You love your Electrolux refrigerator for its design, space, and features. However, even the best appliances, like your beloved Electrolux fridge, can encounter issues like improper cooling. But fear not, the Electrolux refrigerator not cooling dilemma doesn’t necessarily spell the end.
Before reaching for your wallet, join us on a troubleshooting adventure. Together, we’ll investigate the possible and even the not-so-obvious causes behind these cooling woes.
From quick checks to pro-level insights, this guide equips you to diagnose and revive your fridge’s icy heart. So, stay tuned!
How To Fix An Electrolux Refrigerator Not Cooling
While your Electrolux refrigerator has proven reliable throughout the year, you can’t help but wonder why it refuses to cool. When you look into this matter, you may suspect clogged condenser coils, malfunctioning door seals, and faulty fan motors (condenser and evaporator fan motors).
While these components are often to blame in this situation, don’t rule out the hidden culprits. Sometimes, problematic ice makers or even the main control board can be the silent saboteurs behind your Electrolux refrigerator’s warm woes. Don’t worry, though! Both simple and complex problems have suitable fixes.
1a- Failed Condenser Fan Motor
This component name explains its function in your Electrolux fridge. It is a fan that blows air over the condenser coils, which makes them cool down. This reduces the risk of heating the refrigerant. When this fan motor malfunctions or fails, your refrigerator may overheat and won’t cool as expected.
A condenser fan motor may malfunction due to the following reasons:
- Dust buildup: This is a sneaky and often ignored culprit in the malfunctioning of various refrigerator parts. Debris and grime accumulation can over time obstruct the rotation of the motor and the blades. This eventually leads to overheating and failure.
- Unstable power supply: Repetitive power surges and voltage fluctuations may fry the motor circuit.
- Age: The motor may malfunction when it exceeds its lifespan. It may show symptoms of wear and tear that are only results of time.
1b- How To Fix Faulty Condenser Fan Motor
Since the fan motor is always a top suspect in your fridge’s warm air situation, you can easily make sure of this. However, you should come near this component with the fridge plugged into its wall outlet. So, unplug first! Then bring along a flathead screwdriver, a multimeter, and a flashlight.
Here’s what you can do to troubleshoot this motor:
- Look for the motor: Find this motor near the bottom of your Electrolux refrigerator. When confused, you can check with your user manual for the exact location. Remove the back panel for access. You can identify the motor by its metal bracket and the fan blade and wires connected to it.
- Visual inspection: Take a look at the fan blade to evaluate its situation. If there is dirt buildup remove it by a cloth or a brush. Sometimes, a vacuum cleaner with the right attachment can do this task. If the blade appears bent or damaged, replace it.
- Perform the spin test: Give the blade a gentle spin. If it feels gritty, this indicates problematic bearings. In this case, you can take a shortcut and replace the motor. Or you can test it with a multimeter to be 100% certain of its defectiveness.
- Use a multimeter: Connect the tester to the multimeter as per the manual’s instructions. If it shows incorrect voltage readings, it shows the motor is out of service.
2a- Problematic Water Dispenser
Many Electrolux refrigerators come with a water dispenser that acts as a convenient hydration source. However, the water dispenser isn’t immune to defects and problems. While it is not always a prime suspect in cooling woes, water dispenser problems can affect other crucial cooling parts, and here’s how:
- A leaky water line: Water leakage inside the dispenser contributes to your Electrolux refrigerator not a cooling problem. If water leaks into areas behind the evaporator coils, for example, it can freeze and create ice buildup, hindering the cooling process.
- A stuck valve: A stuck valve in your fridge’s water dispenser, like a faucet stuck open, can cause the fridge to constantly pump water. This uses more energy and places an extra burden on the internal parts, resulting in potential improper cooling.
- A clogged or misaligned filter: A clogged filter in your Electrolux refrigerator’s dispenser prevents the water flow, which leads to the same result of having a stuck valve.
2b- How To Fix Problematic Water Dispenser
As with most troubleshooting steps for your Electrolux refrigerator, you need it disconnected from power. Then bring a screwdriver and get to work.
- Locate the housing: The water dispenser housing isn’t hard to find. It is near the door and covered with an access panel. Use your screwdriver to detach the panel’s screws. Inspect the housing for leakage signs and check the condition of the filter and valves.
- Tighten loose lines: leakage is usually a result of loose or worn lines. So, tighten or replace the problematic lines depending on the situation.
- Test the supply valve: A functional valve should feel smooth when you turn it on and off. If not, you should call repair technicians to replace it for you.
- Replace the filter: A clogged filter should be changed. However, if it is not blocked but only misaligned, you can remove it and reinstall it in place.
- Investigate the water supply tube: This tube runs from the valve to the dispenser. In case of leaks, this tube may freeze. If so, you should wipe it with a warm cloth to remove the icy buildup.
3a- Problematic Ice Maker
The ice maker of your Electrolux refrigerator allows you to enjoy a chilled glass of water on a sweltering summer day. Your Electrolux refrigerator’s ice maker makes it easy to enjoy icy refreshments at any time.
But what if the cubes stop coming? Look for signs of a faulty ice maker, like no ice production, even with the ice maker turned on, or indicator lights flashing error codes.
The ice maker malfunctions due to the following reasons:
- Inconsistent or inadequate water supply.
- Excessive jamming of frost and ice cubes.
- Faulty ice maker thermostat or sensor.
While most of the ice maker’s problems are associated with the feeding water line, these problems find their way to affect your Electrolux fridge’s cooling efficiency. When problems appear in an ice maker, clogs and leaks may appear in other parts too.
3b- How To Fix Problematic Ice Maker
Now, it’s time to leave the main body of the fridge to focus on the freezer compartment. The ice maker troubleshooting process isn’t tricky, but if you feel unsure of what to do, it is better to contact a certified appliance repair service.
If you trust your DIY skills, here’s what to do:
- Find the ice maker: The ice maker is on the left wall of the freezer compartment. Remove its access panel for a better view. You can recognize it from the wire harness and the connected fill tube.
- Check the bin: If the ice bin is jammed with ice cubes, you should remove them with a spatula or a cloth. This buildup prevents the ice maker from filling.
- Look for cracks: Check the entire assembly for wear, tear, and damage signs. These signs call for a replacement of the whole assembly.
- Inspect the sensor and thermostat: Once again, your manual comes in handy. Check it to ensure whether the model of your Electrolux refrigerator has them. If so, use your multimeter for continuity tests. Make sure you know how to connect them to a multimeter. If you don’t know the right way of connecting them or the reading reference, you can refer to the manual.
- Hit the start button: Sometimes resetting the ice maker restores it to its old self. So, try this old hack and check how it turns out.
4a- Defective Compressor
The name compressor directly explains its function inside your Electrolux refrigerator. This vital part compresses the refrigerant and makes it circulate throughout both the condenser and evaporator coils. However, the compressor can also fail and cause your fridge to lose its cool.
You can identify a faulty compressor through the following symptoms:
- The compressor feels too hot to touch.
- Strange noises coming from the compressor’s direction.
- The compressor is dead or runs the whole time.
Unfortunately, a defective compressor doesn’t result from one problem. There are various culprits leading to this frustrating situation, including
- Low refrigerant levels.
- Defective start relay.
- Inadequate lubrication.
4b- How To Fix A Defective Compressor
Now that you’ve gone this far in restoring the cool air to your Electrolux refrigerator, remember that this part is complex and requires excellent electrical skills. So, there is nothing wrong with seeking professional help at this point.
But if you know your way around your fridge’s beating heart, you can do the following:
- Unplug the fridge: Safety comes first as always.
- Find the compressor: Remove the fridge’s back panel and look for the cylindrical compressor in the bottom part. You can identify it through its black or silver color. Also, it’s attached to a couple of tubes and wires.
- Check the refrigerant levels: Use a pressure gauge to measure these levels. Locate the compressor’s high-pressure valve and attach it to the gauge’s red hose. Find the low-pressure valve and attach it to the blue hose. Check the manual for specific reading ranges for your Electrolux fridge model. Inconsistent results indicate low refrigerant levels.
- Use a leak detector: If the levels are insufficient, it is an indication of leakage. A leak detector can be useful at this point to determine the leakage source. Once located, apply proper sealant to fix the cracks.
- Replace the start relay: If none of the previous fixes solved your Electrolux refrigerator not cooling issue, the problem may be with the relay. You can identify a faulty relay by a manual shaking test. If you hear a rattling sound, the relay is faulty and needs to be replaced.
5a- Damaged Gasket
A door gasket is the unsung keeper of cold air inside the fridge. You can identify the condition of your door gasket by the appearance of the rubber component around the door. Besides the normal wear and tear, the gasket can experience the following issues:
- Exposure to heat, moisture, or food spills
- Improper installation or alignment of the door or the gasket
- Physical damage from cuts, tears, or cracks
5b- How To Fix Damaged Gasket
Unlike troubleshooting the compressor, diagnosing and even fixing a damaged gasket is not as challenging. A malfunctioning gasket might need a thorough cleaning to restore its shine. Otherwise, a cracked one needs a replacement.
To clean the gasket, you can use a sponge soaked in a mild detergent. Then wipe gently to remove grime and buildup.
As for the replacement part, you can use your putty knife or a screwdriver to peel the worn gasket. Then push the new gasket into the door’s groove to ensure its proper installation.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve addressed the most common and unobvious causes behind your Electrolux refrigerator not cooling problem, you’re ready to dive take on the DIY diagnosis and troubleshooting mission.
From dusty fans to leaky gaskets and troublesome ice makers, you now know how to investigate each component and how to fix it accordingly.
Remember to prioritize your safety first and to keep your manual and toolkit close. For complex repairs, call a pro. But for everyday hiccups, this guide empowers you to DIY (with caution!). Conquer those cooling woes and restore your Electrolux to its icy glory!
8 Most Common Electrolux Refrigerator Problems & Solutions
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
