Fridge Light On But Not Cooling? Fix This Now

Having your refrigerator light turn on while the interior fails to chill can be frustrating. But some simple troubleshooting steps can get your appliance cooling properly again.

Before calling a repair person, there are several do-it-yourself things to check that may restore functionality. We'll walk through the common culprits behind a glowing yet warm fridge and how to target the defective part causing the issue.

Check Temperature Settings

Having accurate temperature settings is crucial for fridge operation. If controls are set too high, the compressor may not activate, preventing cooling despite the glowing interior light.

Double check your fridge and freezer temperatures are set properly. Recommended temperatures are 37degF to 40degF for the fresh food compartment and 0degF to 5degF for frozen foods. If your settings are higher than these ranges, gradually lower them and monitor if the compressor kicks on and starts chilling.

Impact of Improper Temperature Settings

Temps above the recommended range prevent the compressor and condenser coils from activating to produce cold air. Food also spoils faster if interior temps are too high. Checking and adjusting the control knob can be a fast fix to restore cooling.

Ideal Placement of Thermostat

To ensure accurate readings, the fridge thermostat should be centrally placed. Exposure to warmer spots like near the door or below heat sources impairs its ability to gauge and adjust the interior temperature.

Verify Airflow Around The Unit

Sufficient airflow is vital to proper fridge operation. Lack of ventilation leads to overheated components and inefficient cooling. Make sure your unit has adequate space on all sides.

As a general rule of thumb, allow at least 2 to 4 inches behind and above the appliance and 1 to 2 inches clearance on either side for air to circulate.

Check For Blocked Vents

Clogged vents can obstruct airflow, causing interior temperatures to climb. Use a vacuum with brush attachment to gently clean out dust buildup from rear vents.

Also double check vents have not become blocked by objects pushed too close against the back of the fridge.

Clean Condenser Coils

Your fridge relies on condenser coils to transfer hot air outside and maintain cool interior air. But accumulated dust/debris reduces efficiency, impairing cooling ability.

Unplug fridge and use a long-handled brush or vacuum to remove dirt from coils underneath or behind unit every 6 months.

For extreme buildup, seek professional cleaning. Blocked condenser coils force the compressor to overwork trying to achieve proper temperatures.

Consequences of Neglecting Coil Care

Failure to keep condensers clean makes it harder for the fridge to expel heat, leading to higher electric bills and breakdowns. Catching up on coil maintenance can restore cooling performance.

Test Compressor Functionality

The compressor activates to pump refrigerant and is vital for heat transfer and cold air circulation. An overheated or faulty compressor often prevents fridges from cooling.

After unplugging for 2 hours, plug fridge back in and listen for the compressor to turn on. Clicking noises signal it's trying but failing to start and professional repairs likely needed.

Overheated Compressor Causes

Lack of maintenance, reduced compressor fan operation, low refrigerant levels, electrical problems, and unclean condenser coils can all cause overheating issues.

Examine Defrost Settings

If your fridge has manual defrost mode, check it has not become stuck activated. This disables cooling to melt accumulated ice buildup.

Press defrost button again firmly to exit this mode once defrosting complete. If unsure, unplug and restart fridge to override settings.

Defrost Timer Unit Issues

Models with automatic defrost can still experience timer malfunctions, continuously cycling into defrost mode. Have an appliance technician evaluate and replace the defrost timer assembly if faulty.

Reset The Refrigerator

As a general troubleshooting step, unplug fridge and turn temperature controls to OFF. Leave unplugged for 5 minutes to reset compressor. Plug back in and reset both fridge and freezer temps.

Allow a few hours for temperatures to recover. If cooling issues persist, inspect other components before considering repairs or replacement.

When Resetting Fails

If resetting fridge does not resolve cooling problems, the issue likely requires professional diagnosis. Thermostat, compressor, condenser or evaporator coil malfunctions may be to blame.

Diagnose Non-Working Light Bulb

If interior light activates but produces no illumination, first check if bulb simply burned out. Replacement bulbs can resolve many basic lighting issues.

LED lightbulbs last longer but use a multimeter to check voltage to bulb if flickering or not turning on. No voltage indicates power supply problems.

Evaluate Power Supply

Lack of power prevents all electrical components like lights and compressor from activating. Verify fridge is properly plugged into outlet.

Check for tripped breakers, GFCIs, and outlet functionality. Call an electrician immediately if experiencing continued power disruptions only for the fridge.

Common Electrical Issues

Faulty power cords, outdated and overloaded electrical systems, voltage fluctuations, and loose bulb sockets can all cause intermittent power supply leading to cooling/lighting problems.

Inspect Door Seal and Alignment

If door seal is cracked or door misaligned, cold air leaks out causing interior temperatures to rise. Inspect seal condition and reseat door to resolve minor gaps.

While seal kits allow DIY replacement, significant door damage may require professional adjustment to regain cooling efficiency.

Refrigerator light glowing while failing to properly chill commonly stems from clogged condenser coils, compressor failure, defrost settings left activated, loss of power, or inadequate temperature regulation. Work through common troubleshooting techniques first before considering costly repairs or replacement.

Restoring functionality often proves simpler than expected. But for complex part replacements involving refrigerant handling, rely on trained appliance technicians to tackle repairs safely.