Side-by-Side Refrigerator Not Cooling – What Part Fixes This?
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Understanding the Problem
When a side-by-side refrigerator stops cooling properly it can be caused by several different systems failing. Common root causes include lack of airflow over the evaporator (often due to a failed evaporator fan or heavy frost), a failed compressor or its start device, problems with condenser coils or condenser fan motor, and sensor/control board faults. The symptoms can vary — from warm fridge but cold freezer, to both compartments being warm — and narrowing down the cause requires a few simple checks. Diagnosing the problem starts with listening and feeling: can you hear the compressor running? Is there airflow in the fresh-food section vents? Is the evaporator (in the freezer) frosted over? Simple checks like cleaning the condenser coils, inspecting fans for operation, and verifying the compressor and start relay can often identify the bad part. For electrical components and sealed-system failures you may need a multimeter or a professional technician because sealed-system repairs (compressor, refrigerant) require specialized tools and certification.
Common Symptoms
Fridge section warm while freezer is cold, entire refrigerator warm, excessive frost build-up in freezer, loud clicking noise from compressor area, fans not running, or fridge runs continuously without reaching set temperature.
Common Causes
- Evaporator fan motor failure or defrost system failure causing a frosted/blocked evaporator
- Compressor failure or faulty start relay/overload preventing the compressor from running
- Restricted airflow or heat-exchange problems (dirty/blocked condenser coils or condenser fan motor failure)
Popular Parts That Fix This Problem
These are the most common replacement parts that fix this problem. When you're ready to order, click below to find the right part at ProsourceParts.com — just search by your appliance model number for a guaranteed fit.
Helpful Repair Tip
Quick check: open the freezer door and listen for the evaporator fan running (a humming or whirring sound). If the fan is silent and the compressor is running or clicking on, the evaporator fan or its motor harness is a likely cause — if the evaporator is iced over, suspect a defrost system failure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fix a side-by-side refrigerator that isn't cooling myself?
Yes for basic checks: you can clean condenser coils, verify airflow by inspecting vents, listen for fans and compressor, and replace accessible parts like fan motors or start relays if you’re comfortable with basic tools and disconnecting power. Do not attempt sealed-system work (compressor replacement, refrigerant) unless you are a certified technician — those repairs require specialized tools and refrigerant handling certification.
How much does it typically cost to repair a refrigerator that won’t cool?
Costs vary: simple repairs (cleaning coils, replacing a fan motor or start relay) are often $50–$300 in parts and DIY labor; professional labor will add hourly rates. Sealed-system repairs (compressor, refrigerant) can be expensive — $500–$1500 or more — and sometimes exceed the value of an older fridge, so get a diagnosis and estimate before authorizing major repairs.
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Whether your dishwasher won't drain, your dryer stopped heating, or your fridge isn't cold, we've created simple repair guides for the most common appliance problems homeowners face. Each guide explains what's going wrong, the most likely causes, and which replacement parts fix the issue. When you're ready to order, we link directly to ProsourceParts.com where you can search by model number and get the right part shipped fast.