Fridge Not Cooling: 8 Things You Can Check Yourself

A fridge that stops cooling is noticed suddenly and often causes panic, since the food inside risks spoiling. A few simple checks you can make before calling service sometimes solve the problem instantly, and sometimes speed up diagnosis by letting you give the technician the right information.

1. Power and settings

Make sure the plug is in the socket and the socket works (test with another device). You may have accidentally switched the thermostat dial off or put it in "holiday mode". On models with a digital display, confirm that the setting is 4 °C (fridge) and -18 °C (freezer).

2. Door gasket

Close the door on a piece of paper and pull it; if the paper slides out easily, the gasket is loose or worn. Warm air leaks in, forming ice in the freezer and making the compressor run constantly. Replacing the gasket is an economical fix.

3. Ventilation gap

Leave at least 5 cm of space behind and at the sides of the fridge. Being pushed against the wall or having a dusty condenser weakens cooling. Clean the condenser coils (at the back or underneath) twice a year with a brush and vacuum cleaner.

4. Overloading and airflow

In no-frost models cold air circulates through holes in the rear panel. Food leaning against these holes cuts airflow, so the lower compartment seems not to cool. Review the shelves and space the food out a little.

5. Ice build-up

If there is a thick layer of ice in the freezer compartment or on the rear panel, the defrost system (heater, bimetal, sensor) may be faulty. Emptying the unit and unplugging it for 24 hours to melt the ice is a temporary fix; if ice reforms, service is needed.

6. Noise and vibration

A slight hum while the compressor runs is normal; but if you hear rattling or very loud noise, check that the feet are level and the unit is not touching the wall. If the noise continues, the fan motor or compressor mounting may be faulty.

7. Compressor runs but does not cool

If the compressor runs but no compartment cools, there may be a gas leak or blocked capillary tube. This cannot be fixed at home; call service for brazing and vacuum gas refill.

8. Compressor does not run at all

If there is no sound at all, the start relay, thermal protector or control board is faulty. Repairing these parts is far more economical than replacing the compressor (800 – 1,300 TRY).

Safe times for food

With the door kept shut, a fridge holds its cold for 4 hours and a half-full freezer for 24 hours (48 if full). Call service in this window and, if possible, move food to a cool box or a neighbour's freezer.

With our fault pre-diagnosis wizard you can select the symptom and see the likely cause and estimated cost in seconds.