My fridge might be broken, can I fix this myself? Freezer still works!?

Question

I opened my fridge today for about 15 minutes to clean it out. Towards the end of the cleaning, the light bulb suddenly went out. I figured it was no big deal, went to replace it, and it didn't work. Then I noticed that the fridge was not getting cool. I opened the freezer to find it still running as normal. About half an hour later, the fridge is not cooling still. I'm worried it might be broken. Anyone know what might be wrong with it? Is it fixable? And how expensive is it if I have to get a professional?

Answer 1

Something similar happened to me a couple of months ago, where the fridge didnt get cold but the freezer did but my light never went out.  I had to replace the thermostat.  It wasnt expensive, like $8.00. It was simple to replace, connect two wires and clip on to a metal cord, but it was kinda hard to get to. Not positive but it might be worth researching.

Answer 2

All the cooling for the fridge comes from the freezer so if the freezer is working you have a couple of possiblilites. First the coil myight be froze, simple defrost for 12-18 hours and plug it back in.  The other problems you are not going to be able to fix without pulling the unit apart and checking electrical parts for proper operation.

Answer 3

When you were cleaning, did you accidently move a dial or switch that controls the temperature of the refrigerator? There is usually some sort of switch inside most refrigerators, usually mounted in the back of the fridge. Did you break the switch that turns on the bulb? That switch is usually mounted somewhere where the door can strike it to turn off the light when the door is closed. Hope this can help.

Answer 4

Check to see if you moved the frig dial while cleaning it. If freezer works the frig works sometimes when people clean the fridge they move the dial which close the flap to let air in from freezer section.I have made many of service calls $45 each by having to go move a dial from somebody cleaning fridge or kids moving it.