Side by side refrigerator not cooling but freezer is fine What to Check and How to Fix

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If your side by side refrigerator isn't cooling but the freezer is fine, don't worry, it's not the end of the world. This issue can be caused by a faulty thermostat or temperature sensor.

First, check the temperature settings in your refrigerator. Make sure they're set correctly, as a simple mistake can cause the fridge not to cool properly. The ideal temperature for a refrigerator is between 37°F and 40°F.

The condenser coils are another crucial part to check. If they're dirty or clogged, it can prevent the refrigerator from cooling. Clean the coils regularly to ensure they're working efficiently.

The evaporator fan motor might also be the culprit. If it's not working, the refrigerator won't be able to cool properly. Check if the fan is spinning freely and if it's not seized up.

A faulty defrost timer or a malfunctioning defrost heater can also cause this issue. The defrost timer controls the defrost cycle, and if it's not working, the refrigerator won't be able to cool.

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Refrigerator Not Cooling

Credit: youtube.com, Frigidaire Refrigerator Won't Cool but Freezer is Fine - How to Inspect and Test

If your side by side refrigerator isn't cooling but the freezer is fine, there are several potential causes. Dirty condenser coils can prevent the refrigerator from cooling while the freezer still works because they impede the release of heat from the refrigerant.

Blocked vents can also prevent the refrigerator from cooling, even if the freezer is working, by obstructing the airflow within the refrigerator. The vents allow cold air from the freezer to circulate into the refrigerator compartment, maintaining the desired temperature.

LG error code 67 could mean that there is a gap in the door, so check to see that nothing is preventing the door from closing fully. A torn seal can cause the door not to close properly.

If blocked vents or dirty coils aren't the culprit, then faulty parts may be the issue. The temperature control board is like the brain of your fridge and if it's malfunctioning, the fridge might not be getting the signal to cool, while the freezer carries on as usual.

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The evaporator coils are responsible for transferring heat, and if they're frosted over, they can't do their job properly. Defrosting your freezer can fix this issue by removing the frost that's preventing the evaporator coils from working correctly.

The condenser coils are responsible for getting rid of heat, and if they're dirty then they won't be able to do their job properly. Cleaning the coils with a vacuum cleaner attachment or a coil cleaning brush can fix this issue.

If the condenser coils are clean and the vents are clear, then it's likely that there's an issue with the compressor. This is a more serious issue that will require professional help.

The damper is a small door that regulates the flow of cold air from the freezer to the fridge. If it's stuck closed or not functioning properly, cold air won't make its way to the fridge, leaving it warmer than it should be, while the freezer stays frosty.

The thermistor measures your fridge's temperature and tells the system when it needs to cool things down. If it's faulty, your fridge might not know when to kick into gear, even though the freezer is working just fine.

A faulty damper control assembly can also prevent the refrigerator from cooling, as it regulates the flow of cold air from the freezer to the fridge. Inspecting the damper control can help identify if it's not functioning properly.

Air Vent Issues

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Blocked air vents can cause a warm fridge but a functioning freezer. This is because the cold air circulating between them is interrupted.

Checking the vents in the freezer is a good place to start. If something's in the way, rearrange your frozen foods to free up some space.

Make sure the vents on the back or sides of your fridge aren't blocked by food or other items. It's simple to inspect them for any obstructions.

Storing too many items in either the freezer or fresh food sections can block the air vents between them. This prevents the proper flow of cold air.

Keeping your refrigerator about 3/4 full is recommended for optimal results.

Evaporator Fan Problems

The evaporator fan is a crucial component in your side-by-side refrigerator, responsible for circulating cold air from the freezer to the fridge. If it's not working, your fridge won't get enough airflow to stay cool.

A defective evaporator fan motor is a common cause of this issue. If the motor malfunctions or fails, it can prevent the fridge from cooling properly.

Credit: youtube.com, Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Cooling in The Fridge Side | Bad Evaporator Fan Motor | WRS315SDHZ08

To check if the evaporator fan motor is defective, locate the evaporator fan in the freezer compartment, usually behind the rear panel. Carefully remove the panel and try to spin the fan blade manually.

If the blade feels stiff or doesn't spin freely, this indicates that the motor is failing, and the entire motor assembly will need to be replaced. A noisy fan is also a sign that it needs to be replaced.

Replacing the fan motor with the correct replacement part for your model is usually the solution to this problem.

Defrost System Failure

A side by side refrigerator not cooling but the freezer is fine is a frustrating issue.

Defrost system failure is a potential cause of this problem.

The defrost system failure can make it so the fridge isn't cold but the freezer is.

You can try advancing the timer dial to defrost cycle to see if the defrost heater comes on.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Troubleshoot Defrost System Problems in Refrigerators

If the defrost heater doesn’t come on within 30 minutes, the defrost timer may need to be replaced.

The defrost control board could also be the culprit, especially if the defrost heater still works but the defrost system isn’t kicking in.

To fix the defrost control board error, you might need to hire a refrigerator repair specialist.

A defrost system failure can be caused by a faulty defrost control board.

The evaporator coils are frosted over, which is a common reason for the cold freezer, warm fridge problem.

Defrosting your freezer can fix the issue by allowing the evaporator coils to transfer heat properly.

You can simply defrost your freezer by unplugging it and letting all of the ice melt.

Make sure to catch the water with towels if there is a lot of ice.

Freezer vs. Refrigerator Temperature

The freezer is working fine, but the refrigerator is warm - it's a frustrating problem that can leave you wondering what's going on. The temperature control board is like the brain of your fridge, and if it's malfunctioning, the fridge might not be getting the signal to cool.

Credit: youtube.com, Refrigerator not Cooling? Check these things first!

Dirty condenser coils can prevent a refrigerator from cooling while the freezer still works because they impede the release of heat from the refrigerant. The coils are responsible for dissipating heat, and when they're covered in dirt or debris, their efficiency is compromised.

Blocked vents can also prevent a refrigerator from cooling, even if the freezer is working because they obstruct the airflow within the refrigerator. The vents allow cold air from the freezer to circulate into the refrigerator compartment, maintaining the desired temperature.

The LG error code 67 could mean that there is a gap in the door, so check to see that nothing is preventing the door from closing fully.

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Refrigerator Door Issues

The refrigerator door is a crucial part of keeping your fridge cool. It needs to close fully to prevent warm air from entering and cool air from escaping.

If the door is constantly slightly open, it can cause the refrigerator to be warm. This is often due to an item being in the way or the seal being out of place.

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The seal should be checked to make sure it's working properly. Sometimes, it's just a matter of adjusting it to get a good seal.

If the door is closing all the way but still not sealing properly, it may be worth considering calling a professional repair team to take a look. They can help you figure out what's wrong and fix it quickly.

Faulty Components

A faulty thermistor can cause your side-by-side refrigerator not to cool but the freezer to work fine.

The thermistor measures your fridge's temperature and tells the system when it needs to cool things down. If it's faulty, your fridge might not know when to kick into gear.

You can test the thermistor with a multimeter by setting it to the appropriate resistance setting and placing the probes on the thermistor's terminals. If the reading doesn't change in response to temperature fluctuations, or if it shows no reading at all, the thermistor is defective.

Consider reading: Cool Whip Fridge or Freezer

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A defective thermistor can be replaced to restore proper cooling. You'll need to purchase and install a new one.

A broken thermistor will cause the compressor to run too often or not enough, leading to improper temperatures. This can be a common issue if your fridge has been working hard for a long time.

The temperature control board is like the brain of your fridge, and if it's malfunctioning, the fridge might not be getting the signal to cool. It's worth calling a professional to handle the repair if this is the case.

A defrost system failure can also cause your fridge not to cool but the freezer to work fine. This is because the defrost system helps to remove heat from the fridge.

The defrost control board engages the defrost system at certain intervals to maintain a stable temperature. If it stops working, your fridge won't be able to remove heat efficiently, resulting in warm temperatures.

The defrost timer makes the heater turn on throughout the day. If it's malfunctioning, the defrost heater might not turn on.

A defective evaporator fan motor can also cause the refrigerator side to stop cooling due to lack of circulation. You can test the motor by turning the fan blade by hand.

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LG Refrigerator Issues

Credit: youtube.com, LG Refrigerator test and reset tips and tricks easy fix troubleshooting Not cooling or freezing

Dirty condenser coils can prevent a refrigerator from cooling while the freezer still works because they impede the release of heat from the refrigerant.

If your LG refrigerator won't get cold but the freezer works, check the condenser coils first. They're usually located at the back or underneath the refrigerator and are responsible for dissipating heat.

Blocked vents can also prevent a refrigerator from cooling, even if the freezer is working, because they obstruct the airflow within the refrigerator.

Make sure the vents aren't blocked by obstructions such as food or ice buildup, which can restrict the airflow and prevent the refrigerator compartment from receiving sufficient cold air.

LG error code 67 could be related to a gap in the door, so check to see that nothing is preventing the door from closing fully.

Inspecting the door gasket for any damage is also a good idea, as a torn seal can cause the door not to close properly and affect the cooling process.

Faulty parts like the damper control assembly, evaporator fan motor, defrost control board, defrost timer, or broken thermistor might be the culprit if the condenser coils and vents are clean and clear.

Curious to learn more? Check out: How Do You Fix a Warm Fridge and Cold Freezer

Services

Credit: youtube.com, GE Refrigerator Won't Cool - Easy Ideas on how to Fix a Refrigerator Not Cooling

If you're experiencing issues with your side by side refrigerator not cooling but the freezer is fine, it's essential to identify the problem and find a solution as soon as possible.

Our team offers a range of repair services for various appliances, including refrigerators, freezers, and more.

If you're not sure what's causing the issue, we can perform a thorough diagnosis to identify the problem.

We provide repair services for refrigerators, which may include fixing issues with the cooling system, compressor, or other components.

A common issue with refrigerators is a faulty ice maker, which can be repaired by our team.

Our team also offers repair services for freezers, dishwashers, and other kitchen appliances.

Here are some of the repair services we offer:

  • Refrigerator repair
  • Ice maker repair
  • Freezer repair
  • Dishwasher repair
  • Cooktop repair
  • Stove repair
  • Range repair
  • Oven repair
  • Dryer repair
  • Garbage disposal repair
  • Top load washer repair
  • Front load washer repair

By choosing our repair services, you can trust that your appliances will be fixed efficiently and effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my side by side freezer cold but refrigerator warm?

Check the thermostat setting, as it might be set too low or turned off, causing the refrigerator to be warm. Adjusting it to 37°F may resolve the issue

Brett Cain

Senior Writer

Brett Cain is an experienced blogger with a passion for writing. He has been creating content for over 10 years, and his work has been featured on various platforms. Brett's writing style is concise and engaging, making his articles easy to read and understand.

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