Fridge not cooling? Common causes and what to check

Check these first

• Power: confirm the plug is firmly in and the socket works with another appliance.
• Thermostat dial: make sure it has not been turned to a low setting or off by accident.
• Door: check that nothing blocks it from closing and the rubber seal is not torn or dirty.
• Back and sides: leave a gap of a few inches so the fridge can release heat.
• Overloading: packed shelves block airflow. Remove some items and wait a few hours.

Common causes when those checks are fine

• Faulty thermostat or temperature sensor, so the compressor does not switch on when it should.
• Dirty condenser coils at the back or bottom, which stop the fridge from shedding heat.
• Ice blocking the vents because of a defrost problem, often seen as a thick frost layer at the back.
• Worn door gasket letting warm air in.
• Refrigerant gas leak. This needs a leak repair and gas filling.
• Compressor or start relay fault. The fridge hums or clicks but does not start cooling.

When to call a technician

Call if the fridge still does not cool after the basic checks, if the compressor clicks without starting, or if there is a build-up of ice at the back. Move perishable food to another fridge or a cooler in the meantime. Our fridge repair in Vadodara starts from ₹400, and you are told the full price before any work.