Engel Fridge Not Cooling

Engel fridges have been around for decades, and users often associate them with fond memories.

After all, these portable fridges double as trusty companions on every camping trip with friends or a family day out at the beach. Not to mention how the brand manufactures durable models that may even last upto 25 years without any severe issues. 

However, like any other electrical appliance, even Engel fridges are not immune to wear and tear and technical glitches. That said, you may be facing cooling issues due to a faulty component.

Sometimes, the problem is not with the cooling system but with handling issues, such as overstuffing the fridge and not closing the fridge door properly. 

Fortunately, there are easy fixes for most of these problems, which we will discuss today. So, read on and ensure that your food and beverages remain cold on your next outdoor picnic. 

Engel Fridge Not Cooling — Possible Causes And Fixes

1. Incorrect Temperature Settings 

Setting the temperature very high is one of the most common culprits behind a fridge that is not cooling even though the green power light is on. 

How To Fix It

Before you troubleshoot the temperature control knob, it is best to remove all the contents so that you can access the feature. Moreover, always remember to unplug the fridge from the power source to prevent any mishaps. 

Once the fridge is empty, look for the temperature control knob in the interior and ensure that the temperature is not set too high. As a rule of thumb, you should set the fridge at two and a half to keep your food fresh and prevent frozen items from melting. 

However, the ideal temperature may vary depending on the outdoor climate, so reduce the temperatures by turning it anti-clockwise and observe whether the cooling is adequate. If you don’t notice any significant change after a few minutes, the problem may be a malfunctioning control knob. In such a situation, you will have to hire a professional to replace the part. 

2. Incorrect Placement

Engel fridges placed in tight spaces without ventilation may have less cooling or stop cooling altogether. On that note, covering the fridge parts, such as the compressor and coils, restricts airflow and interferes with the cooling process. 

How To Fix It

Most experts recommend allowing a space of at least three inches between walls or counters and your Engel fridge. Similarly, maintain a distance of more than one inch between the fridge top and ceiling to allow airflow. 

3. Defective Compressor

Sometimes dubbed as the “heart” of the fridge, the compressor pumps the refrigerant through the unit to keep the contents cool. Needless to say, a defective compressor means your fridge won’t get cold.

How To Fix It

Remove the contents in the fridge, unplug it from the power outlet, and leave it for a few hours. Then, plug it back and check if you can hear the noise of the compressor running. It is worth noting that compressors give out due to aging and have to be replaced every few years. 

Nevertheless, you should hire a professional to install a new compressor if the old one is malfunctioning or stops working. 

Engel Fridge Not Cooling Enough — Possible Causes And Fixes 

1. Outside Temperature

Most models of Engel refrigerators come with pre-set temperature levels, which have to be adjusted according to the outside temperature. So, users must lower the temperature during warmer weather and dial up the knob during cold winters. 

How To Fix It

If your Engel fridge does not stay cool after lowering the settings, ensure that the fridge is stored in a cool and well-ventilated area. As a rule of thumb, you should avoid placing the fridge in stuffy garages or under direct sunlight. 

On a side note, the temperature gauge indicates the internal temperature and allows users to maintain optimal conditions. So, consider replacing the part if it stops working to rule out any guesswork. 

2. Door Alignment

Although a rookie mistake, leaving fridge doors partially open is another common cause of an Engel fridge that does not get cold. Apart from opening the fridge too often, misaligned doors may not close correctly, thus allowing in warm air. 

How To Fix It

First off, you should ensure the door seals running along the sides of the fridge doors are securely attached and are absolutely air-tight. Also, remember that door seals get worn with age, thus allowing warm air to enter and cold air to escape through the cracks.

Moreover, dirt buildup can prevent the doors from closing completely, so ensure that they are clean. One of the possible solutions for these problems is to buy replacement gaskets. 

3. Dirty Condenser Coils 

As the name suggests, condenser coils are responsible for cooling the refrigerant and allowing cool air to circulate. Since they are located behind the fridge and often escape the user’s attention, condenser coils are prone to catching pet hair, dust, and dirt. 

How To Fix It

Dust and other contaminants that clog condenser coils can affect their performance, thus reducing the cooling functions of the fridge. So, always remember to vacuum or clean any dirt buildup with a coil-cleaning brush. 

For dirty coils that have not been cleaned for months or years, you may have to use a soap solution to get rid of the stubborn buildup. 

4. Overstocking

Engel fridges are designed for portability and may not offer as much space as regular-sized fridges. That said, it is easy to overstock the fridge, limiting the air circulation that keeps all the contents fresh and chilled.

How To Fix It

To ensure that all the fridge parts are adequately and equally cool, you should consider spacing out the contents. And to avoid overstocking, make it a point to dispose of perishables that are no longer safe to consume. 

Also, ensure that the food items do not block air vents that circulate cool air. 

5. Internal Light Not Going Off

The internal power light in your Engel fridge should go off every time you close the fridge door. On that note, a light that doesn’t turn off indicates that the cooling has been deactivated. 

How To Fix It

A trained professional should replace a faulty internal light to prevent cooling issues. However, there are plenty of online video tutorials you can refer to while changing the bulb.

Additional Tip

Although it may sound a bit strange, many users swear by flipping the fridge upside down to restore its cooling abilities. However, there is a logical explanation behind this “hack.”

When the fridge is flipped over, the refrigerant lubricating oil in the compressor runs down the cooling lines to dislodge contaminants that may be blocking the passage of cold air. Here’s how to perform this DIY trick:

Step 1 Remember to unplug the fridge and switch it off before you flip it over. 

Step 2 Now, turn the Engel fridge upside down and let the refrigerant lubricant spread around the motor for at least 24 hours. 

Step 3 Once you flip the fridge back, you will have to wait for the lubricating oil to return to the compressor. The recommended wait period for most models is a minimum of 24 hours. 

Step 4 Turn the fridge back on and wait about an hour to two before checking whether its cooling abilities are restored. 

Fridge Evaporator Fan Stopped Working — Possible Causes And Fixes

1. Faulty Fan Motor

The evaporator fan motor is a crucial component responsible for circulating cold air in the unit. Once it stops working, your fridge will automatically heat up and defrost. 

How To Fix It

First off, locate the evaporator fan, try to spin the blades with your hand, and check if you feel any resistance. Alternatively, you can run a continuity test to confirm whether the fan motor is functioning — if not, you have to replace the part. 

2. No Voltage

An evaporator fan motor that does not receive any voltage transmission won’t work. On that note, the part requires at least 120 volts for optimal functioning. 

How To Fix It

Like any other electrical appliance, the best way to test the voltage in the fan motor is to run a continuity test. Here, you will have to attach a digital multimeter to the voltage terminal and hope that the reading shows at least 120 volts. And to prevent any inaccuracies, ensure that the test leads do not come in contact with the fridge cabinet.

We recommend hiring a technician to solve no or low voltage issues. 

3. Defective Thermostatic Control

Apart from disconnected cables, the most common cause of low voltage is a defective thermostatic control. 

A functioning thermostatic control is an essential component in the cooling system as it regulates the temperature inside the fridge by controlling the compressor. Here, the compressor will switch on when the fridge interiors become warm and shut down when it is cool enough. 

How To Fix It

To test the thermostatic controls for continuity, you will have to remove it from the fridge cabinet and attach the multimeter to both the voltage terminals using alligator clips. Replacing a defective thermostatic control is the best fix if there is no voltage. 

4. Frozen Or Dirty Fan Blades

Sometimes, evaporator fan blades may get clogged with ice, which blocks their movement and prevents them from pulling in warm air. Similarly, dust buildup on the fan bearings may hinder their functions. 

How To Fix It

First, you must open the evaporator fan cover to check whether there are any obstructions. For excess ice accumulation, you will have to defrost the buildup. On a side note, it’s crucial that you do not straighten the angled fan blades, which are bent to support their functions. 

As for dust and grime, oiling the parts may resolve the issue. And if neither of these solutions works, you will have to get replacement parts.

Engel compressor replacement cost

Engel compressor replacement cost can vary depending on the model of the refrigerator and where the replacement is being done. It’s essential to shop around and get quotes from various service providers to ensure you’re getting a fair price.

It’s also important to factor in the cost of labor, as well as any additional parts that may be needed. It’s a good idea to have a professional diagnose the issue with the compressor before proceeding with replacement, as there may be other underlying problems that need to be addressed.

Overall, replacing a compressor is a significant expense, but it is often necessary to keep the refrigerator running efficiently and avoid costly repairs in the future.

Final Words

It’s always a bummer to discover food that is getting spoiled and beverages that are still warm even after hours in the fridge. And for Engel fridge users who may have had these units for decades, saying goodbye to their reliable fridges maybe even more heartbreaking. 

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to fix cooling issues — from regular cleaning and maintenance to hiring a professional for complicated hardware issues. In fact, customers have come up with creative ways to ensure that their faithful Engel fridge doesn’t give up on them. 

On that note, you can call a friend over and flip the unit upside down to restore its cooling properties. And once you flip it back, don’t forget to celebrate with a cold beer in the great outdoors.