5 Reasons Why Your Frigidaire Mini Fridge Is Not Cooling

A mini fridge is a handy appliance to have in your home, office, or dorm room. But what do you do when it stops cooling properly? Not to worry! In this blog post, we’ll take you through some of the most common reasons why mini fridges stop cooling, and how to fix them. Read on to learn more. 

If your mini-fridge isn’t keeping your food cold, there are a few possible culprits.

1. The easy reasons

The first thing to check is the gasket seal around the door – if it’s damaged, warm air can enter the fridge and cause the interior temperature to rise. Check that the mini fridge is plugged in and the outlet is functional. Check that the temperature is set to the ideal temperature, between 35 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit for the refrigerator, and 0 degrees for the freezer.

2. It needs a clean

One of the most common reasons why mini fridges stop cooling is because the condenser coils are dirty. The condenser coils are located at the back of the fridge, and they help remove heat from the air inside the fridge. If these coils are covered in dust or dirt, they won’t be able to do their job properly and your fridge will stop cooling. To clean the condenser coils, simply unplug your fridge and use a brush or vacuum attachment to remove any dirt or debris.

3. Check the fans

The condenser fan

You should also make sure that the condenser fan is clear of any obstruction. This fan helps keep the condenser coils from frosting over by blowing warm air on them. To check the fan, simply remove the housing and make sure there is nothing blocking it. You can also use a multimeter to check for continuity.

Note: How to use and read a multimeter

A multimeter is a device that can be used to measure electrical voltage, current, and resistance. To use a multimeter, you will first need to select the appropriate mode for the measurement you wish to take. For example, if you want to measure voltage, you would select the “V” mode. Once you have selected the correct mode, you will need to connect the black probe of the multimeter to the “COM” port and the red probe to the “VΩmA” port. Finally, you will touch the probes to the points in the circuit where you want to take the measurement. The display on the multimeter will show you the result of your measurement.

The evaporator fan (only if your mini-fridge has a freezer compartment)

Another common reason for fridge malfunctions is a dirty evaporator fan. The evaporator fan is located in the freezer compartment (if your mini fridge has one) and it helps transfer air from the freezer to the refrigerator. If this fan is dirty or obstructed, it can cause your fridge to stop cooling properly. To clean the evaporator fan, simply remove the housing and use a brush or vacuum attachment to remove any dirt or debris. You should also make sure that there is nothing blocking it. You can also use a multimeter to check for continuity.

4. The internal components

The compressor

The compressor is another important component of your mini fridge. This is what produces the refrigerant that makes your fridge cool. If the compressor isn’t working properly, your fridge won’t be able to cool properly. To check the compressor, you’ll need to use a multimeter to test for continuity. If you don’t have a multimeter, you can take your fridge to a qualified repair person who can test it for you.

The thermostat

A thermostat is a device that regulates the temperature of a mini fridge by turning the cooling unit on and off as needed. The thermostat is located inside the fridge, near the back. To check it for continuity, unplug the fridge and remove the back panel. Locate the two wires that are connected to the thermostat and use a multimeter to test for continuity between them. If the multimeter beeps, that means the thermostat is working properly. If there is no continuity, then the thermostat needs to be replaced. Replacing a thermostat is a relatively easy task that can be done with just a few tools. However, if you are unsure of how to do it, it is always best to consult a professional.

The start relay

The start relay on a mini fridge is a small, cylindrical piece that helps to start the compressor. It is located near the back of the fridge and is usually easy to spot. To check the start relay for continuity, use a multimeter to test the resistance between the two terminals on the relay.

The start capacitor

A start capacitor is used to help a fridge compressor start up. It helps to increase the torque of the compressor so that it can overcome the resistance of being turned on. The start capacitor is usually found near the compressors on a mini fridge. To check it for continuity, you can use a multimeter to test the resistance between the two terminals.

The thermistor

A thermistor is a type of resistor that changes its resistance value in response to temperature. They are used in a variety of applications, such as temperature sensors and self-regulating heating elements. In a mini fridge, the thermistor is located near the cooling coils and is responsible for monitoring the air temperature inside the fridge. To check the thermistor for continuity, use a multimeter to measure the resistance between the two leads. The resistance value should change as the temperature changes. If the resistance values remain constant, then the thermistor is most likely faulty and needs to be replaced.

5. The main control board is faulty

Finally, take a look at the main control board. This is the brain of the fridge, responsible for regulating temperature and running the cooling cycle. If it’s faulty, it can cause all sorts of problems. Luckily, it’s relatively easy to replace – you can find kits online or at your local hardware store. However, depending on the age and condition of your fridge, it might be more cost-effective to just replace the whole unit.

The lowdown 

We hope this blog post helped shed some light on why your mini fridge might not be cooling properly. Remember to clean the condenser coils and evaporator fan regularly to help keep your fridge in tip-top shape. And if all else fails, you can always take it to a qualified repair person for help.