Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Cooling But Freezer Fine? (7 Fixes!)

Dealing with a Frigidaire refrigerator that is not cooling properly while the freezer functions fine can be a frustrating experience. It results in the inconvenience of having cold foods and beverages at the wrong temperature or potentially spoiling, while the freezer remains icy.

There are several possible reasons why your Frigidaire refrigerator may not be cooling despite the freezer working correctly. These include issues such as inadequate airflow, air leakage, a stuck or damaged damper control, or ice buildup on the evaporator coils. Other potential culprits could be a malfunctioning temperature control unit, defrost system, or evaporator fan motor.

Identifying the specific cause of the cooling problem in your Frigidaire refrigerator is essential for effective troubleshooting. In this guide, we will explore the aforementioned potential reasons and provide do-it-yourself repair solutions.

Equipped with this information, you will be able to take appropriate action promptly to restore your refrigerator to its optimal cooling performance. So, let’s begin the troubleshooting process and get your Frigidaire refrigerator back on track!

Quick Troubleshooting Guide

Probable Cause	Easy Fix
Fridge Stuffiness	Keep the fridge load capacity at approximately 75% and clean the condenser coils if they are dirty or clogged.
Air Leakage	Avoid prolonged opening of the fridge door and ensure it is closed properly. If the door seal is loose or worn out, replace it with a new one.
Stuck/Damaged Damper Control	Attempt to free up the damper control if it is stuck. If it remains unresponsive or broken, replace the damper control mechanism.
Ice Covered Evaporator Coils	Use hot air to melt the ice on the frosted evaporator coils. If this method is ineffective, consider replacing the evaporator coils entirely.
Faulty Temperature Control System	If the thermostat fails the multimeter test, replace it. Additionally, if the temperature control board is confirmed to be defective, replace it as well.
Faulty Defrost System	Depending on the faulty component, replace either the defrost thermostat, control board, or timer to restore proper functioning of the defrost system.
Faulty Evaporator Fan Motor	Test the evaporator fan motor with a multimeter and replace it if it does not show continuity during testing.

Why Is My Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Cooling Properly While the Freezer Works Fine?

If your Frigidaire refrigerator is not cooling properly while the freezer continues to function correctly, several possibilities should be considered:

Fridge Stuffiness 

Inadequate cooling can result from a congested refrigerator. This can be caused by two factors:

• Dirty Condenser Coils: Clogged condenser coils hinder efficient cooling by preventing the refrigerant from properly cooling. Regular accumulation of dust, debris, or dirt on the coils can impede their effectiveness.

Fix: Unplug your Frigidaire fridge and access the rear panels to reach the condenser coils. Clean them thoroughly using a condenser cleaning brush.

Food Overload

Overstocking the fridge can obstruct the circulation of cold air and block air vents, compromising cooling efficiency.

Fix: Reduce the overall food load in the fridge to maintain optimal airflow.

Air Leakage 

To cool effectively, a Frigidaire refrigerator should maintain a cold internal temperature and prevent the escape of warm outside air.

• Improper Door Closure: Leaving the fridge door open for extended periods allows warm air to enter or cold air to escape, hindering proper cooling.
• Loose or Worn-out Door Gasket/Seal: A loose or worn-out door seal allows cold air to escape, impacting cooling efficiency.

Fix: Ensure proper closure of the fridge door and avoid leaving it open for extended periods. If the door seal is loose or worn out, replace it.

Stuck or Damaged Damper Control 

The damper control regulates the flow of cold air into the refrigerator. When it becomes stuck or damaged, the Frigidaire unit fails to cool.

Fix: Inspect the damper control. If stuck, attempt to free it. If damaged, replace it.

Ice-Covered Evaporator Coils 

The defrost heater is responsible for periodically melting accumulated ice on the evaporator coils. However, a faulty defrost heater can lead to excessive ice buildup, inhibiting proper cooling.

Fix: Inspect the evaporator coils for ice accumulation. If covered in ice, use a hairdryer to blow warm air over them. If the issue persists, consider replacing the evaporator coils.

Faulty Temperature Control System 

A functional temperature control unit is vital for maintaining the desired cooling temperature (around 35-37°F). If this system malfunctions, the refrigerator won’t cool properly.

Components of the temperature control system include

• Temperature Thermistor: The thermistor provides temperature readings to the control board, enabling the evaporator fan and compressor to cool the unit. A faulty thermistor disrupts the cooling process.
• Temperature Control Board: The control board relays voltage information to the motors and compressor for cooling. If the control board malfunctions, cooling will be affected.

Fix: Test the thermistor using a multimeter. If it shows no continuity, replace it. Seek professional assistance for diagnosing and potentially replacing the temperature control board.

Faulty Defrost System

The defrost system is essential for removing accumulated frost, which allows the unit to cool effectively. If any component of the defrost system malfunctions, your Frigidaire fridge may not cool properly, even though the freezer may still freeze.

Components of the defrost system include:

• Defrost thermostat: The defrost thermostat monitors the temperature of the evaporator coils. If it malfunctions, the coils may accumulate excessive ice, leading to inadequate cooling.
• Defrost timer: The defrost timer controls the activation of the defrost heater to melt accumulated ice. A malfunctioning timer can result in ice buildup on the coils, preventing proper cooling.
• Defrost control board: The defrost control board manages the defrosting process to keep the evaporator coils clear for efficient cooling.

Fix: Use a multimeter to test the defrost thermostat and manually turn the defrost timer to check if it activates the heater. If any component is faulty, replace it. If the evaporator coils are excessively frosted, consider replacing the defrost control board.

Faulty Evaporator Fan Motor

The evaporator fan motor is responsible for circulating cold air across the evaporator coils, enabling them to cool the refrigerator. If the fan motor is defective, it can hinder proper cooling.

Fix: Test the evaporator fan motor using a multimeter. If it does not show continuity, it indicates a defective motor that requires replacement.

Frigidaire Side-by-Side Refrigerator Not Cooling But Freezer Is Working 

If your side-by-side refrigerator is not cooling properly while the freezer is functioning correctly, consider the following issues and possible solutions:

• Fridge overload: Check the food load in the fridge and reduce it if it is excessive, allowing for better airflow.
• Dirty condenser coils: Remove dust and debris from the condenser coils to ensure optimal cooling.
• Frost-covered evaporator coils: If the evaporator coils are covered in excessive ice, use a hairdryer to blow hot air over them. If this does not resolve the issue, consider replacing the coils.
• Faulty door seal: A worn-out or loose door seal can result in cold air leakage and improper sealing of the fridge door. Replace the door seal if necessary.
• Faulty evaporator fan motor: Test the evaporator fan motor using a multimeter. If it is defective, find a suitable replacement.
• Stuck damper control: Check the damper control and replace it if it is stuck.
• Malfunctioning thermostat or temperature control board: If the thermostat or temperature control board is malfunctioning, it can prevent proper cooling. Replace the faulty component as needed.

How to Reset a Frigidaire Refrigerator:

To reset your Frigidaire refrigerator, press and hold the Power-Freeze and Power-Cool buttons simultaneously for a few seconds. If this method does not work, try unplugging the refrigerator and then plugging it back in to initiate a restart.

FAQ

How Do You Fix a Frigidaire Refrigerator That Is Not Cooling? 

To fix a Frigidaire refrigerator that is not cooling, start by assessing the fridge load and reducing it if it is excessively packed. Additionally, inspect the condenser coils for dust buildup and clean them. Check the evaporator coils for excessive icing and use a hairdryer to thaw them if necessary.

How Do I Fix My Refrigerator Not Cooling But the Freezer Is Fine? 

If the refrigerator is not cooling while the freezer is functioning correctly, examine the condenser coils for blockages, the evaporator coils for ice accumulation, and the fridge for overstocking.

Why Would My Refrigerator Stop Cooling But the Freezer Still Work? 

A refrigerator may stop cooling while the freezer continues to function due to overstocking or air leakage caused by a loose or worn-out gasket. Other potential causes include faulty temperature control or a malfunctioning defrost unit.

How Do You Reset a Frigidaire Refrigerator? 

To reset a Frigidaire refrigerator, press and hold the Power-Freeze and Power-Cool buttons simultaneously for a few seconds. If this method does not work, unplugging the fridge and then plugging it back in may help initiate a reset.

Conclusion

Diagnosing and resolving cooling issues with a Frigidaire side-by-side refrigerator involves assessing various factors and potential solutions. By troubleshooting these common problems, you can often restore proper cooling functionality.