Why is my fridge not cooling, but my freezer is?
Hi!
So my problem is that my fridge is not cooling, but my freezer is. I've already tried a couple of things. I let it completely defrost to make sure nothing is blocking the air passage between the fridge and the freezer. I also checked the compressors (there are 2 of them) and they appear to be running. Now what I've also noticed is that the back wall of the fridge is bloated. It looks like there is some air built up somewhere there. The brand is SMEG. The freezer is located under the fridge and it's a bit of an older model (don't know how old). Someone that has experience with this or know if it is still possible to have it fixed?
I can take some pics if that might clarify the situation.
Ik spreek ook Nederlands, dus mocht het makkelijker zijn om in het Nederlands te antwoorden of heb je nog wat extra uitleg nodig vraag gerust.
Thank you!
Es esta una buena pregunta?
Hi @elout ,
What is the model number of the refrigerator?
- de jayeff
@jayeff
I believe it's FAB32RBL3, but then one of the older models. I got it second hand so not sure what the exact model is.
- de Elout Konijn
Hi @elout,
Sorry. I don't think that I can be of much help as there is not much information about your model.
Just some things that it may have in common with most fridges that might be worth a look.
There is an evaporator fan inside the freezer compartment behind a panel that blows the cold air through the freezer and the fridge to get the temperature correct.
If the fan is faulty or "iced up" this will affect the cooling in the fridge but not so much if at all in the freezer.
Check if you can hear the fan running when the compressors are running.
It will stop when a door is opened and start again when the door is shut. You may have to put your ear against the fridge to hear it. Do not confuse this fan with the condenser fan which is outside the compartments and doesn't stop when the doors are opened.
If the fan is iced up (which since you defrosted the fridge it shouldn't be) this can be caused by a faulty defrost heater or defrost thermostat.
Just wondering if the "bloating" of the back wall was caused by a build up of ice pushing it out.
Most auto defrost fridges, auto defrost every 8-12 hours (depends on maker). This lasts for 20-30 minutes.
During this time the compressors are switched off, and the temp in the freezer is allowed to rise to 0 deg. C to allow the ice buildup on the evap. unit to melt and drain away. The process is aided by the defrost heater being turned on, so as to not let the temp rise to much or for too long and start to begin to thaw the frozen food.
At the end of the auto defrost cycle the compressors are started and the temp driven back down to -18 deg. C in the freezer.
So also check that the auto defrost is working by noting if the fridge turns "off" for a while at least 2 -3 times a day.
If the auto defrost isn't working then this could be a control board problem.
Apologies for the long reply.
- de jayeff