A warm refrigerator can quickly become a major inconvenience, especially when you open the door expecting cool air but are greeted with a wave of warmth instead. Many Frigidaire owners encounter this problem, and it’s often linked to a few common parts that affect how air circulates inside the appliance.
When the refrigerator section stops cooling but the freezer still works, the cause is often an airflow problem. Cold air from the freezer is not reaching the fridge compartment, and the most common reasons involve one of these three components:
- Damper motor
- Thermistor
- Control board
With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can identify the cause and get your fridge running properly again.
What You’ll Need
- 1/4-inch nut driver
- Multimeter
Safety First
Before beginning any repair, it’s important to follow basic safety precautions. Working with appliances involves electricity, sharp metal parts, and sometimes water, so preparation is essential.
- Unplug the appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before starting any repairs to avoid electrical shock.
- Turn off the water supply to the fridge. Keep towels nearby for catching any leftover water when parts are removed.
- Allow the appliance to cool if it has been running recently, as metal parts can retain heat.
- Work slowly and carefully. Rushing can cause mistakes and injuries.
- Use good lighting so you can clearly see what you are doing.
- Keep your workspace clear of clutter, and make sure children and pets stay away.
- Work with dry hands and keep the area dry to reduce the risk of electric shock.
- Read the user manual for any model-specific safety or installation instructions.
- Handle parts gently to avoid damage.
- Wear insulated gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges or debris.
- Avoid touching exposed wires or terminals. Use non-conductive tools if necessary.
- Do not test live voltage unless you are experienced in preventing short circuits.
- Wear safety glasses or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust, or heavy debris.
How to Troubleshoot a Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Cooling
Below are the steps to diagnose and fix common causes of cooling issues in the refrigerator section.
Preliminary Check
- Unplug the fridge whenever possible before working inside unless testing live voltage.
- Clean the condenser coils and vents to remove dust and debris.
- If cleaning does not fix the problem, proceed to troubleshooting steps.
Step 1. Access the Control Board
- Turn off the fridge and unplug it.
- Turn off the water supply to the fridge.
- Remove the three 1/4-inch screws under the control panel.
- Remove the water filter.
- Remove the 1/4-inch screw located at the back of the refrigerator at the top right behind where the filter was.
- Drop the cover panel down.
- Remove the two recessed 1/4-inch screws on the left side corners.
- Lower the control housing to access the control board.
- Press the two retaining clips to remove the control board from the housing.
Step 2. Test the Control Board
- Plug in and power on the fridge.
- Set a multimeter to Volts AC.
- Locate the P1 connector on the control board and identify the red wire with white stripe and the light blue wire.
- Place one meter lead on the red wire with white stripe and the other on the light blue wire.
- Check the meter reading for approximately 120 volts AC.
- If 120 volts AC is present, proceed to check the damper motor.
- If 120 volts AC is not present, unplug the fridge and test the thermistor.
Step 3. Test the Thermistor
- Set the multimeter to the resistance (Ω) setting.
- Disconnect the thermistor harness.
- Place a meter lead on each side of the thermistor connector.
- Check for a reading of approximately 10K ohms at room temperature.
- If the reading is not 10K ohms, replace the thermistor.
- If the reading is correct, proceed to check the damper motor.
Step 4. Check the Damper Motor
- Plug in and power on the fridge.
- Set the multimeter to Volts AC.
- Locate the blue and grey wires on the damper motor connection.
- Place one meter lead on the blue wire terminal and the other on the grey wire terminal.
- Turn the fridge off and then back on.
- Check for approximately 120 volts AC as the fridge powers up.
- If no voltage is present, power off the fridge and set the multimeter to continuity.
- Test each damper motor switch for continuity while pressing the button.
- Replace the damper if continuity is not present.
- Replace the damper motor if voltage is present but the damper does not open.
- Check for wiring issues if voltage is not present and the control board is confirmed to be sending power.
Preventative Habits to Keep Your Fridge Cooling Properly
Regular care can greatly reduce the chance of cooling issues:
- Clean condenser coils every 6 to 12 months to maintain efficiency
- Avoid overfilling the refrigerator, which can block airflow
- Keep items clear of the vents inside both compartments
- Check and clean door gaskets to maintain a tight seal
- Store food in airtight containers to reduce excess moisture
- Keep the temperature settings at recommended levels (usually around 37°F for the fridge and 0°F for the freezer)
- Limit the time doors are open to preserve internal temperatures
- Inspect for unusual noises during normal operation
- Defrost the freezer if ice buildup begins to form
- Schedule periodic maintenance checks if your appliance is several years old
In Summary
When the main fridge compartment stops cooling but the freezer is still cold, it usually means air is not moving where it should. Working through the problem step-by-step helps you find the cause without guessing. Start with simple checks like cleaning the condenser coils, then move on to testing the control board, thermistor, and damper motor. Once you repair the problem, regular care makes a big difference in keeping things cold. Wipe the coils every few months, avoid packing shelves too full, and look over the door seals to keep the cold air in. Small habits like these keep your fridge working well and save you from dealing with another warm fridge later on.