8 Common problems for refrigerator not working

Fridge repairman

Common problems with a refrigerator that require repair are:

Refrigerator is a complex machine. Also, it is the hardest working home appliance that is operational round the clock, keeping your food fresh. Due to rigorous use and wear and tear, a refrigerator may develop issues like cooling problem, defrost problem, faulty wiring, broken drain plate, sparking from socket, door closing problem, drain blockage etc. that require refrigerator repair service. If you are looking to easily repair your broken wires in a professional way you can procure T-Tap Connectors to tap into any wire without needing to cut, strip or solder.

Defective fridge MCB

fridge mcb

If your fridge does not start it is always recommended to check the MCB (miniature circuit breaker). Problem with MCB can be a leading cause of refrigerator breakdown. In such case call a refrigerator repair professional.

Insufficient current

A leading reason behind refrigerator not working is insufficient current or voltage to the unit. Check the current and voltage of the outlet with a multi-meter and voltage tester device.

Our Pick

Here are some other Multimeters you can find online :-

  1. HTC Instrument Mas 830L Digital Pocket Multimeter Dmm 
  2. Uni-T Ut-33D Digital Multimeter With Continuity Buzzer 
  3. Freshdcart DT-266 Clamp Multimeter Auto Ranging Amp Current Voltage Measurement Device 
  4. Mextech DT-603 Digital Multimeter 

Faulty motor

A defective motor is a leading reason behind refrigerator not working problem. In many cases, the refrigerator unit will shut down immediately or won’t start at all if the motor is defective. Motors usually have to be replaced when they get broken. In such case, call a fridge repair professional.

Our Pick

Here are some more Fan Motors you can find online:-

  1. Fan Motor Suitable for Godrej Frost Free Refrigerator (Genuine) 
  2. Fan Motor Suitable for Samsung Refrigerators,- with 2 Pin Connector 
  3. Fan Motor Suitable for LG/BPL Frost Free/Double Door Refrigerators- 3 Pin Connectors(Multi Color)(Match and Buy) 
  4. Fan Motor Suitable for Videocon Frost Free Refrigerators-2 Pin Connector
  5. Fan Motor Suitable for Whirlpool Refrigerators (Black) 

Faulty compressor

Faulty fridge compressor

A compressor is the heart of a refrigerator unit which is responsible for refrigeration cycle. If the fridge does not work, the compressor might be defective. The compressor is a motor which compresses the refrigerant or coolant and circulates the refrigerant through the evaporator and condenser coils. Problems with your compressor may cause the fridge to shut down. Keeping compressor clean and lubricated can help to prevent refrigerator start-up problem.

Dirty condenser coils

dirty fridge coils


At the back of a refrigerator there are condenser coils that convert high pressure high temperature gas into high pressure liquid. During this conversion, the condenser coils dissipate a lot of heat from the rear end. If the condenser coils are covered with dirt, heat may not dissipate properly and refrigerator may not work efficiently and may stop working completely.

Coolant shortage

If the fridge doesn’t have enough coolant, it may not turn on or may not operate correctly. The coolant circulates through the evaporator coils and cools the air flowing over it and eventually sends cold air in the food section. So when the level of this refrigerant becomes insufficient, the refrigerator may not work properly. We recommend you to consult a refrigerator repair professional to refill the coolant.

Faulty start capacitor

When the fridge is switched ON, the thermostat sends a signal to the start capacitor to trigger the compressor and start the refrigeration cycle of fridge. But when the capacitor goes bad, it fails to trigger refrigeration cycle and in some case the refrigerator does not even start.

Faulty thermostat

A bad thermostat is a leading cause of refrigerator not working problem. A defective thermostat cannot transmit start signal to start capacitor and the refrigerator does not turn on. In such situation call a PRO for refrigerator repair.

Our Pick

Here are some more recommended Thermostats you can find online:-

  1. Thermostat for Godrej Single Door Refrigerator Spares (Grey) 
  2. Thermostat for Whirlpool Single Door Refrigerator 
  3. Thermostat Compatible with Godrej Old Model Single Door Refrigerator 
  4. Thermostat for Samsung Single Door Refrigerator (Match & Buy) 
  5. Thermostat-Suitable for Videocon Direct Cool or Single Door refrigerators. Manual Defrost 
  6. Thermostat Suitable for LG Single Door/Direct Cool Refrigerators 
  7. Thermostat Suitable for LG, Samsung, Godrej, Videocon, Intex, Whirlpool and Other Refrigerator 

These are some common reasons behind refrigerator not working but there can be other reasons as well. Hire the best refrigerator repair professionals today and let them take care of your expensive refrigerator.

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59 Comments

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    My refrigerator starts, then cools for sometimes and cuts off without cooling.
    But the compressor becomes very hot unless I turn the power off before it stops.
    What is the plobrem please?

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    فني تكييف in Kuwait is distinguished from the rest of the companies in the State of Kuwait, that we have great experience in the field of maintenance and repair of air conditioning in the State of Kuwait, and we also excel in the air conditioning technician in Kuwait by providing repair, installation and maintenance services for all types of air conditioners present in the State of Kuwait, whether it is the problem you face In the same internal air-conditioner, or the external section, or even some offending problems such as not distributing the air properly in your home

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    Thank you for sharing the post.
    After reading this I come to know that there was insufficient current in the circuit.
    It was shared circuit with my AC, now given dedicated circuit for both, its working fine.
    Cheers!!

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    My refrigerator is not cold enough, which causes the other food to spoil. I never knew that condenser coil must be cleaned because it is usually filled with dirt, therefore heat might not dissipate properly. Maybe, it’s best if I’ll just leave this matter under the hands of a trustworthy residential refrigerator repair service.

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    i bought a new regrigerator and its not cooling properly…actually, its the third unit i had since i bought it from the SM appliance store, i even changed the brand because i thought its about the brand that i bought the first time i went to the store. but after changing the unit 3 times, still the same problem exist, the ref is not cooilng well

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    This is some of the worst explanations for the unknowing public to read and make sense of. You have got to be kidding. Neither is it informative for anyone who knows a lot about refrigeration and/or appliances.

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    The Kenmore side-by-side frig is freezing down to 29 degrees and snow is on the back wall. I have lost a lot of money on food and management will not agree to fix any issues.
    The freezer is down to -9 degrees. My food and medicine are either spoiled from the frig being too warm at one degree higher or frozen. The snow forms in the vent as well. I wish there was a way to get some movies over to you or pictures. I have had this problem for 6 months now.
    One man was hired who said that I am not able to use the back 2/3 of the shelves. I have small containers of food that are at the longest, 6″. The watermelon freezes, all my fresh veggies freeze, all my food that I try to store, etc…What would you do? I have thrown away so much food that I cannot afford to keep doing this. My mother at 84 years old came in during the end of the winter/early spring to vacuum out the back. Maintenance just watched her, did not even pick up a screw for her. This place is run by HUD. Terrible!

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    I have a friend that is looking into appliance repairs. She wants to make sure that she is getting the best possible help for her home. It might be useful for her to mention a faulty start capacitor since this is common.

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    I have buy a brand new fridge from market after months of use it is creating noise. I am very disappointed with the brand and i returned the fridge to that seller. After several days i buy another fridge but i am facing same problem. After reading this blog i checked electric supply of my home, which is very high than a normal supply range. Thanks for sharing this informative article it helps me.

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