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HomeRepair HelpRCA Refrigerator RepairRCA Refrigerator freezer is cold but refrigerator is warm Repair
RCA Refrigerator freezer is cold but refrigerator is warm
If your freezer is cold but the refrigerator section is warm, the most likely causes are a frozen-over evaporator coil from a failed defrost system, a bad evaporator fan motor that is not circulating cold air, or the door not closing fully because of misaligned bins or an overstuffed compartment. Less likely but still common are a faulty temperature control thermostat that is not signaling the compressor and fans, a damaged or twisted door gasket letting warm air in, or a stuck air damper that will not open to admit cold air. Start by checking the evaporator coils for frost and listening for the evaporator fan; if the defrost heater or fan is bad they will restrict airflow and leave the fridge warm while the freezer stays cold. If you need replacement parts, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to see the exact parts that fit your refrigerator and get step-by-step parts and repair guidance to get your fridge cooling again.
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 - RCA 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 - RCA 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 - RCA 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 - RCA 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
Why is my freezer cold but refrigerator warm?
How do I check if the evaporator coils are frosted over?
How can I tell if the evaporator fan motor is bad?
Could a door gasket or misaligned door cause the fridge to be warm even though the freezer is cold?
How do I enter my model number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?
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