When your Maytag refrigerator freezer is cold but refrigerator is warm, it certainly can seem like a mystery. We’ll review the most common reasons your refrigerator won’t get cold but freezer will still maintain its temperature. From an overloaded fridge to a defrosting malfunction these clues can help solve the mystery.
5 Possibilities When Your Maytag Refrigerator Freezer Is Cold But Refrigerator Is Warm
Asking why my fridge isn’t cold but the freezer is still cooling can often leave you with more questions than answers. These common causes will narrow down the problem so you can initiate a fast fix.
Refrigerator Is Overloaded
Are you wondering, “Why is my Maytag refrigerator not getting cold?” right before hosting a big party? Overloading the refrigerator or freezer with too much food could be why. When your refrigerator is packed with too many items, the flow of air can be restricted, making cooling more difficult. Too many items can also block the air vents, causing the condenser and motor to risk malfunction by working harder.
Avoid overloading a refrigerator with these organization tips:
- Check for old or expired items regularly to avoid a buildup of food
- Make sure food containers don’t block air vents
- Rearrange items so there’s room for cool air to flow between them
- Keep the refrigerator ¾ full at most to prevent overloading
Defective Thermistor
A refrigerator’s thermistor regulates temperature by providing the control board with temperature readings. The control board then adjusts the evaporator fan or motor’s power based on these readings. If the thermistor is defective, it won’t provide the control panel with accurate temperature measurements. This, in turn, will keep other components from cooling the refrigerator properly.
If multimeter testing reveals no continuity and the thermistor doesn’t respond to changes in refrigerator temperature, it needs to be replaced.
Dirty Condenser Coils
When your Maytag refrigerator freezer is cold but refrigerator is warm dirty condenser coils are a common reason why. Warm refrigerant is cooled when it runs through these coils, providing cool air for the refrigerator. Dirt and dust on the coils can act as an insulator, keeping the refrigerant from cooling properly.
Knowing how to clean refrigerator condenser coils can prevent a harmful buildup of dirt and dust. These simple steps can provide effective cleaning:
- Turn off power to the refrigerator
- Locate condenser coils, removing bottom or top grille as needed
- Use the brush attachment of a vacuum to gently vacuum the coils
- Vacuum up remaining dirt and dust around the coil compartment and floor
- Replace bottom or top grille if necessary
- Restore power to refrigerator
Evaporator Fan Motor Failure
Another possibility when your Maytag refrigerator freezer is cold but refrigerator is warm is a faulty evaporator fan motor. This fan pushes cold air over the evaporator coils and circulates it throughout the refrigerator. If the fan motor fails, cold air won’t reach the refrigerator’s interior.
While a noisy evaporator fan motor can signal malfunction, you can also test it by attempting to turn the blade by hand. If it doesn’t turn easily, the motor should be replaced.
Defrost System Malfunction
A refrigerator’s defrost system typically includes a thermostat, control board, and timer that work together to prevent frost buildup on refrigerator components. However if any part of this system malfunctions, frost can accumulate over vents or on the evaporator coils. This will block the flow of cool air and you’ll notice that your Maytag refrigerator freezer is cold but refrigerator is warm.
If you still have a Maytag refrigerator not cooling properly after following these tips, we suggest a professional refrigerator repair service to assess a defrost system malfunction. Callahan’s Appliance can provide a fast and professional assessment and address any other refrigerator repair!
