Why Is My True Refrigerator Not Cooling (SOLVED)

true refrigerator not cooling

True Manufacturing Company enjoys a solid reputation with its residential and commercial refrigerators. But what if one day you open the door and notice that your true refrigerator is not cooling at all and blowing warm air?

Besides the frustration of the sight of wilting veggies, you will be concerned about the safety of your food and the fridge’s functionality. This scenario can force you to throw away all your stored food items and hurry to call in repair technicians.

But don’t freak out! This fiasco is more common than cars running out of fuel. Additionally, there are some simple steps you can take to troubleshoot and solve this issue yourself.

In this guide, we’ll understand the common and unique causes behind a lukewarm true refrigerator. Also, we’ll find suitable fixes to restore your True refrigerator to its optimal performance.

Why Is Your True Refrigerator Not Cooling?

Your true refrigerator relies on a delicate harmony between its internal components to provide the expected cooling efficiency. Unfortunately, many culprits can disrupt this harmony leading to inefficient cooling. Here’s a quick overview of some culprits:

  • A leak or blockage in the refrigerant system.
  • A faulty thermostat that disrupts the desirable temperature settings.
  • Frozen evaporator coils hinder the proper circulation of cool air.
  • Dirty condenser coils that can’t release heat correctly.

Now, let’s get into the details of the common and unobvious culprits and their fixes.

1a- Refrigerant Leak

This issue occurs when the coolant substance escapes from the sealed coils of your True refrigerator. By default, this substance absorbs the heat from the fridge. Then, the refrigerant releases the heat through condenser coils outside the fridge. This is how your true fridge maintains its cold air and food freshness.

Refrigerant leakage happens due to wear and tear, vibration, and corrosion. This problem makes the levels of refrigerant drop significantly and reduces the cooling performance.

1b- How To Fix Refrigerant Leak

Before trying to fix this issue, you should know that refrigerant systems are complex and require specialized treatment and equipment. Also, you shouldn’t attempt any repairs before disconnecting your True refrigerator from its power source.

  1. Remove the back panel: Valves and lines of the refrigerant system are located behind the rear panel. So, gently detach the screws and remove the panel to view these lines.
  2. Identify the leak source: Refrigerant is a sort of hot gas. Therefore it is difficult to visually identify this leakage. You can use a refrigerant leak detector. This device acts as a sensor to detect refrigerant leaks. This detector uses light or sound to alarm you about the problem.
  3. Form a soapy solution: In case this detector isn’t available, you can mix mild soap with water. Fill a spray bottle with this liquid mix and spray it all over the refrigerant system. You can detect a leaky spot when you notice bubbles forming on these spots.
  4. Fix the leakage: In case of minor leaks, you can use epoxy to reseal leaky tubes or valves. Major leaks may call for replacing the valve or line. If you aren’t familiar with replacing refrigerant lines, ask for professional help.
  5. Recharge the system: Again, giving the system a new charge is a pro act, so don’t hesitate to call for help. If you know your way around the system, you can recharge it acutely to substitute for the lost refrigerant. Use a gauge set to know when to stop.

How to Fix a Refrigerator Leaking Freon: 10 Fast & Easy Ways

2a- Faulty Thermostat Settings

The thermostat is responsible for controlling the internal temperature of your True refrigerator. This component signals the compressor to turn off and on. This way your fridge can maintain the desired temperature.

The incorrect thermostat setting is the most common reason behind the cooling woes of your fridge. Depending on the faulty settings, your true fridge may overcool or undercool. Additionally, a faulty thermostat will put more strain on the compressor and it may eventually falter due to continuous overwork.

The wrong settings happen due to these factors:

  • The presence of dirt, dust, grease, and food debris blocks the thermostat and prevents it from getting accurate temperature readings.
  • Setting the appliance too high or too low for the type of preserved food or the ambient temperature.

2b- How To Fix Faulty Thermostat Settings

You can easily diagnose improper thermostat settings by checking its dial or screen. To ensure whether you have the right or wrong settings, you can refer to the manual of your True refrigeration equipment.

You can restore the correct settings through the following steps:

  1. Find the thermostat: Start by removing the fridge from the power cord and locating this component at the bottom of the fridge. It is usually covered by the back panel. Remove its mounting screws.
  2. Clean it thoroughly: Use a brush or a vacuum cleaner with a nozzle attachment to remove the obstruction.
  3. Readjust the settings: Adjust the thermostat settings to achieve accurate temperature readings and optimal cooling efficiency. If the issue persists, you may have a defective thermostat.
  4. Replace the thermostat: Use your screwdriver to detach and remove this part of the fridge. Install a new one and make sure the wiring and the sensor are working properly. Keep in mind that replacing a thermostat isn’t for everyone. If you are uncertain about your skills in this field, it’s better to look for a reliable professional.

3a- Bad Perimeter Heater

Ever imagined that this tiny soldier around the door frame or gasket is responsible for your True refrigerator not cooling? This component runs along the edges of the door. It is responsible for the prevention of frost and condensation formation on the door seal.

Therefore, the perimeter heater plays a crucial role in trapping the cold air inside the fridge and keeping the hot air outside.

A troublesome heater is usually associated with faulty welds, frayed wires, or even a malfunctioning thermostat.

A problematic perimeter heater may overheat and melt the door seal or the frame. This can create cracks that allow the cold air to escape and the warm air to enter. This can affect the cooling efficiency of your True refrigerator and compromise your food quality and safety.

3b- How To Fix Bad Perimeter Heater

A bad perimeter affects other components including the door gasket and compressor. To properly troubleshoot this component follow these steps:

  1. Look around the door frame:  You can find it nestled around the frame or gasket. It looks like a thin metal strip. Also, you need to remove the toe grill to expose the thermostat and wiring that are connected to the heater. This grill is at the bottom of the fridge and is tightened by bolts.
  2.  Check for damage: Sometimes, this visual inspection reveals any issues with the perimeter heater. Look for cracks on the seal or loose connections.
  3. Test for resistance: As with any electrical appliances or components in your True equipment, use your multimeter to test this heater. If it shows inconsistent, too-high, or too-low readings, you should get a replacement. The owner’s manual is useful for reading references.
  4. Test with a thermometer: If testing with a multimeter is challenging for you, you can use a separate thermometer. An infrared thermometer can detect the heater’s temperature. If the readings show high temperatures, this indicates overheating. Overheating requires immediate replacement of the heater.
  5. Remove the mounting clip: Look for clips or screws holding the heater in place. Carefully pull out the heater and disconnect the wires. Replace the heater with a new one and reconnect the wires.

Remember: handling the electrical components of your True fridge requires sufficient knowledge and expertise. So, don’t approach these parts if you are a DIY novice or unsure of what to do. Don’t forget to remove the appliance from its outlet to avoid electrical shocks or hazards.

 4a- Problematic Compressor Motor

To fully understand the function of your True fridge’s compressor motor, you should think of it as an air conditioner. In both appliances, this component compresses and pumps refrigerant vapor through the coils and creates the expected cooling effect.

The main culprits behind a faulty compressor are usually wear and tear, power surges, or overheating. The most common issues in the compressor happen due to malfunctions in other parts, such as unclean condenser coils, thermostats, or even the condenser fan motor.

Each one of these issues can make your True refrigerator not cool as usual with or without affecting the compressor directly.

4b- How To Fix Problematic Compressor Motor

DIY troubleshooting of the compressor isn’t advisable if you are not familiar with similar issues. Unknowledgeable repair attempts are risky and may result in warranty complications. However, if you have previous knowledge of handling these problems, follow these steps:

  1. Find the motor compartment: Start by removing the panel at the back of the refrigerator. Search for a small tank made of stainless steel, with two copper or aluminum tubes coming out from it. The smaller tube is called the compressor discharge line, while the larger one is the suction line. If you find this tank, this is your compressor.
  2. Do the old cleaning trick: Sometimes, dirt and debris block the thermostat from performing its function. Use a coil brush or any other soft brush to clean the thermostat and its components.
  3. Find the relay: Look for the compressor start relay on the right side of the compressor. This tiny box helps the compressor to start and stop accordingly.
  4. Disconnect and test the relay: Carefully use a screwdriver for this task and test with a multimeter. Check the manual for correct reading ranges. If it provides the wrong readings, replace the relay. Reconnect the new relay the same way its predecessor was.
  5. Inspect the compressor’s discharge line: Look for the copper tube, we explored earlier. This tube carries the hot refrigerant gas from the compressor to the condenser coils. Remove it and free it from dirt and debris using a brush. If it appears damaged, replace and reconnect the new line. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, then your old compressor is not functional.
  6. Replace the compressor: Remove the screws or bolts that secure the compressor unit to the fridge. Carefully lift the old compressor and insert the new one.

How To Replace Refrigerator Compressor: Step-By-Step Guide

5a- Malfunctioning Freezer Fan

As the name suggests, a freezer fan blows the cold air inside the freezer compartment of your True refrigerator. This component is commonly known as the evaporator fan. This fan maintains an even temperature inside the freezer and prevents frost buildup on the food and the walls.

Besides wear and tear, this small fan malfunctions due to any sort of excessive buildup. This affects the cooling performance of your True refrigerator by reducing the airflow and causing temperature fluctuations

5b- How To Fix Malfunctioning Freezer Fan

Troubleshooting this component is not any different than most True refrigerator components. You need to accurately locate the fan. Then, you can clean or replace depending on its condition.

  1. Find the fan: The freezer fan is inside the freezer compartment, particularly behind the back panel or the ice maker. You should remove the freezer panel for access.
  2. Clean the fan: You can use different tools to restore the fan’s cleanliness depending on the situation. For instance, a soft brush, cloth, or a vacuum cleaner can do this job. Besides the visual inspection, you can check on the cleaning progress by giving the fan a gentle spin. If you notice resistance, you should keep cleaning.
  3. Inspect the blades: This component malfunctions if there is a bent or damaged fan blade. This may be indicative of the need for replacement.
  4. Install a new fan: Use your flathead or Philips screwdriver to disconnect the fan’s wires and remove the fan from the mounting bracket. Install a new fan and reconnect the wires the same original way.

Conclusion

Now that we have explored the potential causes and their possible remedies, you can work on your True refrigerator not cooling issues. Proper identification of the cause is the key to finding the solution and your DIY skills can take care of the rest.

However, it’s crucial to exercise caution, especially when dealing with electrical components. If you’re unsure of your abilities or unfamiliar with refrigerator repair, seeking professional help is advisable.

Remember to always disconnect the power source before attempting any repairs to ensure safety.

Rate this post
DMCA.com Protection Status
error: Content is protected !!