Common Fridge and Freezer Faults

Fault Diagnosis

Click on your fridge or freezer fault, below, to see causes and solutions:

• Fridge too cold or too warm
• Fridge freezer not cooling and interior light off
• Fridge freezer not working but light on
• Light not working
• Compressor motor running continuously
• Freezer often needs defrosting
• Water accumulates in the base of the fridge
• Freezer makes a noise when it clicks off

Safety First! Please make sure that you've switched off your appliance and disconnected it from the mains before beginning any repair.

Fridge Too Cold or Too Warm

• Thermostat tube blocked or covered
  Check thermostat accuracy.
• Thermostat control loose or slipping
  Check and replace control knob.
• Frost build-up
  Defrost fridge.
• Door seal ineffective
  Check seal is clean and has no tears in it. Clean or replace door gasket.
• Faulty thermostat
  Replace fridge thermostat or contact a qualified repairer.
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Fridge Freezer Not Cooling and Interior Light Off

• Faulty power supply
  Check mains lead, wiring inside plug, and plug fuse for faults. Replace fuse if necessary.
• Faulty mains supply
  Check mains supply to wall socket by plugging in another appliance that you know is working.

Fridge Freezer Not Working But Light On

• Thermostat off or set to 'defrost'
  Adjust to normal setting.
• Faulty thermostat
  Replace fridge thermostat or contact a qualified repairer.
• Faulty compressor
  Replace fridge compressor or contact a qualified repairer.

Light Not Working

• Bulb blown
  Replace fridge light bulb with correct type and wattage.
• Door switch faulty
  Clean away any dirt around switch. If it still doesn't work, replace switch or contact a qualified repairer.
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Compressor Motor Running Continuously

• Faulty thermostat
  Replace fridge thermostat or contact a qualified repairer.
• Loss of refrigerant
  Contact a qualified repairer.
• Faulty compressor
  Replace fridge compressor or contact a qualified repairer.

Freezer Often Needs Defrosting

• Faulty door seal
  Clean door gasket or replace if necessary.

Water Accumulates in The Base of The Fridge

• Blocked drainer tube
  Remove debris with a bent coat-hanger, taking care not to puncture the tube. The drainer tube is a small rubber cylinder in the back wall of the fridge compartment. Two water channels converge, making a 'V' shape, and the drainer tube can be found at bottom edge of the 'V'.
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Freezer Makes a Noise When It Clicks Off

• Faulty compressor
  The compressor pump mounting may be loose, allowing it to bang against side of unit. Disconnect from mains supply and tighten mounting bolts or screws. If this is not possible, contact a qualified repairer.