Sometimes, you can immediately notice something is wrong with your refrigerator. Maybe the light isn't on, or your food isn't cold enough inside. You may doubt whether a repairman's help is necessary, or that you can easily fix the problem yourself. Checking your refrigerator for faults yourself can help you save on unnecessary expensive repairs.
Dealing With Distractions Quickly
| Disturbance | Solution |
|---|---|
| Fridge Off | Check the power plug |
| Fridge Not Cold |
Check the temperature controller Check refrigerator airflow and heat |
| Refrigerator Not Cold | Check the door density |
| Fridge Machine Keeps On |
Melt the ice in the freezer Check the door density |
| Fridge Leak | Dispose of water in the sewer |
Step
Method 1 of 5: Checking a Dead Refrigerator
Step 1. Make sure the refrigerator power cord is properly connected
Remove the cable from the plug if necessary, and plug it back in properly. Watch for damage to the refrigerator power cord. Open, scratched, or bent wires can interfere with the functioning of the refrigerator. If this is the case, don't use the cable again and contact a refrigerator repairman.
Step 2. Disconnect the power cord if you are using it to connect the refrigerator power cord to the power outlet
This connection cable may be damaged or have interference. Plug the refrigerator cord directly into the power outlet. If these steps solve your problem, replace the damaged connection cable.
Step 3. Try another electrical appliance near the refrigerator
Plug the appliance into the same electrical outlet as the refrigerator. If even those appliances won't turn on, check the voltage fuses in your home. Your fuse may have blown or the voltage dropped.
Step 4. Try plugging the refrigerator cord into another power outlet
If the refrigerator can turn on, the problem lies in the power plug. Check the current and voltage with a tespen and a multimeter. If you do not know how to use this equipment, contact a repairman or electrician.
Step 5. Try unplugging the refrigerator from the power outlet for a while, then plugging it back in
This step can restore the refrigerator circuit board settings (such as restarting the system from scratch on a computer or phone). By allowing the power to be cut off, the refrigerator capacitor can discharge any remaining electrical power.
Method 2 of 5: Checking the Refrigerator That's Not Cold
Step 1. Check the temperature control in the refrigerator
If the button is pressed, the refrigerator temperature may become too warm, so that the refrigerator cooler does not start. You need to check the temperature settings of the refrigerator and freezer, because the refrigerator gets cold temperatures from the freezer. Disturbances in the freezer temperature setting will affect the refrigerator temperature as well.
Refrigerator temperature should be set within 3-4ºC, while freezer temperature should be between -15 to -18ºC
Step 2. Make sure the air flow around the refrigerator is smooth
Check the distance between the wall and the refrigerator. We recommend that the gap between the wall and the sides of the refrigerator is 7.6 cm, and 2.5 cm at the top. This gap allows air to flow smoothly so that your refrigerator can function properly.
Step 3. Clean the condenser coil with a vacuum cleaner or brush
It is this part that helps release heat that might be causing a nuisance to your refrigerator. You must turn off the refrigerator while cleaning the condenser coils. We recommend cleaning the coils at the back of the refrigerator once a year, and the coils at the bottom of the refrigerator twice a year.
Step 4. Check the refrigerator cooler for overheating and running constantly
Unplug the refrigerator from the power outlet for 2 hours, then plug it back in. If your refrigerator starts functioning normally, the refrigerator compressor engine may be overheating and should be checked by a repairman. Use a multimeter to check every component of the compressor engine that runs continuously. Components inspected include temperature control, vaporizer fan, defrost timer, overload protector, and compressor motor.
You may have to read the user manual to locate the components. If a component turns on constantly, you must replace it with a new one
Method 3 of 5: Checking the Refrigerator Is Not Cold enough
Step 1. Check the temperature control in the refrigerator
If the button is pressed, the refrigerator temperature may become too warm, so that the refrigerator cooler does not start. You need to check the temperature settings of the refrigerator and freezer, because the refrigerator gets cold temperatures from the freezer. Disturbances in the freezer temperature setting will affect the refrigerator temperature as well.
Refrigerator temperature should be set within 3-4ºC, while freezer temperature should be between -15 to -18ºC
Step 2. Check the refrigerator air vents
Check the air vents between the freezer and refrigerator and the drains for dirt and ice. Remove clogging dirt if necessary. This blockage may be the cause of interference with the refrigerator.
Step 3. Check the tightness of the refrigerator door
Place a sheet of paper between the gaps in the refrigerator door. Close the refrigerator and pull out the paper. The paper should be stuck if the refrigerator is tightly closed.
Repeat this step around the entire refrigerator door. If the paper isn't stuck in a certain spot, or if the adhesive rubber on the refrigerator door is loosening, you should check for cracks and stiffness that is causing it
Step 4. Check the refrigerator components
Use a multimeter to check the refrigerator components that are constantly on. Components inspected include door switches, defrost and timers, and vaporizer fans. If any of these components are faulty, that may be the cause of the problem with your refrigerator.
Method 4 of 5: Checking the Fridge Machine That Turns On
Step 1. Wait a day to see if the annoyance goes away on its own
Several factors can cause your refrigerator to run continuously. If you live in a humid area, have recently filled your refrigerator, or have recently changed the temperature, your refrigerator may need time to cool all over. The time required may be 24 hours or even more.
Step 2. Defrost the freezer if there is too much frost and clean the condenser coils
If you build up dirt in your condenser coils, their efficiency at releasing heat will drop, so the refrigerator's refrigeration engine will be constantly running. If the defrosting process is interrupted, the vapor coils will freeze, and the refrigerator engine will work harder to cool the contents.
Step 3. Check the tightness of the refrigerator door
Your refrigerator door has a rubber coating that prevents cold air from escaping. If this coating is damaged, your refrigerator will have to constantly refrigerate its contents. Use a piece of paper to check for loose parts of the door rubber. Place the paper in the gap in the door, then close the refrigerator door. Your paper should be stuck when you pull it out, but if it doesn't, damage to the rubber of the refrigerator door may be the source of the problem. Repeat this check around the refrigerator door.
Step 4. Clean the condenser coil with a vacuum cleaner or brush
This is what helps release heat, and if it gets too dirty, the refrigerator has to work harder to maintain its temperature. This cleaning should be done while the refrigerator is off. You should clean the coils in the back of the refrigerator once a year, and the coils in the bottom of the refrigerator twice a year.
Step 5. Check the refrigerator components that are constantly on
To check some of the components of the refrigerator, you will need a multimeter. Components that must be checked include: condenser fans, overload protectors, as well as compressors and delivery motors. A fault in any of these components can cause problems with the refrigerator's refrigeration cycle.
Step 6. Check the voltage of the power plug
Use a multimeter to check the voltage of the power plug the refrigerator is using. Only perform this step if proper equipment and safeguards are available. The voltage at the power outlet should be 108-121 volts.
Method 5 of 5: Determining the Cause of Refrigerator Leak
Step 1. Check reservoirs and drains
Stagnant water outside the refrigerator may be caused by a dirty water reservoir. Your refrigerator's water reservoir should be cleaned about once a year. Stagnant water in the refrigerator can be caused by a clogged drain. Clean clogged drains by injecting a solution of water and baking soda, or bleach into the drain using a syringe.
Your refrigerator should be turned off before you attempt to clean the reservoir and drains
Step 2. Align the height of the refrigerator
If the refrigerator does not stand evenly, the door may not close tightly, and the defrost line may leak. Refrigerators are designed to function normally in an even position. Unplug the refrigerator from the power outlet, then place a flat cover on it. Check the front and back of the refrigerator, then adjust the height of the legs so that the lid is level on the top of the refrigerator.
Step 3. Check the refrigerator water filter
If the refrigerator water filter is not installed properly, the water in it may leak out. After unplugging the refrigerator from the power outlet, remove the water filter and then plug it back in. Also check for cracks in the filter head and frame. If there is any damage, your filter head or frame may need to be replaced.
