REFRIGERATOR TROUBLESHOOTING

Every household relies on its refrigerator, so it can cause a lot of stress when it’s not working as it should. You may be able to troubleshoot minor issues yourself, whereas others may require you to schedule a service call.

This guide will introduce you to some troubleshooting methods for certain refrigerator problems, to help get your fridge back to chilling all your favourite ingredients and leftovers.

THE FIRST THING TO DO WHEN A REFRIGERATOR ISN’T WORKING

When your refrigerator stops working, the first thing you should do is refer to your owner’s manual for troubleshooting help and possible solutions. 

Next, inspect the power source to confirm that the appliance is plugged in and the outlet is working. If the other items plugged into the same outlet are operating, then your unit may be experiencing a problem.

COMMON REFRIGERATOR ISSUES AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS TO FIX THEM

From freezing food to warm temperatures and leaky water lines, homeowners must know how to spot possible refrigerator issues and how to repair them. Many refrigerator issues may be simpler than they seem, whereas others can be difficult. If you are uncomfortable with diagnosing or fixing your refrigerator’s problem, you should call a licensed professional. 

Keep reading to learn about some possible refrigerator issues and solutions.

1. THE REFRIGERATOR WON’T COOL

If you find that your refrigerator is not cooling, you should fix it right away to prevent food from spoiling. Luckily, the solution may be simple.

POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS

• Confirm that the power cord is properly connected to the outlet and the power supply is on. You can also check the fuse that services the refrigerator.

• Make sure that your refrigerator is located in a place where the temperature falls within the recommended range. A refrigerator operating outside of the recommended range may result in temperature fluctuations and incorrect internal temperatures.

• Check if the condenser coils are dirty. Routine cleaning of the condenser is unnecessary, but if the surrounding area is excessively dusty, dirty or greasy, or you have pets, consider cleaning it every 2-3 months. Consult your owner's manual for instructions on how to clean the condensers for your unit.

• The factory preset for temperature controls is typically "mid setting," which should work for normal use. You know that the controls are correct when beverages are cold to your liking.

• Confirm that the cooling function is on. Depending on the model, the cooling function may need to be turned on manually after a power surge or outage. Furthermore, a fridge can sometimes be turned off by mistake while being cleaned.

• Be sure to give your refrigerator about a day post-installation to reach the correct temperatures. During installation, make sure that nothing can prevent the door from sealing when closed, such as packaging or interior shelves and bins.

• A refrigerator can warm up if you add a large number of items to it. A refrigerator may need several hours to return to its correct temperature after you add many warm items.

• It’s best to get every item you need out of the refrigerator at once. To do so, keep food organized and easy to find, and close the doors as soon as you’re done. 

2. THE REFRIGERATOR IS COLLECTING WATER OR LEAKING

A leaky refrigerator may cause a lot of issues, including damaging your flooring. If you see water anywhere close to your refrigerator or under it, or water has pooled inside, some potential solutions may remedy the problem.

POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS

• If you notice water leaking from the back of your unit, ensure that the water line that connects your water supply to the refrigerator is not cracked or damaged. If it is, shut off the water supply to your refrigerator immediately.

• Inspect each accessible connection, such as the supply valve and the connection point of the supply tubing onto the back of the unit. Ensure the tubing is properly inserted into all fittings and is tightened.

• Consult a licensed professional if you can’t confirm the source of the leak.

3. THE REFRIGERATOR DOOR WON’T CLOSE PROPERLY

If your refrigerator doors can’t close properly, you may only need to make a minor adjustment.

POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS

• If your refrigerator was recently installed, double-check that all packaging has been removed.

• It’s important to ensure your refrigerator and its doors are level. Your refrigerator doors are most likely not level if one door keeps opening when the other is closed. Consult your owner's manual or installation instructions for leveling information.

• You need to regularly clean the gasket for the doors to open and close effectively. Dirt and other particles tend to build up on the gasket surface and may cause an improper seal or resistance. Inspect the door gasket regularly to make sure it is free and clean of dirt or particles. 

• Ensure that shelves or packaged items are not preventing the door from closing. 

4. THE REFRIGERATOR IS MAKING UNUSUAL NOISES

If your refrigerator is producing a slight hum, don’t worry, as this is normal in many instances. Keep in mind, however, that some noises may indicate a problem that requires your attention or professional help.

POTENTIAL CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS

• Squeaking or grinding may result from the doors rubbing against surfaces, like cabinets, when opening.

• Vibrating or rattling sounds may be from refrigerant flowing through the cooling system or water running through the water line. It could also stem from items being stored on top of the refrigerator or the refrigerator not being level.

• A gurgling sound can simply be refrigerant flowing through the tubes after a cooling cycle.

5. THE REFRIGERATOR IS PRODUCING AN ODOUR

An odour coming from your refrigerator may affect the taste and quality of your food and beverages. Luckily, most odours can be removed with some simple cleaning. Routinely cleaning the inside of your refrigerator may help prevent a buildup of odours.

POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS

• Clean spills right away

• Tightly wrap or cover foods

• Throw away any rotten or spoiled food

• Clean each section of your fridge and freezer monthly

• Maintain an organized refrigerator and freezer. This will help ensure you don’t forget about food and beverages before they expire.

• Clean under your refrigerator regularly, getting rid of any dirt or items trapped underneath. 

• Select models have an air filter, which is typically more powerful and effective than baking soda at reducing or eliminating common food odours inside the refrigerator. If your refrigerator is equipped with an air filter, replace it regularly according to the indicator tab.

6. THE ICE MAKER DOESN’T WORK

Many households use their ice maker regularly to produce ice cubes for cocktails or protein shakes. If your ice maker is not working, there are a few ways to troubleshoot the problem. 

POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS

• Replace the water filter

• Flush the water system

• Inspect the water supply line

• If you hear a buzzing sound, this may indicate ​​that the ice maker is not connected properly to a water supply.

• Ensure the ice maker is activated. 

• Double-check if the ice maker is jammed.

7. THE REFRIGERATOR WATER FILTER IS LEAKING OR DAMAGED

A refrigerator’s water filter should be replaced every 6 months, once the indicator light turns on or as needed. An incorrectly installed or clogged water filter can minimize the water flow to the ice maker and dispenser and may result in several problems.

POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS

• Replace your water filter 

• Flush the water system once the filter is replaced.

• Use the water dispenser to dispense water while monitoring the amount of flow. Then, remove the filter and dispense water. If the water flow increases, the filter may be incorrectly installed or clogged. A clogged filter should be replaced to achieve the correct flow.

• Replace your water filter, if necessary. 

• Flush the water system after replacing the filter.

8. THE REFRIGERATOR LIGHT IS TURNING ON

A refrigerator’s interior light helps you find the food and beverages you’re looking for. If the refrigerator light is not working, try one of these solutions.

POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS

• On select models, if the doors have been opened for some time, the interior lights will turn off automatically. Close the doors to reset the lights.

• The interior lights are typically controlled via the door switch. This switch turns on once the door is opened and closed. If the switch doesn’t work properly, the interior lights will remain off. The location of the door switch varies by model. That said, in most fridges, it is often located near the top or bottom of the door opening. To ensure that the door switch achieves proper contact, inspect the following:

  • Confirm that the refrigerator is level and the doors are aligned.

  • Ensure that no electronic devices or magnets are within three inches of the switch.

• Sabbath Mode may be turned on. This mode is for the traveller or those whose religious observances require turning off the lights at certain times. When you select this feature, the control panel lights, interior lights and control audio deactivate, but the temperature set points remain unchanged. Consult your owner’s manual to deactivate Sabbath Mode.

• If you recently installed or moved your refrigerator and/or the doors were removed, make sure the wiring plug is connected as instructed. Always disconnect the power or unplug the refrigerator before checking.

• Many new refrigerators have LED light bulbs that don’t need to be changed. If your refrigerator or freezer has a traditional light bulb, double-check if it is loose in the socket and, if so, tighten it. If you need to replace the bulb, use one of the same size, shape and wattage (no greater than 40 watts). It’s recommended to always consult your owner’s manual for directions.

HOW TO LEVEL A REFRIGERATOR

Start by checking if the floor under the refrigerator is level. If not, use shims to properly level it. Then, open the refrigerator doors to 90 degrees and take out the base grill. Try closing the doors to help stabilize. With someone’s help, follow the instructions in your owner’s manual to adjust the leveling feet on the brackets using a ¼ inch open-ended wrench. You can raise or lower each levelling foot independently.

An unlevelled refrigerator or a unit with unaligned doors could have trouble closing the doors properly. These issues could also result in frost build-up, moisture problems, vibrations and noise, temperature fluctuation, among others.

THE CORRECT TEMPERATURE FOR A REFRIGERATOR

KitchenAid^® refrigerators have 37°F as the factory setting. Remember that different zones have different temperatures. 

For example, foods like almond butter and chutney should be kept in the door compartments since these sections experience greater fluctuations in temperature when opening and closing the door. Meat and dairy, however, should be stored in the bottom shelf or at the back of the fridge, as these are the coldest spots.

Read this guide to learn more about refrigerator temperatures. 

IS THERE A RESET BUTTON ON THE FRIDGE?

Most refrigerators do not have a reset button, but you can still reset them manually with these three steps: 

1. Turn off the unit at the circuit breaker or unplug the refrigerator for 5 - 10 minutes.

2. Turn on the refrigerator at the circuit breaker or plug it back in.

3. Confirm that the cooling function is turned on and working.

TIPS FOR PREVENTATIVE FRIDGE MAINTENANCE

Effective care and maintenance of your fridge will ensure that it works as intended and prevent issues from happening. Keep reading to learn a few preventative steps that can help your refrigerator stay in good condition.

1. CLEAN THE FRIDGE’S INTERIOR MONTHLY

Taking some time every month to clean the interior of your fridge may help to keep your refrigerator and freezer compartments organized, ensuring there’s no expired or spoiled food. Monthly cleanings may also help remove and prevent odours from developing. It’s recommended to hand wash your fridge’s interior, including the bins and rails, with a mild detergent. 

2. CLEAN THE CONDENSER COILS ANNUALLY

You should clean the condenser coils annually to help ensure your refrigerator runs as it should and remove dirt and residue that can build up on the coils. Consult your owner's manual for model-specific instructions.

Please note that not all condenser coils must be cleaned. Check your owner's manual for instructions for your model.

3. REPLACE THE AIR FILTER

Replacing your refrigerator’s air filter twice a year can prevent certain food odours from forming inside your unit. Air passes through the filter, helping to neutralize odour and some bacteria. A new air filter can help contribute to a fresher-smelling refrigerator.

4. INSPECT DOOR SEALS AND GASKETS ANNUALLY

You should inspect your refrigerator’s door seals and gaskets annually. This can help ensure your refrigerator remains in good condition and help prevent condensation or frost build-up that may stem from air leaks.

SHOP KITCHENAID® REFRIGERATORS

If you’re shopping for features that go above and beyond simply keeping ingredients cool or looking for craftsmanship that delivers stunning and modern feels, fits and finishes, KitchenAid brand has a model for you.