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HomeRepair HelpMaytag Refrigerator RepairMaytag Refrigerator runs constantly Repair
Maytag Refrigerator runs constantly
If your Maytag refrigerator runs constantly, it means the appliance is working nonstop to try to reach its set temperature and you should check a few likely causes in order. First, high room temperature or humidity can make the fridge work much harder, so confirm the unit is in the recommended 60 to 95 F operating range. Next, after you verify fans and thermistors are operating, an inefficient compressor can cause the refrigerator compressor running continuously and may need replacement. A freezer that is too warm—above about 10 F—will also slow cold-air flow to the fridge and keep the compressor on longer. Check that doors close fully and seals are intact, since a door not fully closing lets warm air in and often leads to the fridge running constantly. Less likely but still common are a failed defrost heater assembly or a bad defrost thermostat causing frost buildup on the evaporator coils. If you find a failed part, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to locate the exact replacement part for your refrigerator.
01 - Room Temperature is Hot
Normal operating temperatures for a refrigerator are between 60 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit (16 and 35 degrees Celsius). The hotter and more humid the air is the less efficient the refrigerator will be, causing it to run more. If possible, keep the refrigerator within the recommended operating temperatures and as cool as possible.
Top Solution
02 - Maytag Refrigerator Compressor
The compressor is the component that pumps refrigerant through the sealed system to cool the appliance. If you've determined the fan motors are all working and the thermistor is accurately monitoring the air temperature, it's possible the compressor itself is inefficient, resulting in it running continuously, although this is not a common problem.
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Highly Likely
03 - Freezer Temperature is Above 10 Degrees F (-12C)
Since the refrigerator compartment gets its cold air from the freezer compartment for many model types ("Top Freezer", "Bottom Freezer", and "Side by Side" models, for example), the refrigerator compartment will take longer to cool down if the freezer is not cold enough. As a result, the compressor may run constantly. The freezer temperature should be set between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 to -15 Celsius).
Highly Likely
04 - Door Not Fully Closing
Check to see that the doors are closing properly. If a door bin or food item is keeping the door open slightly the refrigerator may not cool properly, which can cause the refrigerator to run constantly.
Highly Likely
05 - Maytag Refrigerator Defrost Heater Assembly
The defrost heater assembly turns on several times throughout the day to melt away any frost that may have accumulated on the evaporator coils. If the defrost heater assembly is defective, the refrigerator will not defrost, and frost will continue to accumulate on the evaporator coils. If the evaporator coils are frosted over, the refrigerator will work harder to remove the heat. As a result, the refrigerator will run constantly in an effort to cool down. To determine if the defrost heater is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the defrost heater does not have continuity, replace it.
Common
06 - Maytag Refrigerator Defrost Thermostat
If the refrigerator runs constantly, the defrost thermostat might be defective. Several times a day the defrost heater turns on for a few minutes to melt away any frost that may have accumulated on the freezer or refrigerator evaporator coils. In order for this to work, the defrost thermostat has to sense that the coils are cold enough. If the coils are cold enough the defrost heater will turn on. If the thermostat is defective it may not be able to sense the temperature of the coils and then won't turn on the defrost heater. If the defrost heater doesn't turn on, the frost will build up on the coils and eventually no air ...
Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my refrigerator running constantly?
Freezer cold but fridge warm: why is my fridge not cooling but freezer works?
Refrigerator not defrosting: can that make it run constantly?
Refrigerator door not closing properly: could that cause my fridge to run constantly?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?
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