It's always bad when expensive equipment breaks down, especially something as important as a refrigerator or freezer. This creates a lot of inconvenience, and you have to spend money on repairs. But when the refrigerator does not freeze, you should not immediately start worrying, since not in all cases the breakdown is complex. Quite often you can fix it yourself.
All models of refrigerators (Hotpoint ariston, Ardo, Beko, Bosch, Candy, Daewoo, Electrolux, Gorenje, Haier, ( Hayer), Hansa, Hitachi, Indesit, Liebherr, LG, Nord, Polair, Pozis, Sharp, Shivaki Shivaki), Siemens, Snaige, Stinol, Samsung, Toshiba, Vestel, Vestfrost, Whirlpool, Zanussi, Elenberg Elenberg), Biryusa, Yuryuzan, Atlant, Oka Sviyaga, Ocean, Minsk) breakdowns are typical in nature, which means they have specific signs. In some cases (but not always), you can carry out diagnostics and repairs yourself.
Defrost mode enabled
Some modern models are equipped with this button. That is, just press it to start the defrosting process. The refrigerator itself does not need to be unplugged. This is convenient because the freezer continues to work. But sometimes the button is located inside the case. The user himself may accidentally press it, as a result of which the operation of the device is suspended. That is, you need to turn off this mode for the refrigerator to work again.
What to check
What are the reasons why the refrigerator works, but does not freeze at all or only cools the food a little? A problem does not necessarily indicate a problem. First you need to check a few things:
- Check to see if the unit is connected to the mains and if the electricity indicator is working. Perhaps the cord will be pulled out of the outlet. You just need to connect it to power
- Check how tightly the door is closed. Even a small gap between the housing and the seal negatively affects the operation of the equipment.
- Adjust settings. Perhaps you accidentally turned on the defrost mode and forgot. Switch the equipment to normal mode. In addition, a high temperature can be set. Please note that in summer the temperature in the chamber rises, so it is adjusted depending on external factors. But it is not recommended to set the thermostat to maximum - the compressor may break.
If during the inspection none of the above were found, it means that the refrigerator is not freezing due to breakdowns of various components and mechanisms. Let's talk about them further.
Seal wear
This problem often causes the temperature in the refrigerator compartment to rise. Seals dry out over time and become unusable. This is especially true for domestic models of refrigerators, which use cheap rubber.
The cold passes through the cracks, causing the temperature to rise by 2 to 4 degrees.
The problem is that the compressor is forced to work harder to provide the chamber with enough cold. That is, the likelihood of its breakdown increases.
Expert opinion
Borodina Galina Valerievna
If you find defects in the seal, you should buy a new one and replace it. You can do this yourself.
Preparing garden products for the winter
After picking, the berries must be sorted, sorted, washed and dried. For freezing, it is better to take the most beautiful, large and ripe, but not overripe fruits. Carefully pour the prepared berries in one layer onto a tray and place in the freezer. When they freeze, they need to be poured into a container or bag to preserve their integrity and structure. This method applies to tender strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Currants, cranberries, gooseberries, and cherries can be frozen immediately in a bag; they will not lose their shape when thawed.
Frozen cherries
Temperature sensor faulty
The thermostat breaks from time to time.
If the control is electronic, then you can see what the temperature is in the refrigerator compartment, but with mechanical control this is impossible. It is recommended to install one or more thermometers in the refrigerator for 10 - 12 hours to understand what the temperature is.
You can also try changing the temperature several times to make sure that the problem is with the temperature sensor. When you are sure of this, you need to call a specialist to replace this part.
It is possible that the user himself set the wrong temperature mode. Then you need to change it. If there is an electronic display, it is clear what the temperature is in the refrigerator compartment. But if it is absent, you need to change the mode mechanically and wait. If the sensor works, the problem will solve itself.
#1 – Incorrect installation
The operating principle of a refrigerator is not “production of cold”. It simply removes excess heat from the chamber to the outside through a heat exchanger on the rear wall. If the refrigerator is installed near a device that produces heat (radiator, stove), it will not cool properly.
The distance to the walls and position play an important role. There are several basic installation rules:
- It is not recommended to place the refrigerator in the corner;
- The distance from the heat exchanger to the wall is at least 10 cm;
- You should not hang cabinets or shelves above the refrigerator.
The distance to the walls depends on the volume of the refrigerator, power, and location of the heat exchanger. Some manufacturers have special requirements. Therefore, read the instructions so that there are no problems with operation.
Compressor overheating
Sometimes the engine overheats as a result of operating at maximum power.
Gently touch the engine with your hand. If it is hot, then the thermal protection may have tripped. The problem is solved by turning off the refrigerator for 2 - 3 hours. During this time the compressor must cool down. It is also worth changing the temperature regime.
Frequent overheating of the compressor will lead to its breakdown. Repairs will be expensive; sometimes it is cheaper to buy a new refrigerator.
If the device began to operate in normal mode after being turned off, then air stopped flowing into the unit or there was not enough air. That is, it needs to be moved a little away from the wall. If the problem persists, then you need to contact a specialist.
The refrigerator does not freeze well and does not turn off - what is the reason
If the refrigerator works without interruption, and the temperature in the chambers does not reach average levels, you need to look for a place to put the food away. Most likely, the repair will involve revision of the cooling circuit. This is possible if a gas leak has occurred and the freezer compartment of the refrigerator begins to freeze poorly. The assumption will be confirmed if, after clearing the ice, the refrigerator refuses to freeze at all.
The compressor works without interruption because the chambers do not have the required temperature. But if it works for a long time without stopping, it will also fail. Therefore, it is in the interests of the equipment owner to diagnose the malfunction as early as possible.
Problems after defrosting
Often the refrigerator begins to freeze poorly after defrosting it.
It is difficult to determine the cause of the malfunction yourself; it may be as follows:
- Refrigerant leakage as a result of mechanical damage to the tubes (for example, when ice was removed with a knife). It is necessary to determine the location of the microcrack, repair it and pump the refrigerator with refrigerant. The technician must determine what type of refrigerant is used in a particular model, since mixing them can cause damage to the device.
- The generator has stopped producing cold or is producing insufficient quantities. You won’t be able to determine the cause of this on your own; you need to call a specialist.
- A faulty magnetic bypass or a stuck damper causes cold to flow into the freezer but not into the refrigerator. In this case, you need to call a specialist.
- Blockage in the capillary tube. This is indicated by the presence of ice deposits on the rear panel. The technician must clean the tubes, after which operation will be restored.
- Problems with the No Frost system. Typically, the refrigerator automatically defrosts when the frost level reaches a predetermined level. After this, the defrost mode is disabled. But this does not always happen and defrosting may take a long time.
- The fan is broken. This can be found out by listening to the operation of the device. If there is no noise, then most likely the problem is in the fan.
Expert opinion
Borodina Galina Valerievna
If there is a refrigerant leak, you need to find the location of the crack. This requires special equipment, so you will have to call a specialist.
No. 11 – Damage during transportation
During transportation, lifting and installation, there is a risk of damaging the copper tubes and heat exchanger. The radiator on the rear wall can be inspected visually. And copper tubes can be damaged in the compressor area.
It is also important to wait a while before turning on the refrigerator after transport. If you don't do this, there is a risk of seriously harming him. We wrote how many hours the refrigerator should stand in this article: https://vteple.xyz/pochemu-nelzja-vkljuchat-holodilnik-srazu-posle-dostavki/.
During transportation there is a risk of damaging the refrigerator body. Moisture will penetrate into the thermal insulation through the crack and saturate it. The properties of the insulating material will deteriorate, and heat will penetrate into the chamber.
Self-diagnosis instructions
Have you ever had a situation where your refrigerator stopped freezing?
Was the caseNever
Before calling a specialist, you need to conduct your own investigation to understand what is causing the problem.
There are several standard steps that need to be performed:
- Pay attention to the “Defrost” button. In some models it is present and installed inside the refrigerator compartment. The user himself may accidentally press it, as a result of which the refrigerator compartment stops working.
- Study the seals. They should fit snugly against the walls. If they are torn, then the cold escapes through the cracks. In this case, you need to replace these elements.
- The sensor may be faulty. This can be checked by adjusting the temperature.
- If the compressor is very hot, the refrigerator could overheat. Here you will have to call a specialist.
You must first try to determine the cause of the malfunction. If you cannot do this, then you need to call a specialist. After diagnostics, it will become clear how advisable it is to repair the unit. Sometimes it is more profitable to buy a new one. This is especially true for older refrigerators that are 10 years or more old. It is difficult to find parts for them, since the manufacturer has not produced these models for a long time, and the parts used in assembly have been replaced with more modern ones.
To reduce the likelihood of breakdowns, it is necessary to defrost the refrigerator in a timely manner, operate it correctly and move it slightly away from the wall. The seal will gradually tear and come off, this is a natural process. It is important to replace it in a timely manner so as not to force the compressor to work at increased power. Then the device will serve for a long time without problems. As for replacing the thermostat and other small parts, repairs here will not be expensive. Since the components remain approximately the same, finding them on the market is not a problem, regardless of the age of the refrigerator.
Question answer
After a power surge
- Check the RCDs and circuit breakers on the panel in the apartment or house, perhaps the “plugs” have simply been knocked out.
- If it doesn’t freeze after a strong voltage drop, the surge protector built into the case has failed.
- The motor winding burned out.
- The electronic control board is burnt out.
The last three problems will require major repairs, so be careful.
After moving or relocating
Remember, when dragging you didn’t hit a hard surface or dropped it on your side?
- If you fall on your side, there is a risk that the motor inside the compressor unit (that black thing at the back under the radiator) will fly off the spring-loaded guides, bend the tubes and the system will stop cooling.
- The loaders hit the radiator against the wall and the circuit depressurized. There will be a specific unpleasant smell. You'll have to look for the leak and refill the freon.
The problem occurs after defrosting
If after defrosting your unit stops cooling, don’t panic right away. Perhaps it is simply reaching the required temperature. Wait about a day. During this time, the device will return to operating mode.
If after 24 hours the problem has not disappeared, and the engine runs almost without interruption, then one of the troubles described above has occurred. In this case, you will have to find the problem and carry out repairs.
One of the cameras is not working
Sometimes one of the chambers, upper or lower, is not cooled, it doesn’t matter.
The reasons are a little higher.
The secret to freezing greens
Rinse fresh herbs, fresh from the garden, under running water and squeeze a little. You should not completely dry the grass; this is where the peculiarity of this method lies. Next, take a small bunch (one or two times), wrap it tightly with cling film, preventing air from getting inside. Place all the bunches in a container or bag, press them down and put them in the freezer. The method of freezing wet herbs helps preserve the vibrant color, and once thawed, the aromatic herbs will look like they were recently picked.
Another interesting way to store greens for the winter in the freezer is in ice cubes. Place finely chopped herbs into portioned containers, add a small amount of water and place in the chamber. Pack the finished green ice in a flat container and store at low temperature, and remove and use as needed.
Greens from the freezer
The refrigerator is one of the most important household appliances in every apartment, as well as in offices and dormitories. When it is faulty, people become helpless, the usual way of life changes. In order not to disturb the rhythm of life, treat the things that surround you carefully and carefully.
