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Review

11 Common Refrigerator Issues - Here's How to Fix

AZparts Team

Updated on Today

13 min read

Your refrigerator is one of the most essential appliances in your home, quietly working day and night to keep your food fresh. But when it suddenly stops cooling, starts leaking, or makes unusual noises, it can quickly disrupt your daily routine. Instead of panicking or rushing to call a repair service, you might be able to solve the problem yourself if you know where to look. In this article, AZParts provides helpful, easy-to-understand information to help you identify the most common refrigerator issues and what you can do about them.

1. Common Refrigerator Issues and Quick Fixes

Refrigerators can run into a wide range of problems over time, but not all of them require a professional repair. Below, we've listed the most common refrigerator issues you’re likely to encounter along with simple, practical fixes you can try at home.

1.1. Refrigerator Not Cooling Properly

If your refrigerator is running but not keeping your food cold, there may be several reasons behind the problem. This issue is very common and is often related to how the refrigerator is installed, used, or maintained.

Possible causes:

The refrigerator is placed in a hot area or near direct sunlight
Food or containers are blocking the air vents inside
The temperature setting is too high or has been changed by mistake
The door seal (gasket) is dirty, damaged, or not sealing properly
The refrigerator is not level, which affects how the door closes and how the system works
The condenser coils are covered in dust, making it hard for the fridge to release heat

How to fix:

Move the refrigerator to a cooler spot, away from heat or direct sunlight
Rearrange the food to make sure air can flow freely inside
Check the temperature setting and adjust it to around 37–40°F (3–5°C)
Clean the door gasket with warm soapy water and replace it if it is worn or broken
Use a level tool to check if the refrigerator is standing evenly and adjust the feet if needed
Clean the condenser coils using a vacuum or soft brush to help the fridge cool better

Refrigerators not cooling properly can due to blocked vents or dirty coils (Source: AZParts)

1. 2. Freezer Works, Fridge Doesn’t

If your freezer is still cold but the fridge section is warm, it usually means that cold air isn’t moving properly from the freezer to the fridge.

Possible causes: This can happen when the air vents are blocked by food or ice, or when the fan that pushes cold air between the two compartments stops working. In some cases, a small door called the damper, which controls airflow, may be stuck closed or broken. Frost buildup inside the freezer can also block air circulation.

How to Fix: To fix this, try removing any food that’s covering the vents and make sure nothing is blocking the airflow. You can also listen for the fan inside the freezer if it’s not spinning, it might need to be replaced. If there’s ice buildup, defrost the freezer fully to restore proper airflow. Also check if the fridge is set to the right temperature.

1. 3. Refrigerator Leaking Water on Floor

Water pooling under or around your refrigerator can be frustrating and even dangerous if someone slips. This issue often comes from just a few common causes, and many of them can be fixed at home without special tools.

Possible causes and How to Fix : One of the most frequent reasons is a clogged defrost drain. When this drain gets blocked by food particles or ice, the water from the automatic defrost cycle has nowhere to go and may spill onto the floor.

To fix it, you can try clearing the drain by pouring warm water into the small hole usually located at the back wall of the freezer section. If needed, use a thin, flexible tool like a pipe cleaner or plastic tube to gently remove any debris.

Another possible cause is a problem with the water supply line that connects to the ice maker or refrigerator water dispenser. If the plastic tubing behind the fridge is cracked, loose, or frozen, it can lead to slow leaks over time.

To check, unplug the fridge and carefully pull it away from the wall. Look for any moisture, damage, or loose connections where the line meets the fridge or the shut-off valve. If the hose is damaged, replacing it is usually simple and affordable. Just remember to turn off the water supply before making any changes.

Refrigerator Leaking Water on Floor is very dangerous issues (Source: AZParts)

1.4. Refrigerator make Strange Noises

Some noise from your refrigerator is normal, especially when it's running or cooling down. But if you hear loud, buzzing, clicking, or rattling sounds that don’t go away, it may mean something is wrong.

Possible causes: In most cases, the noise comes from the condenser fan or evaporator fan, which can become dirty, loose, or worn out over time.

How to Fix: To troubleshoot, unplug the fridge and carefully check the fans, usually found at the back or inside the freezer. Look for dust, dirt, or anything blocking the blades. Cleaning the fan area with a soft brush or cloth may solve the problem. If the noise continues, the refrigerator fan motor might be faulty and need replacing. Also, make sure the fridge is level and not touching the wall or cabinets, as this can cause vibrations.

1.5. Ice Maker Not Working

Possible causes : If your ice maker has stopped working or is making too much ice and overflowing, the issue is often related to the water inlet valve. This valve controls the flow of water into the ice maker. If the water pressure going to the valve is too low (under 20 psi), the valve may not close completely when it should. As a result, water can leak into the ice maker, causing it to overflow or not work properly.

How to Fix: First check your home’s water pressure to make sure it’s at least 20 psi. If the pressure is fine but the ice maker is still overflowing or not producing ice at all, the water inlet valve itself may be damaged or stuck open. In that case, replacing the valve is often the best solution. AZParts provides trusted replacement parts like refrigerator ice maker auger, refrigerator water inlet valves which are compatible with various brands.

Ice Maker Not Working is related to the water inlet valve (Source: AZParts)

1. 6. Fridge Runs Constantly

If your refrigerator seems to run all the time without stopping, it may be working harder than it should. This can lead to higher energy bills and extra wear on the motor.

Possible causes and How to Fix : One common reason is dirty condenser coils. When the coils are covered in dust or debris, the fridge can’t release heat properly, so it keeps running to stay cool. Try unplugging the fridge and gently cleaning the coils with a brush or vacuum.

Another reason could be that the temperature is set too low, causing the fridge to run more than needed. Check the settings and adjust to a normal level (usually around 37°F for the fridge and 0°F for the freezer). Also, make sure the fridge door seals are clean and tight if cold air is leaking out, the fridge will keep working to maintain temperature.

If you’ve checked all these things and the fridge still runs constantly, the problem could be a faulty refrigerator thermostat, defrost refrigerator timer, or evaporator fan motor.

Refrigerator Defrost Timer at AZParts (Source: AZParts)

1.7. Refrigerator Door Keep Opening

Possible causes and How to Fix

If your refrigerator door won’t stay closed, it can lead to warm spots inside, spoiled food, and extra energy use. One of the first things to check is whether items inside the fridge are blocking the door. Large containers or food sticking out from shelves can prevent the door from closing fully. Try rearranging the contents and make sure nothing is in the way.

Next, take a look at the rubber seal (gasket) around the door. If it’s loose, cracked, or dirty, it won’t create a tight seal. Wipe it clean with warm, soapy water. If it’s damaged, replacing the gasket will help fix the issue. Also, check if the fridge is tilted slightly backward, this helps the doors stay shut. Use a level to check, and adjust the feet if needed.

In some cases, the hinges may be worn out, especially in older fridges. If the door sags or feels loose, the hinges might need tightening or replacing.

1.8. Bad Smells in Refrigerator

A strong or unpleasant smell coming from your fridge is never a good sign.

Possible causes and How to Fix: Most of the time, it’s caused by spoiled food or spills that weren’t cleaned up properly. Start by checking all items inside, throw out anything that looks old, expired, or has leaked. Then, remove the shelves and drawers and wash them with warm, soapy water to get rid of lingering odors.

Sometimes, the smell can stick even after cleaning. In that case, try placing an open box of baking soda inside the fridge to absorb the odor. You can also use activated charcoal or coffee grounds for a similar effect.

If the smell still doesn’t go away, there could be a hidden issue like food debris stuck in the drain pan underneath the fridge or a blocked defrost drain, where moisture and bacteria can build up. Pull the fridge away from the wall and carefully inspect the back or bottom area. Clean any standing water or buildup you find.

Bad smells in the refrigerator can make it unpleasant to use. (Source: AZParts)

1.9. Refrigerator Light Not Turning On

If you open your fridge and the light doesn’t come on, don’t assume the whole appliance is broken; most refrigerators will still keep your food cold even if the light is out.

Possible causes and How to Fix : The most common cause is simply a loose or burnt-out bulb. Try tightening the bulb gently or replacing it with a new one that matches the correct type and wattage.

If changing the bulb doesn’t help, the issue might be with the light switch, which is usually a small button on the inside frame that gets pressed when the door closes. Make sure it’s not stuck or dirty. You can press it manually to see if the light turns on.

In rare cases, the problem could be electrical, like a faulty wiring connection or control board issue. If you've checked the bulb and switch and the light still won’t work, it’s best to contact a professional.

1.10. Moisture or Condensation Inside Fridge

Seeing water droplets, foggy shelves, or even small puddles inside your fridge? That’s a sign there’s too much moisture building up inside.

Possible causes and How to Fix: This often happens if the fridge door seal isn’t tight, letting warm air sneak in. Check the rubber gasket around the door if it’s cracked, dirty, or loose, clean it or replace it to keep the cold air in and humidity out.

Opening the fridge too often or leaving the door open for long periods can also cause condensation, especially in hot or humid weather. Try to limit how long the door stays open, and avoid overloading the fridge so air can circulate better.

Make sure your temperature settings are correct too, usually 37°F (3°C) for the fridge section. If it’s too warm or too cold, it can affect humidity levels inside.

For a quick fix, you can place a fridge moisture absorber or open box of baking soda inside, but if the issue continues, it may point to a deeper cooling or airflow problem.

Excess moisture in the fridge can cause food and vegetables to spoil faster (Source: AZParts)

1.11. Everything in Refrigerator is Freezing

Possible causes and How to Fix : If your milk, vegetables, or leftovers are turning into ice, your fridge is running too cold. This usually means the temperature control system isn’t working properly. The first thing to check is the thermostat. Turn it to the highest setting and listen for a clicking sound if there’s no click, it might be defective and need replacing.

Next, take a look at the actual temperature inside the fridge using a thermometer. Ideally, it should be between 35–40°F (1.6–4.4°C). If it’s too low, adjust the settings gradually and monitor it over a few hours.

If the freezing continues, the issue might be deeper, possibly a faulty thermistor (the sensor that reads temperature) or the temperature control board, which sends signals to control cooling. These parts are harder to test and usually require professional tools and expertise.

2. Tips for Preventing Refrigerator Issues

Taking care of your refrigerator doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few regular habits, you can prevent many common problems before they start. Here are some simple maintenance tips to help keep your fridge in great shape:

Clean the condenser coils every 6 months to prevent overheating and poor cooling performance. You can find them either at the back or bottom of the fridge.
Check and wipe down the door seals (gaskets) regularly. If they get dirty or damaged, cold air can escape, making your fridge work harder than it should.
Keep the temperature stable —set your fridge between 37–40°F (3–4°C) and the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) for the best performance.
Avoid overloading the fridge , as packed shelves block airflow, making it harder for cold air to circulate evenly.
Clean the interior refrigerator every few weeks. Remove expired food and wipe up spills right away to avoid smells, bacteria, or mold.
Don’t leave the door open too long , especially in hot or humid weather—it can cause condensation and make your fridge work harder.

By following these simple tips, you can extend the life of your refrigerator, avoid unnecessary repairs, and even save on energy bills.

Clean the refrigerator interior regularly to avoid bad odors and hygiene issues (Source: AZParts)

3. FAQs about Refrigerator Issues

3.1. What is the typical lifespan of a refrigerator?

Most refrigerators last between 10 to 15 years , depending on the model, how well it’s maintained, and how heavily it’s used. With regular cleaning and proper care, some can even last up to 20 years.

3.2. What is the most common issue with a fridge not cooling?

The most common cause is dirty condenser coils . When coils are covered in dust or debris, they can’t release heat properly, causing the fridge to lose cooling efficiency. Other frequent issues include faulty thermostats or blocked air vents.

3.3. How do you reset a refrigerator that is not cooling?

To reset it, unplug the refrigerator from the power source, wait about 5 to 10 minutes, then plug it back in. After that, make sure the temperature settings are correct and give it a few hours to cool. If the issue continues, a deeper problem with the refrigerator control board or refrigerator temperature sensors may be to blame.

When your refrigerator isn’t working properly, the cause is often something specific like a faulty thermostat, worn-out door seal, clogged drain, or dirty condenser coils. That many of these issues can be diagnosed with basic troubleshooting and resolved at home. If a part needs to be replaced, AZParts offers a wide selection of genuine refrigerator parts for various brands such as LG Refrigerator Parts, Whirlpool Refrigerator Parts, Electrolux Refrigerator Parts, and more. Having the right part on hand makes the repair easier and ensures your fridge gets back to keeping food fresh.

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