and specialized training. Addressing refrigerator issues without employing precise diagnostic techniques may lead to ineffective repairs and unnecessary part replacements. With significant advancements in appliance technology over the past decade, contemporary refrigerator models now feature intricate electronic components that pose considerable challenges for troubleshooting. Consequently, do-it-yourself repairs on modern appliances have become increasingly more complicated. Schedule refrigerator repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician visit your home and fix a power problem in your fridge.
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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 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 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