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Electrolux Refrigerator freezer is cold but refrigerator is warm

If your Electrolux freezer is cold but the refrigerator compartment is warm, the problem is almost always restricted airflow or a component that moves cold air into the fridge. Start by checking the evaporator coils; if they are frosted over a failed defrost heater assembly has likely plugged the coils with ice and the fridge will not cool. Next, listen for and inspect the evaporator fan motor — if the fan isn’t running or spins roughly, it will keep cold air from circulating. A door that does not fully close can also let warm air in, so check bin placement and obstructions. Less common causes include a faulty temperature control thermostat that won’t call for cooling, a torn or warped door gasket leaking air, or a stuck damper control assembly that won’t open to admit cold air. These checks will help pinpoint why your fridge is not cooling but the freezer works. Enter your model number at RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your specific refrigerator and get step by step repair guidance.

01 - The Evaporator Coils are Frosted Over

The defrost heater assembly turns on a few times throughout the day to melt away any frost that may have accumulated on the evaporator coils. If the defrost heater assembly is defective, frost will continue to accumulate on the evaporator coils, and the coils will become plugged with frost. If the evaporator coils are frosted over, the airflow through the coils will be restricted, causing the refrigerator not to cool. Check the evaporator coils to determine if they are frosted over. If the evaporator coils are frosted over, test each component of the defrost system.
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02 - Electrolux Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor

The evaporator fan motor draws cold air over the evaporator coils and circulates it throughout the freezer. If the evaporator fan is not working, the freezer or refrigerator will not cool adequately. To determine if the evaporator fan motor is defective, try turning the fan blade by hand. If the fan blade does not turn freely, replace the fan motor. Additionally, if the motor is unusually noisy, replace it. Finally, if the motor does not run at all, use a multimeter to test the motor windings for continuity. If the windings do not have continuity, replace the evaporator fan motor..
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03 - Door not closing all the way

Misaligned door bins and shelving, or an excess of food items, may be keeping the door slightly open and prevent the refrigerator from cooling properly. Make sure the shelves and door bins are in the proper locations and avoid overloading the bins and shelves with food items.
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04 - Electrolux Refrigerator Temperature Control Thermostat

The temperature control thermostat directs voltage to the compressor, evaporator fan motor, and condenser fan motor (if applicable). If the temperature control thermostat is not working properly, it may prevent the refrigerant system from running properly, resulting in the refrigerator compartment not cooling as expected. To determine if the thermostat is defective, rotate the thermostat from the lowest setting to the highest setting and listen for a click. If the thermostat clicks, it is not likely defective. If the thermostat does not click, use a multimeter to test the thermostat for continuity. If the temperature contr...ol thermostat does not have continuity at any setting, replace it.
Highly Likely

05 - Electrolux 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 compartment being warm even though the freezer compartment is cold. Inspect the door gasket for any damage and replace with a new one if necessary.
Highly Likely

06 - Electrolux Refrigerator Damper Control Assembly

The air damper control opens and closes to let the proper amount of cold air into the refrigerator compartment. If the damper does not open properly, it won’t let enough cold air into the refrigerator. Check the damper control to determine if it is broken or stuck closed.
Highly Likely

Frequently Asked Questions

Freezer is cold but refrigerator is warm. What should I check first?
How do I test if the evaporator fan motor is bad?
Can a failed defrost heater assembly make the refrigerator section warm?
How can I find and order the right replacement part on RepairClinic.com?
Could the temperature control thermostat or a misaligned door cause only the fridge to be warm?

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