Unlock the Right Part
for Your Repair
Find the exact part you need
Enter your model number to see parts that fit your machine.
Price Match Guarantee
In-stock parts ship the same day
365-Day Return Policy
Price Match GuaranteeChoose Product
Identify Problem
03
Find Solutions
HomeRepair HelpArctic Air Refrigerator RepairArctic Air Refrigerator freezer is cold but refrigerator is warm Repair
Arctic Air Refrigerator freezer is cold but refrigerator is warm
If your freezer is cold but the refrigerator is warm, the most common causes are a frosted-over evaporator, a failed evaporator fan, or blocked airflow from a door or damper problem. Start by checking the evaporator coils for heavy frost, since a defective defrost heater assembly will let ice build up and choke off cold-air flow into the fridge. Next, make sure the evaporator fan motor runs and the blade spins freely; a dead or noisy fan will leave the refrigerator compartment warm even though the freezer stays cold. Also check that the door is closing fully and the door gasket is sealing, since misaligned shelves or a torn gasket can let warm air in. If those items check out, test the temperature control thermostat for continuity and inspect the air damper assembly to confirm it opens and closes properly. These steps address the typical fridge not cooling but freezer works scenario and the refrigerator warm but freezer cold symptom. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your refrigerator.
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.
Top Solution
02 - Arctic Air 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..
Enter model number to search for the required part specific to your product
Top Solution
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.
Top Solution
04 - Arctic Air 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...
Highly Likely
05 - Arctic Air 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 - Arctic Air 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
My freezer is cold but the refrigerator is warm. What should I check first?
Why is my refrigerator not cooling even though the freezer works?
How can I tell if the evaporator fan motor or defrost heater is defective?
Could a bad door gasket or a door that won’t close properly cause the fridge compartment to be warm?
How do I enter my model number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?
Shop by Arctic Air Refrigerator Parts
Shop by Popular Arctic Air Refrigerator Models
Our Story
Family-owned and operated since 1912, Burke America Parts Group is the longest-running genuine appliance, HVAC, and outdoor power equipment parts solution in North America. At Repair Clinic, we're proud to be an international brand trusted by the pros as well as the DIY community.
About Repair Clinic
© 2026 RepairClinic.com