how do you fix a mini refrigerator that is not cooling

Why is my mini fridge not cold enough?

Jan 23, 2019 · A family member gave me this mini fridge that stopped cooling. They bought a replacement and were just going to discard this one, so I decided to see if I co...

How to fix a mini fridge that won't get cold?

The first step in diagnosing a failing mini fridge is to slide the unit out and carefully listen for the sounds the compressor may or may not be making. If the Compressor is Running The job of the compressor is to compress the freon and push that freon into the condenser.

How to fix Maytag refrigerator not cooling, Part 1?

How do you fix a mini refrigerator that is not cooling? Vacuum the coils under or behind the fridge. Clogged coils can cause poor cooling. Check to make sure nothing is stuck in the condenser fan and that it spins freely (models with coils on the back won't have a fan). To do this, unplug the fridge and pull it out. Click to see full answer.

How to repair a refrigerator that is not cooling?

Jan 14, 2019 · Thankfully, fixing this problem is as easy as dusting. Locate your appliance’s condenser coils — they’re typically in the back or on the bottom of the fridge — and use a brush to get rid of dust. (They even make a special brush just for this purpose.)

Why is my mini refrigerator not getting cold?

Some of the many reasons a mini fridge may not be running properly could be due to an issue in the sealed system, a failed compressor, failed evaporator fan motor, condenser fan motor, or a thermostat. Other issues could range from evaporator coils, start relays, the control board, or a restriction in the drier filter.

How do you reset a mini fridge?

1:132:36Refrigerator Troubleshooting, Hard Reset, and Liquid Temperature ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf the cause of your issue is still a mystery you'll want to try what is called a hard reset unplugMoreIf the cause of your issue is still a mystery you'll want to try what is called a hard reset unplug your unit from the wall for 30 to 45. Minutes then plug the unit back in this will reset the unit.

Why is my refrigerator running but not cooling?

The most common reason why a refrigerator is not cooling is a problem with the evaporator coils. Over time, evaporator coils can become covered with ice, which prevents the coils from working properly. If the coils are covered in ice, the ice will need to be defrosted to fix the problem.Sep 1, 2021

How do you troubleshoot a mini fridge?

0:0416:46Mini Fridge Refrigerator Troubleshooting - Part 1 of 2YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd these is one of the easiest things to identify what some of the problems are because it's a veryMoreAnd these is one of the easiest things to identify what some of the problems are because it's a very simple circuit we just have really one motor there's no fan motors with these small refrigerators.

Is there a reset button on mini fridge?

0:192:53Easy Refrigerator Fix, Reset (Defrost Timer) Switch, if it stops running ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's like an on/off switch this is after you have Manfredi to check if your refrigerator has stoppedMoreIt's like an on/off switch this is after you have Manfredi to check if your refrigerator has stopped running.

Will unplugging a fridge reset it?

Unplug your refrigerator Disconnect your fridge from its power source by removing the power cord from the wall outlet. You may hear some whooshing or knocking noises after you do so; that's normal. Make sure your fridge stays unplugged for several minutes, otherwise the reset won't work.Jun 15, 2021

Why is my fridge not cold but freezer is?

When the fridge is not cold but the freezer is, the problem is probably tied to one of your refrigerator's mechanisms not working as designed. Evaporator fan: Every refrigerator contains a set of coils called an evaporator, which makes the inside of the fridge cold.Aug 17, 2020

What is the first thing to check when a refrigerator stops working?

If Your Fridge Has Stopped and the Light is Off As obvious as this sounds, often a fridge shuts down completely because it's simply getting no power. The first thing to check is the breaker (in your home's electrical service panel) of the circuit serving the fridge.

How do you know if your refrigerator compressor is bad?

Pay attention for half an hour. If you do not hear it, then there is an issue. If you do hear the compressor working but your fridge is not cold, or you hear it running constantly without shutting off, then it is likely there is an issue with the compressor as well.

How long do mini fridges last?

Remember, mini fridges last between 6-14 years, but probably should be replaced at the 10 year mark. Make sure that you clean and care for your fridge to ensure that you get the best investment.

What can I do with a broken mini fridge?

Local electrical or gas utilities may run appliance recycling programs. Those that do often offer incentives to donate appliances for recycling. Transfer stations/waste management facilities may have the resources to properly dispose of a refrigerator on-site, if you have a way to transport it there.Oct 11, 2018

How do I know if my mini fridge is broken?

7 Major Warning Signs That Your Refrigerator Is BrokenIt's Not Cold Enough. Are you not feeling a chill when you open your fridge? ... Your Food is Spoiling Quickly. ... There's Condensation. ... Ice Is Building Up in the Freezer. ... The Motor is Hot. ... It's Loud. ... There's Water on Your Floor. ... Signs Your Refrigerator is Broken.Oct 7, 2019

Why is the temperature control setting on my refrigerator wrong?

Uh-oh, did something bump into your temperature control panel? Before you do anything else, check this first. As one of the most common snafus, it’...

What should I do if my refrigerator condenser coils are full of dust?

If you’ve been neglecting your condenser coils, you’ll want to clean them ASAP. When dust collects on them, the coils are unable to regulate the fr...

How do I know if my refrigerator’s gaskets need to be replaced?

Over time, the seals around the doors of your fridge, known as gaskets, suffer from wear and tear. When this happens, they don’t seal as well as th...

Could my refrigerator be overloaded?

When’s the last time you cleaned out all those leftovers? If you can’t remember, it’s time to do a purge and toss anything that’s looking a bit sus...

Does it matter where my refrigerator is located?

The room environment where the refrigerator is placed can affect its thermometer. If the space is too cold, like, say, your second fridge in the ga...

What should I do if the refrigerator fan motor isn’t working?

This is where we get into some of the more serious issues. The condenser fan motor is responsible for cool air circulation, and if neither your fri...

How will I know if the evaporator fan motor is broken?

If your fridge isn’t cooling properly but your freezer seems just fine, a faulty evaporator fan could be the reason. A fridge that moans and groans...

Is it possible that my refrigerator’s start relay is faulty?

This will cause problems with your fridge’s compressor, aka the part that circulates the refrigerant through the system. Remove the relay and test...

Why is my mini fridge not working?

Some of the many reasons a mini fridge may not be running properly could be due to an issue in the sealed system, a failed compressor, failed evaporator fan motor, condenser fan motor, or a thermostat. Other issues could range from evaporator coils, start relays, the control board, or a restriction in the drier filter.

Why does my mini fridge make a click sound?

When a person hears a click on a refrigerator, followed by a motor sound, this means that the start relay has just started the compressor. If there are no audible clicks when the mini fridge is plugged in, then chances are the start relay has failed. It would need to be replaced in order to start the compressor.

What is the evaporator in a refrigerator?

The evaporator is an important piece of the sealed system that evaporates the freon to produce a cooling effect. It is connected directly to the condenser by the capillary tube. If the capillary tube is not leaking, then the evaporator could have gone out. Sometimes, mini fridges, like their bigger counter parts, have evaporator coils.

What is a drier filter?

A drier filter is located in the sealed system, and its job is to filter freon from compressor oil, as well as water condensation. Image Credit: Youtube.com.

What is the job of a compressor?

The job of the compressor is to compress the freon and push that freon into the condenser. If the first step determines that the compressor is running, then the refrigerator could have a faulty sealed system. The sealed system consists of the compressor, evaporator, and condenser. The job of the condenser is to cool the gas after flowing ...

What is a control board on a mini fridge?

Control Board. Newer models of mini fridges have something called a control board. The control board is like the “brain” of the refrigerator. It can help to save power, dial in a specific temperature number, and even do a power cool cycle if the door has been open too long.

Why is my compressor struggling?

When the condenser fan motor (if equipped) fails, then the compressor will be struggling because the heat will not be exchanged properly. As mentioned earlier, the job of the compressor is to compress the freon and push it in to the condenser. If the condenser and the compressor are unable to exchange heat properly due to a fault condenser fan ...

Why is my fridge not cooling?

If your fridge isn’t cooling properly but your freezer seems just fine, a faulty evaporator fan could be the reason. A fridge that moans and groans is another clue that you might have a broken fan.

Why does my refrigerator shut off?

The room environment where the refrigerator is placed can affect its thermometer. If the space is too cold, like, say, your second fridge in the garage, it might shut off because the appliance thinks it’s already up to temp. If the room is too hot, it could run constantly.

Why does my fridge leak air?

Over time, the seals around the doors of your fridge, known as gaskets, suffer from wear and tear. When this happens, they don’t seal as well as they should, causing the fridge to leak cool air. Check to see if your gaskets have any cracks or tears or are loose. If so, you’ll want to have someone come out and replace them.

How to get rid of dust in fridge?

Locate your appliance’s condenser coils — they’re typically in the back or on the bottom of the fridge — and use a brush to get rid of dust.

Can overloaded fridges circulate air?

If you can’t remember, it’s time to do a purge and toss anything that’s looking a bit suspect. Overloaded fridges can’t circulate cool air properly, and there’s also a possibility that items in your fridge could be blocking the cold air vent. 5.

Why is my mini fridge not working?

If blocked vents aren't causing your air flow issue, you could have a faulty fan in your mini fridge. If your fridge has condenser coils on the bottom instead of the back, check the condenser fan to make sure it moves freely; if not, you may be able to DIY this fridge repair by replacing the whole part if you're handy.

How to reset a refrigerator that is not cold enough?

Check the Thermostat. If your refrigerator is getting power but isn't cold enough, check the thermostat. It's easier than you think to bump a dial or press a button that turns the temperature up, so reset the temperature to your desired range and close the fridge back up.

What to do if mini fridge fan blade is broken?

If a fan blade is broken or if it doesn't move, you can replace the whole refrigerator part on your own or call in a service professional. When your mini fridge isn't working, take a deep breath and work through these refrigerator troubleshooting steps before you panic.

What to do if paper slides out of refrigerator door?

If the paper slides out easily, your refrigerator door gasket needs to be replaced. Be sure to test all sides of the door before ruling out this problem. For a quick fix, you may be able to use the door lock to hold the door in place (if your fridge has one). Try the paper test again, locking the door this time.

How to run a mini fridge?

This may sound laughably basic, but making sure your mini fridge is getting the electricity it needs to run is always the first step. Double-check to make sure the cord is plugged in tightly and that it hasn't been loosened by vibrations from the compressor over time.

How to check if refrigerator door seal is tight?

You can test the door seal by placing a piece of paper part way in the door before closing it. Tug on the paper: If you feel tension and it's a bit difficult to remove, the seal is fine. If the paper slides out easily, your refrigerator door gasket needs to be replaced. Be sure to test all sides of the door before ruling out this problem.

Where are the condenser coils on a mini fridge?

Check the Condenser Coils. On most mini refrigerators and beverage coolers, the condenser coils are located on the back. This means that fridge should stand a good three inches away from the back wall, and there should be proper spacing along the sides if you don't have a front-venting, slide-in model.

How cold should a refrigerator be?

According to the FDA, a refrigerator’s temperature should be set to 40°F or lower , while the temperature of a freezer should be at 0°F.

What happens if your refrigerator gasket is torn?

If your gasket has torn, you should replace it and see if your fridge stays cooler. The cold air can’t circulate.

What is the purpose of a condenser coil?

Condenser coils carry the hot gas produced by the compressor up to the evaporator coils. As the refrigerant travels through the coils at a high pressure, it cools and turns back into a liquid. Clogged condenser coils can produce poor circulation of air, restricting your fridge’s ability to keep cool.

What is the compressor in a refrigerator?

The compressor is the part of the fridge that compresses and pushes refrigerant vapor into the coils outside of the fridge. The pushing and pressure creates heat, forming hot gas that later cools and absorbs heat from the freezer and fridge.

What is the fan on a refrigerator?

The evaporator fan is the part of the fridge that blows the cool air you feel when you open the door. It pulls air across the evaporator coil, cooling it, and then pushes the air through the freezer and refrigerator. If the evaporator fan does not work or kick on when the compressor does, your unit will not be able to produce cool air.

What does an air damper do?

The air damper controls how much cold air is shared from the freezer to the fridge. If the air damper can’t close or can’t open, it can impact the temperature of the fridge while the freezer stays the right temperature. When the air damper can’t open, cold air cannot travel from the freezer to the fridge compartment, making it warmer.

What is compressor start relay?

It is a black, tank-like part. The compressor start relay is the part that feeds the cords into the compressor. You will need to pull your fridge away from the wall to access both parts. Make sure you unplug your refrigerator from its power source before you start.