Fridge and Freezer Not Getting Cold Enough: Expert

Quick Answer

In my 15 years on the road, I have found that when both sections lose their cool, it is usually because the condenser coils are packed with dust or a fan has stopped spinning. Start by vacuuming the coils underneath or behind your unit to ensure the system can actually shed heat.

Both sections dying at the same time almost always points to a shared system problem, not two separate failures. I've seen people buy a new fridge because they assumed it was toast, but nine times out of ten it's a $15 relay or a coil cleaning that fixes everything. Ignore this long enough and you'll burn out the compressor, which turns a $15 fix into a $400+ repair or a full replacement. Catch it early and you're probably fine.

GenericRefrigeratorSeverity: highDifficulty: intermediate88% DIY Success

Time to Fix

30–120 min

Difficulty

intermediate

Parts Cost

$10 – $120

Tools Needed

Phillips #2 screwdriver, 1/4 inch nut driver

Fridge and Freezer Not Getting Cold Enough: Expert

OK so here's the deal. When both the fridge AND freezer go warm at the same time, that's actually a clue in your favor. It means the problem is upstream, somewhere in the shared cooling system like the condenser coils, the condenser fan, or the start relay. I've fixed probably 200 of these calls and honestly most of them cost the homeowner under $50 in parts. Don't let anybody talk you into a new fridge before you've checked these basics.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Dirty or clogged condenser coils40%

Evaporator fan motor failure25%

Condenser fan motor failure15%

Defrost system fault (heater or timer)15%

Compressor start relay failure5%

Symptoms You May Notice

Your milk and leftovers are spoiling 2-3 days early and the fridge compartment feels basically room temperature when you reach in.
Ice cream is soft or completely liquid, and the freezer smells like it's been sitting open.
There's a solid 1-2 inch layer of frost covering the entire back wall of the freezer, which tells you defrost has been failing for weeks already.
You can hear the compressor clicking on and then shutting off every 2-3 minutes, never settling into that steady hum it normally does.
The fridge runs constantly, motor never shuts off, but nothing's getting cold.

Can you reset a Generic refrigerator to clear the NOT-COOLING code?

After you've made your repair, unplug the fridge for a full 5 minutes, then plug it back in. Give it 4-6 hours before you judge whether it's cooling properly. You're looking for 37 degrees in the fridge section and 0 degrees in the freezer. On Samsung models, hold the top two panel buttons simultaneously for 8 seconds to reset the control board after any repair.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriver1/4 inch nut driverVacuum with brush attachmentAppliance coil cleaning brushDigital multimeterFlashlight or headlampTowels or old blankets for catching melt water

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

ComponentComponent Under Test

Expected Range0–500 ohms

ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name	OEM Number	Estimated Price
Condenser Coil BrushGeneric-Brush-01 · $10–$15	Generic-Brush-01	$10 – $15
Evaporator Fan MotorBrand-Specific · $45–$120	Brand-Specific	$45 – $120
Compressor Start RelayGeneric-Start-PTC · $15–$40	Generic-Start-PTC	$15 – $40

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a fridge to get cold after cleaning coils?

After a thorough cleaning you should notice the compressor running more quietly almost right away. But it takes 12 to 24 hours for internal temps to fully stabilize back to where they should be, which is around 37 degrees in the fridge and 0 in the freezer. Don't panic if it still feels warm after an hour. Give it time.

Why is my freezer cold but my fridge is warm?

This is almost always an airflow issue. Either the evaporator fan has failed and isn't pushing cold air into the fridge section, or the air return vents are blocked by ice or food shoved against the back wall. Check the back wall of the freezer for heavy frost buildup and make sure nothing's blocking the vents. I'd say 7 out of 10 times I see this, it's a dead evaporator fan motor.

Can I use a hair dryer to defrost my freezer?

Don't do it. The heat from a hair dryer can warp or melt the plastic liner inside your refrigerator, and water and electricity near each other is just a bad combination in general. The safest method is to unplug the unit and set a bowl of hot water inside the freezer to speed up the melting. Takes longer but you won't ruin anything.

What is that clicking noise coming from the back of my fridge?

That click is the compressor trying to start and failing. It'll try every 2-3 minutes and then give up. Usually it's the start relay, which is a cheap part and a quick fix. Pull it off the side of the compressor and shake it. If it rattles, just replace it. If the clicking is constant and the relay is fine, the compressor itself might be failing and you'll want a tech to check refrigerant levels and amp draw.

How do I know if my compressor is actually dead versus just needing a relay?

Great question because a lot of people get sold a new fridge when all they needed was an $8 relay. The relay is your first stop, always. If you replace the relay and the compressor still won't run, have a tech check the amp draw with a clamp meter. A healthy compressor draws within its rated amps. If it's drawing way high and overheating, it's failing. If it's drawing nothing at all, it's seized. Compressor replacement usually isn't worth it on a fridge over 8-10 years old.

Same Fix on Other Brands

Samsung refrigerator22E: Samsung Refrigerator 22E Error: Fan Motor Failure Lg refrigeratorEr IF: LG Refrigerator Er IF Error: Ice Fan Motor

Models Known to Experience NOT-COOLING Errors

This repair applies to most Generic refrigerators with this error code. Common model numbers include:

Samsung RF28HMEDBSR, Samsung RF263BEAESR, Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ, Whirlpool WRF535SWHZ, GE GFE26JSMSS, LG LRMVS3006S, Frigidaire FFHD2250TS, Kenmore 795.72053

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 17, 2026