Why is my freezer cold but fridge warm

Q: How do you fix a warm fridge and cold freezer?

If your freezer is cold but your refrigerators warm, first make sure you havent overfilled the fridge. Then check that theres good airflow around the refrigerator and the vents are clear. Inspect the evaporator fan, and also the coils at the rear/base of the fridge.

A fridge that doesn't cool properly is a common household annoyance. A warm fridge can cause your food to go bad, increasing the risk of food poisoning. Furthermore, it could cost you a significant amount of money if you have to replace all the food and drink inside your fridge.

Table of Contents Show

What Would Cause a Refrigerator to Stop Getting Cold or Become Warm?
It’s Too Full
Something’s Wrong With the Evaporator
The Control Board is Acting Up
Why Is the Freezer Cold but the Fridge Is Warm?
The Vents Are Blocked
Or, It’s That Darn Evaporator Again...
What Are Some DIY Fixes for a Warm Fridge?
Sometimes It’s a Simple Solution
Unload Some Items
Try Cleaning the Fan
Clean the Coils
Why Is Your Refrigerator Warm but Freezer Cold?
1 – Faulty Evaporator Fan Motor
2 – Damper Control Assembly Failure
3 – Defective Thermistor
How do you fix a warm fridge and cold freezer?
Why is my refrigerator not cooling but freezer works?

This May Also Interest You: What Temperature Should Your Fridge Be?

Here’s how to fix a warm fridge yourself and when to call a professional.

What Would Cause a Refrigerator to Stop Getting Cold or Become Warm?

It’s Too Full

A refrigerator keeps your food cold by circulating air cooled by the evaporator coils. One of the most common causes of a warm fridge is overfilling it with food. Air can't circulate properly when you stuff your fridge to the rafters, making it hard for your system to maintain a safe food storage temperature.

Something’s Wrong With the Evaporator

If you have a warm fridge that isn't overfilled, chances are there's an issue with your evaporator coils or evaporator fan. A faulty defrost function can cause the evaporator coils to clog up with frost and stop cooling your fridge correctly. A damaged or frosted evaporator fan won't circulate air efficiently and could also cause your fridge to warm up.

The Control Board is Acting Up

A warm refrigerator could signify a faulty electrical control board. Your fridge's control board communicates with heat sensors to control the internal temperature. If the control board isn't working correctly, it may not adjust the temperature appropriately to keep your fridge cool enough to store food safely.

Why Is the Freezer Cold but the Fridge Is Warm?

The Vents Are Blocked

Fridges with integrated freezers stay cool thanks to cold air from the freezer section. Vents allow the cold air to escape from the freezer, and the fan circulates the cold air inside your fridge. If you have a warm fridge, but your freezer is still cold, your first port of call should be to check if your freezer is overloaded. Overfilling your freezer can block the vents and prevent cold air from reaching the fridge.

Or, It’s That Darn Evaporator Again...

Like a regular fridge, a faulty evaporator fan or frozen evaporator coils can cause a warm fridge compartment, even if the freezer compartment remains cold. A problem with your freezer's defrost system can cause your fridge's evaporator coils and other components to ice over, preventing it from cooling correctly.

What Are Some DIY Fixes for a Warm Fridge?

Sometimes It’s a Simple Solution

Start by checking that the fridge's power supply is switched on and that you haven't accidentally turned the thermostat down.

Unload Some Items

If the power supply and thermostat setting are OK, take some items out of your fridge to allow more air to circulate. Check the areas around the vents in your freezer compartment and remove any items that could be blocking cold airflow. Close the doors and check the temperature after a couple of hours. If your fridge cools down, you probably just overloaded your fridge.

Try Cleaning the Fan

Otherwise, check the fan to see if it's in good condition. First, switch off the power supply to your fridge to protect yourself from an electric shock. Pull the refrigerator away from the wall and remove any debris obstructing the fan blades. Clean the blades thoroughly and plug the fridge back in to see if the fan runs correctly. If it doesn't, you'll need to replace the fan.

Clean the Coils

It's also worth cleaning the evaporator coils to try and get your fridge back to an optimal temperature. Turn the power off and locate the coils beneath or behind the refrigerator unit. Remove any large debris by hand and then vacuum the coils thoroughly to get rid of accumulated dust and dirt.

A refrigerator that stops cooling altogether is one thing, but it can be extremely confusing to find your refrigerator warm but freezer cold. Why is one compartment still cooling while the other seems to have completely stopped working? Let’s investigate!

Why Is Your Refrigerator Warm but Freezer Cold?

It may seem like a strange issue to have a half-broken fridge, but it’s actually not uncommon. If your refrigerator isn’t cold but freezer is, one of these parts is likely the source of the problem:

1 – Faulty Evaporator Fan Motor

What is it: Cold air is generated in the freezer section thanks to an evaporator fan motor. The fan draws cold air into the evaporator coils which is then dispersed throughout both compartments.

How it fails: If any part of your refrigerator’s defrost system isn’t working at full strength, it can cause your evaporator fan motor to work harder and for longer periods of time to cool the unit.

How to diagnose: A noisy fan can be a sign that it’s defective. Unplug your refrigerator and access the fan motor. Try turning the fan blade with your hand, and replace the part if you feel any resistance.

Image from Sears Parts Direct

2 – Damper Control Assembly Failure

What is it: Once cold air is generated in the freezer section, it makes its way into the fresh food compartment through an air damper control. This part opens and closes to allow the correct amount of cold air in.

How it fails: Is your freezer cold but refrigerator warm? The damper control assembly may be blocked or could have gotten physically damaged somehow.

How to diagnose: The only way to test the damper is to watch it and see if it opens and closes properly. If it isn’t working, swap the part out for a new one.

Image from Repair Clinic

3 – Defective Thermistor

What is it: The internal temperature of your refrigerator is monitored by a thermistor. When it gets too warm, the thermistor sends a signal to the main control board telling it to turn on the compressor.

How it fails: Thermistors do fail from time to time, especially when the defrost system isn’t working as it should. If you find your refrigerator warm but freezer cold, you should definitely test the part.

How to diagnose: Use a multimeter to test and monitor the thermistor resistance. It should change with the refrigerator temperature. If the resistance doesn’t change or the part doesn’t show continuity, replace the thermistor.

Image from Repair Clinic

Is your refrigerator warm but freezer cold still after inspecting these parts? You may have a problem with your defrost or sealed systems, in which case you should call the refrigerator repair experts at D & T Appliance Service Company today!

How do you fix a warm fridge and cold freezer?

If your freezer is cold but your refrigerator's warm, first make sure you haven't overfilled the fridge. Then check that there's good airflow around the refrigerator and the vents are clear. Inspect the evaporator fan, and also the coils at the rear/base of the fridge.

Why is my refrigerator not cooling but freezer works?

Condenser Coils Need Cleaning Dirty condenser coils are another common reason why your refrigerator won't get cold but the freezer will. The condenser coils are responsible for removing heat from the air inside your refrigerator. If they are covered in dust or debris, they won't be able to expel heat properly.