What could be wrong with a refrigerator when not cooling but is running?

Question

it's a side by side and the freezer is working but the refrigerator is not cooling but the fan is working and i've cleaned every thing i can see under it

Answer 1

Usually, the freezer shares cold air with the refrigerator in a side-by-side so if it is working, the refrigerator side should also be working.

Check to see that the refridge dial set to the coldest setting.

Also, the cold air registers are located at the top back wall of the refrigerator - make sure it's unobstructed. Some designs also have cold air registers near the middle back wall and side walls - if you see these vents, make sure they are not blocked.

Finally, some high-end refrigerators (like Sub-Zero) use seperate compressors for the refrigerator and freezer. If you have this type of unit, it could be the compressor has failed on the refridge side.

Hope this helps!

Update: I bow to Thor, obviously an expert in this field. Seriously, I appreciate your expertise, Thor - I'll keep it in mind if I have this problem again. Aloha!

Answer 2

It is an airflow problem if the freezer is working. We know the compressor is working and your main thermostat is working.

Bruddah had good info about not covering vents.  

Most newer SXS's use a motorized damper that opens and closes to control the temp in the refrigerator. First check ice on the back wall of the freezer to check for and eliminate it being a defrost problem blocking the air.  Then most likely it is the damper that is bad.

On occaision it is the thermostat that controls the damper but that is rare.

I have changed many Whirlpool and GE dampers for this problem but fewer Fridgidaire's. It is not really a consumer repair. It is not difficult once you know how but it is not obvious.  

Good Luck.

Answer 3

It could be the compressor is low on freon or it's leaking freon out,or it's shot,cause the fan will run even if the compressor doesn't run,just like an a/c unit.