As a rule, refrigerators are the most dependable of all large appliances. Even so, they do fail to do their jobs adequately on occasion, and when they do, the results can be disastrous because expensive food can spoil in a hurry.
Though most problems call for a refrigerator repairperson, there are a few simple repairs you can handle yourself by checking the power, controls, condenser coils, and other parts outside of your refrigerator's sealed, hermetic system.
Remember that the best way to lengthen the life of a refrigerator is to clean the condenser coils once a year—or more frequently if they get dirty. It is recommended to clean condenser coils on certain types of refrigerators, such as side-by-side and built-in models, at least twice a year.
If you have a refrigerator with the black coils mounted on the back, these coils don't require semiannual cleaning.
To operate, a refrigerator needs electricity. If the refrigerator's light doesn't work and it's motor doesn't run:
- Check the power. Make sure the receptacle works (plug in a working lamp or a circuit tester). If the receptacle doesn't work, check for a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse.
- Be sure the cold control is turned on.
- If you discover that the refrigerator is plugged into a working outlet and the cold control is on but the device shows no signs of life, leave the door closed to retain the cold air and call an appliance repairperson.
If your refrigerator freezes its contents, even when the cold control is set to its lowest setting, the cold control is probably defective. Call an appliance repairperson.
As a rule, refrigerators are designed to maintain 36 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the refrigerator box and 0 to 5 degrees F in the freezer box. Setting either compartment to lower temperatures generally costs you extra in energy dollars.
If the icemaker keeps making ice, even when full:
1) Lift the bail wire to shut it off.
2) Empty the bin, remove the icemaker, clean it, and reinstall it.
3) If the problem persists, consider having an appliance repairperson remove and replace the entire icemaker and valve. With this type of problem, it's often better to replace the unit rather than pay for the repair.
As a rule, refrigerators are the most dependable of all large appliances. Even so, they do fail to do their jobs adequately on occasion, and when they do, the results can be disastrous because expensive food can spoil in a hurry.
Vibrating noises are generally caused by loose parts (such as loose condenser coils or compressor "tubing rattle") or rollers and feet that sit unevenly on the floor.
Look for any part that is loose. Then remove the bottom trim piece by lifting it off its supports, and check the feet at the front of the unit. If necessary, turn the adjustable feet up or down so they contact the floor squarely.
Leaking under a refrigerator may be caused by a condensation tube that doesn't drain into a pan or by a clogged freezer drain.
If your icemaker has frozen up, here's how to thaw it:
1) Unplug the refrigerator.
2) Remove the ice bin and any loose ice from the icemaker.
3) Find the fill tube, the white rubber-like hose that delivers the water into the icemaker.
4) Pull the small metal clip off the housing that holds the fill tube down (not all icemakers have this clip).
5) Warm the hose and surrounding mechanism. To do this, you can train a hair dryer on the icemaker to melt any ice blocking the mechanism.
Sop up dripping water with a rag. Be very careful when using the hair dryer near water, and do not stand in a puddle of water; there is a serious risk of electrical shock.
Also be careful not to melt the plastic parts. If you don't want to use a hair dryer, you can soak the supply tubing with hot water, using a turkey baster and catching the overflow in the empty icemaker bin. In some cases, it may be easier to remove the icemaker to thaw out the fill tube.
As a rule, refrigerators are the most dependable of all large appliances. Even so, they do fail to do their jobs adequately on occasion, and when they do, the results can be disastrous because expensive food can spoil in a hurry.
Though most problems call for a repairperson, there are a few simple repairs you can handle yourself by checking the power, controls, condenser coils, and other parts outside of your refrigerator's sealed, hermetic system.
Remember that the best way to lengthen the life of a refrigerator is to clean the condenser coils once a year—or more frequently if they get dirty.