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HomeRepair HelpTappan Refrigerator RepairTappan Refrigerator not cooling Repair
Tappan Refrigerator not cooling
If your refrigerator is not cooling or your fridge not cooling while the freezer still works, the usual suspects are straightforward and fixable. Start with the condenser coils under the unit; dirty coils are the most common cause because they prevent proper heat dissipation and force the compressor to overwork. Next check the temperature settings—freezer should be about 0 to 5°F and fridge 34 to 40°F—then wait 24 hours for changes to take effect. If coils and temps look good, inspect the condenser fan motor that pulls air across the coils and the evaporator fan motor that circulates cold air into the fresh-food section; a failed evaporator fan often causes the freezer to stay cold while the refrigerator is warm. Also inspect the door gasket for gaps that let warm air in and verify the outlet, plug and circuit breakers so the unit is getting steady power. If you need a replacement part, enter your model number at RepairClinic.com to find the exact part for your refrigerator and get step-by-step repair guidance.
01 - Condenser Coils are Dirty
As debris builds up on the condenser coils, usually located under the refrigerator, the appliance will become less efficient and will have to cycle on more often to maintain a cool temperature. If the condenser coils are significantly clogged with debris, the compressor may overheat and shut off prematurely, preventing the appliance from cooling at all. The condenser coils should be cleaned every 6 to 12 months by using a soft bristle brush (or a dedicated condenser coil cleaning brush) to wipe off the coils in a circular motion. A vacuum cleaner with a nozzle attachment can also be used for hard-to-reach areas.
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02 - Freezer or refrigerator temperature is set too high
Verify the freezer temperature is set between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 to -15 Celsius). Verify the refrigerator temperature is set between 34 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit (1 to 5 Celsius). After resetting the temperature wait 24 hours for the temperature to adjust appropriately.
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03 - Tappan Refrigerator Condenser Fan Motor
The condenser fan motor draws air though the condenser coils and over the compressor. If the condenser fan motor is not working properly, the refrigerator won’t cool properly. To determine if the fan motor is defective, first check the fan blade for obstructions. Next, try turning the fan motor blade by hand. If the blade does not spin freely, replace the condenser fan motor. If no obstructions are present and the fan blade spins freely, use a multimeter to test the fan motor for continuity. If the condenser fan motor does not have continuity, replace it.
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04 - Tappan Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor
The evaporator fan motor draws air over the evaporator (cooling) coils and circulates it throughout the refrigerator and freezer compartments. Some refrigerators have more than one evaporator fan motor. On refrigerators with only one evaporator, the evaporator is located in the freezer compartment. If the evaporator fan is not working, it will not circulate the cold air to the refrigerator compartment. If this occurs, the freezer may still get cold, while the refrigerator will not get cold. To determine if the evaporator fan motor is defective, try turning the fan blade by hand. If the fan blade does not turn freely, repla...
Highly Likely
05 - Tappan Refrigerator Door Gasket
A refrigerator door gasket should form an airtight seal around the appliance's frame to keep the cold air in and the warm air out. If the door gasket is twisted or torn, gaps can form that will allow warm air in, resulting in the refrigerator not cooling properly. Inspect the door gasket for any damage and replace with a new one if necessary.
Highly Likely
06 - Incoming Power Problem
Ensure plug is tightly pushed into a regular electrical outlet and the outlet is supplying power. Using a ground fault outlet for a refrigerator is not recommended. Confirm that no circuit breakers have tripped or fuses have blown.
Highly Likely
Frequently Asked Questions
Refrigerator not cooling — what should I check first?
Freezer cold but fridge warm — why is that and how do I fix it?
How do I test if the condenser or evaporator fan motor is bad?
How often should I clean the condenser coils and how do I do it?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement part?
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