Why is my refrigerator not cooling but freezer has frost?

Author: Lindsey Blanda I  |  Last update: Tuesday, October 28, 2025

The defrost system is responsible for melting frost and ice buildup on the evaporator coils. If the freezer is cold but refrigerator is not, it could be because the defrost system has failed. There are several reasons why the defrost system could fail, but the most common is a faulty defrost timer.

Why is my freezer frosting up but fridge not cooling?

Blocked Vents: The cold air in the freezer is circulated into the fridge compartment through vents. If there's a frost buildup, these vents can get blocked, preventing the fridge from cooling. Ensure that there's no food or items blocking these vents inside.

Why is my fridge freezer freezer working but fridge not cold?

  • Temperature Control Issues : The thermostat might be malfunctioning.
  • Blocked Vents : Ensure that the air vents inside the fridge and freezer aren't blocked by food items.
  • Dirty Condenser Coils
  • Faulty Door Seals
  • Overloading
  • Refrigerant Levels
  • Ambient Temperature
  • Defrost Issues

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

Clear blocked air vents: Inspect the air vents inside the fridge and freezer compartments to ensure they are not obstructed by food or containers. Proper air circulation is vital for even cooling. Check the door seals: Inspect the rubber gaskets (door seals) around the refrigerator and freezer doors for damage.

How to fix a refrigerator that is not cooling but the freezer works?

Inspect and clean the condenser coil.

Once you've located them, check to see if you have dirty condenser coils. If so, unplug your refrigerator, and use a small vacuum attachment to clear them out. Next, use a coil cleaning solution and water for cleaning. Dry the coils with a clean cloth, and plug in the fridge.

Refrigerator not Cooling? Check these things first!

Does unplugging a refrigerator reset it?

Reset your refrigerator

Follow the instructions below depending on your model and what you would like to reset: Reset your refrigerator: First, unplug it (or turn off the power at the circuit breaker), and then wait about five minutes for the electrical charge to clear out of it. Then, power it back on again.

Why is my freezer freezing but my refrigerator is warm?

This can be caused by storing too many items in either compartment. Blocking the air vents prevents the proper flow of cold air between the freezer and fresh food sections. To fix it: We recommend keeping your refrigerator about 3/4 full for the best results. Check to see if there's anything blocking the air vents.

How do I get my fridge to start cooling again?

Make sure the temperature setting isn't too high
  1. Remove anything blocking the circulation vents. ...
  2. Keep enough food in your fridge. ...
  3. Check for an old or cracked gasket seal. ...
  4. Clean the condenser coils. ...
  5. Inspect the evaporator fan motor for clogs or damage. ...
  6. Ensure the condenser fan motor hasn't stopped.

What is the reason if refrigerator runs normally but no cooling effect?

Blocked air vents

If your fridge is not cooling, the air vents may be blocked. Blocked air vents can prevent cool air from filtering inside the appliance. Check the vents inside your refrigerator and freezer and remove any items that may be blocking them.

Should I unplug a refrigerator that is not cooling?

Resetting your refrigerator is simple and can help resolve functionality issues to get the temperature back on track. First, unplug or shut off the power to your fridge on your home's circuit breaker.

Do refrigerators have a reset button?

How do I reset my refrigerator compressor? If you switch the power off and wait a couple of minutes, it should set itself. There is sometimes a red overload button on or near the compressor, this will very occasionally trip, switch off, wait about 5 minutes then firmly press the button,...

Why is my Whirlpool refrigerator not getting cold but freezer is?

When you find your Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling but freezer works fine a defective evaporator fan motor is a common part malfunction. This motor powers the fan that blows cold air over the refrigerator coils. Without this fan refrigerant won't cool enough to maintain the refrigerator's temperature.

Is ice build-up in the fridge bad?

While it is normal to find a small amount of water or ice on the back of your fridge, it is not normal for there to be large amounts of frost/ice build-up inside your appliance. If you are finding that your fridge is densely covered in ice, follow the below steps to try and resolve the issue.

How to reset refrigerator compressor?

Shutting off the power to the refrigerator will give all of its systems—including the compressor—time to reset. Power down your refrigerator by unplugging it from the wall or shutting off the circuit breaker connected to the fridge. Leave the unit unplugged for five to ten minutes.

Why is my fridge not cooling enough but the freezer is ok?

Dirty condenser coils are a very common issue why your freezer works but the fridge is warm. The condenser coils are directly responsible for the movement of warm air out of your fridge and cool air into it, and they can malfunction or stop working entirely if they get dirty.

How much does it cost to fix a refrigerator that is not cooling?

Depending on the issue you're experiencing, fixing your fridge will average around $650, but you could pay anywhere from $200 to $1,300 or more.

How to tell if a refrigerator compressor is bad?

A hum or a slight buzz is typical, but if your refrigerator starts making strange or loud noises, the compressor might be struggling. Professional Repair Required: Compressors have numerous components, and diagnosing the source of the noise can be complicated.

Why is my freezer freezing my fridge?

In order to ensure the proper temperature, you need to allow room for proper airflow between the freezer and refrigerator compartments. If food is blocking these air vents, it will be exposed to more cold air and may freeze over time. (Blocked vents can also make it harder for your freezer to maintain its temperature.)

Why is my KitchenAid refrigerator not cooling but freezer is fine?

Restricted Airflow Between Compartments

Airflow between the refrigerator and freezer is essential for proper cooling. Warm and cool air moves through vents in the two compartments. If these vents are blocked, airflow becomes restricted, and your KitchenAid refrigerator won't cool while the freezer remains cold.

Is it good to unplug a fridge and then plug it back in?

Once you return to your cabin in the spring and plug the fridge back in, it will take awhile before it's cooled enough to store food. “Most refrigerator manuals advise you to wait at least 8 to 12 hours before it's safe to use again,” according to KitchenSeer.

How do I get my refrigerator compressor to kick on?

Reset Power
  1. Unplug your refrigerator. If the plug is too hard to reach, switch the circuit breaker off.
  2. Wait 5 minutes before returning power to the fridge.
  3. Once power is back, open your freezer and push the light switch 3 times to trigger a cooling cycle.
  4. Monitor temperature over the next 24 hours.

How long to leave the fridge off to reset?

Unplug the Refrigerator

You can disconnect your fridge from its power source by removing the power cord from the wall outlet or by flipping the correct circuit breaker in the breaker panel. There may be whooshing or knocking noises, which is normal. Remain unplugged for 10 minutes.

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