Frigidaire Refrigerators Refrigerator Not Cooling: How to Fix It Yourself
When your Frigidaire refrigerator stops cooling altogether (both fridge and freezer are warm), the most common causes are dirty condenser coils, a failed condenser fan, or a bad start relay. Dirty coils are the easiest fix — just vacuuming them can get your fridge cold again. Let us start there.
⚠️ Safety First
- Unplug the refrigerator before doing any work.
- Move perishable food to a cooler with ice while working.
- Be careful pulling the fridge out — they are heavy and can scratch floors.
Parts You May Need
Step-by-Step Repair
- 1
Check the basics
Make sure the temperature setting has not been accidentally changed. Make sure nothing is blocking the vents inside the fridge. Check that the door seals are closing properly — a warped seal lets warm air in constantly.
- 2
Listen to the compressor
Put your ear near the back bottom of the fridge. Do you hear a low humming sound? That is the compressor running — good. If you hear clicking and then silence, the compressor is trying to start but cannot. If you hear absolutely nothing, the compressor is not getting power.
- 3
Clean the condenser coils
Unplug the fridge and pull it away from the wall. Remove the back bottom panel. You will see the condenser coils — they may be covered in dust, pet hair, and lint. Vacuum them thoroughly with a brush attachment. Dirty coils prevent the fridge from releasing heat and can stop cooling entirely. This is the number one maintenance task people skip.
- 4
Check the condenser fan
While the back panel is off, find the condenser fan near the coils. Spin it by hand — it should spin freely. If it is stiff, wobbly, or does not spin at all, replace the fan motor. The condenser fan pulls air across the coils to dissipate heat.
- 5
Check the start relay
The start relay is a small device attached to the side of the compressor. Unplug the fridge and pull the relay off the compressor (it usually just pulls straight off). Shake it — if you hear a rattle, it is bad and needs replacing. A bad start relay means the compressor cannot start up.
- 6
Reassemble and test
After cleaning the coils, checking the fan, and replacing the start relay if needed, put everything back together and plug the fridge in. Give it 4–8 hours to cool down. The fridge should be around 37°F and the freezer around 0°F.
If That Didn't Work
- Failed compressor (expensive repair)
- Sealed system refrigerant leak
- Bad thermostat or temperature control board
- Frosted evaporator coils (defrost system failure)
When to Call a Professional
If the coils are clean, the fan works, and the start relay is good, but the compressor still will not run, the compressor itself may have failed. Compressor replacement costs $400–$800 and requires a licensed technician with refrigerant handling certification. At that point, consider whether the fridge is worth repairing or if a new one makes more sense.
Related Repairs
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional repair advice. All repairs are performed at your own risk. RepairItFree.com is not liable for any personal injury, property damage, device damage, voided warranties, or other losses resulting from the use of this information.
If you are unsure about any step — especially anything involving electricity, gas, water, or refrigerant — stop and consult a qualified professional. Your safety is more important than saving money.
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