Refrigerator Troubleshooting Guide Use this chart to find out what is causing a problem with your refrigerator. Look up the symptom and then review some of the possible causes.
Refrigerator does not run and the light does not work . Make sure the refrigerator is plugged in securely . Check for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker . Test the power outlet for current . Inspect the electrical cord for damage . Eliminate use of an extension cord, if any is being used . Check the outlet voltage Refrigerator does not run but the light works . Check the temperature setting . Make certain there is a three inch space outside of the refrigerator between the walls and the back and sides and at least a one inch gap above, to allow for air flow . Clean the condensor coils . Unplug the refrigerator, wait two hours and plug it in. If you hear it running, a problem is causing the compressor to overheat . Test the temperature control . Test the evaporator fan . Test the defrost timer . Test the compressor relay . Test the overload protector . Test the compressor motor Refrigerator light does not work . Replace the bulb . Test the door switch Refrigerator or freezer is not cold enough . Check the temperature setting . Assure that there is enough room for air flow in the refrigerator or freezer . Check for air flow restrictions in vents . Test the temperature control . Clean the condensor coils . Check the door seals . Test the door switch . Test defrost heater . Test defrost timer . Test evaporator fan . Check for a clogged drain tube . Check for refrigerant leak Refrigerator or freezer is too cold . Check the temperature setting . Test the temperature control Refrigerator is noisy . Hissing and popping is normal on frost free refrigerators, it is the defrost heater . Check that the refrigerator is level . Check the drain pan . Check the condensor fan . Check the evaporator fan . Inspect the compressor mounts Refrigerator runs continuously . Defrost the freezer . Clean the condensor coils . Check the door seals . Test the door switch . If you recently adjusted the temperature control, loaded the refrigerator or are in a humid location, it is not uncommon for a refrigerator to run for 24 hours. Refrigerator starts and stops frequently . Clean the condensor coils . Check the outlet voltage . Test the condensor fan . Test the compressor relay . Test the overload protector . Test the compressor motor Freezer does not defrost automatically . Test the defrost timer . Test the defrost heater . Test the defrost thermostat Refrigerator has an unpleasant odor . Remove spoiled food . Clean refrigerator interior with a solution of hot water and baking soda . Clean the door seals . Remove breaker strips and check for wet insulation Water on floor outside of refrigerator . Check the drain pan . If you have an ice-maker, check the water supply hose going into and coming out of the water inlet valve Water inside the refrigerator . Clean the drain tube . If you have an ice-maker, check refrigerator and ice-maker for level For further information I have included the URL below http://www.acmehowto.com/howto/appliance/refrigerator/diagrefrigerator.php
