Refrigerator Problems Troubleshooting

Refrigerators, like many other important household appliances, are something that we often take for granted. There they are, standing quietly in the corner of the kitchen, quite inconspicuous to us. The only time that we ever probably sit up and take notice of their existence is, when something goes wrong with them. It's true, and I'm sure that you can relate to it. Only once a refrigerator develops some kind of problem do we bother to give it the attention and importance that it otherwise deserves.

Refrigerator-related problems are of varying types, and troubleshooting them in a systematic way helps the owner to get an idea about the necessary refrigerator repairs that need to be undertaken. Before we move on to refrigerator problems troubleshooting, here is a list of common refrigerator problems that one should be aware of:

Common Refrigerator Problems

• The light inside the fridge does not work.
• Cooling is less than normal or isn't happening at all.
• There is excessive cooling.
• The fridge makes too much noise.
• The fridge is working, but the freezer isn't.
• There is water leakage in the freezer.

Once you have identified the exact refrigerator problem, you can proceed with troubleshooting it in the following manner.

Troubleshooting Guidelines

• First and foremost, check the electrical connections. Ensure that the wire is in good condition and is plugged in properly.
• Make sure that the refrigerator door closes properly. Often, if the door remains ajar or does not close properly, it can lead to certain problems or complications in the functioning of the fridge.
• Closely inspect the refrigerator light and its push-button mechanism. Check for any split or broken wires. Also inspect the bulb filament. If it is broken, then you will have to replace the bulb.
• Inspect the thermostat controls i.e. the refrigerator cooling-temperature controls. There is a possibility that the knob might be set to an out-of-limit setting, or it could be that the knob itself is broken. At the same time, you should also check the freezer cooling controls and the fridge defrost button for similar issues.
• Lastly, examine the rear portion of the refrigerator that usually houses the condenser, condenser coil, condenser fan, evaporator, evaporator coil, evaporator fan and the coolant tubes. Check for any breakage, leakage or other similar problems.

Before attempting any repair activity, make sure you unplug the refrigerator cable from the power socket. If you find that the fridge is unbalanced, observe the casters i.e. legs and check whether each of them is at the same level. If not, then they will need to be adjusted such that the fridge eventually remains balanced and does not tilt towards any side. If the door happens to be a little loose or rackety, you may have to unscrew the hinges, apply a bit of grease or any other domestic lubricant on the moving parts, and screw it back on. In very rare cases will you actually have to replace individual parts of the door or the whole door itself. Next, clean the condenser coils and the surrounding area. Condenser coils are usually exposed to air, and tend to get covered with layers of dust, dirt, etc. over a long period of time. Use a dry brush or a dry rag for cleaning them. Inspect the condenser and evaporator fans. If there is any dirt or debris stuck in between the fan blades, you should remove it delicately using a soft brush. In case there happens to be a leak in one of the coolant tubes, you will be able to recognize it instantly by its distinctive smell. In such cases, it is better to get professional help rather than experimenting with it yourself. If the fridge has become unusually noisy, there may be a problem with the internal motor. Once again, it is recommended that you seek professional help as repairing or replacing the motor is a specialist job.

At the same time, it is always advisable to get your refrigerator serviced and checked by a professional technician on an annual basis. It can go a long way in keeping your refrigerator problem-free.