Electrolux Refrigerator: not cooling

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Electrolux refrigerator not cooling properly? If the fridge is warmer than the set temperature and food is spoiling, it's crucial to troubleshoot. Common culprits include a faulty condenser fan motor, a stuck damper control assembly, or thermostat issues. Take action to restore proper cooling and protect your food.

Urgency: High

Important Tips for Electrolux Models

  • Electrolux models may use specific damper control assemblies that can restrict airflow if stuck
  • Electrolux evaporator fan and condenser fan failures are commonly reported causes of cooling issues

Possible Causes

Faulty or obstructed condenser fan motor

How to Identify: Compressor runs but fan does not spin or is noisy; warm fridge and compressor area overheats

Part: Condenser fan motor

Damper control assembly stuck or failed

How to Identify: Cold air does not flow from freezer to fridge; fridge warmer than freezer

Part: Damper control assembly

Thermostat or control setting issue

How to Identify: Incorrect set temperature, no click when adjusting control

Part: Thermostat/temperature control

Start relay or compressor problem

How to Identify: Compressor not running or running constantly with no cooling; clicking sounds

Part: Start relay / compressor

DIY Solutions

Clean condenser coils

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: vacuum with brush attachment, coil brush
  1. Unplug refrigerator from power
  2. Locate condenser coils (back or underneath unit)
  3. Use vacuum and brush to remove dust/debris from coils
  4. Plug refrigerator back in and wait up to 24 hours to see if cooling improves
⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before cleaning coils

Check and adjust thermostat settings

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Locate temperature control inside fridge
  2. Ensure settings are within recommended range (usually ~37°F
  3. Listen for click when adjusting control, indicating thermostat engagement

Clear blocked vents and reorganize items

Easy 10 minutes
  1. Remove items blocking interior vents
  2. Ensure space around vents for airflow
  3. Replace shelves appropriately

Test door gasket seal

Easy 5 minutes
Tools Needed: paper/card
  1. Close door on paper/card edge
  2. Try to pull paper out; resistance indicates good seal
  3. If not tight, clean gasket or consider replacement

Professional Repairs

Replace evaporator or condenser fan motor

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

Replace damper control assembly

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

Start relay or compressor replacement

Estimated Cost: $150 - $600+

When to Call a Professional

Evaporator or condenser fan motors tested faulty
Damper assembly fails and blocks airflow
Compressor or start relay issues suspected
Refrigerant leak suspected

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean condenser coils: Cooling inefficiency due to poor heat dissipation
    Frequency: bi‑annually
  • Inspect door gaskets: Warm air ingress reducing cooling efficiency
    Frequency: annually
  • Check internal airflow/vents: Airflow blockages leading to poor cooling
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Electrolux Refrigerator not cooling?
Common causes include a faulty condenser fan motor, a stuck damper control assembly, or thermostat issues.
How do I fix Electrolux Refrigerator not cooling myself?
Try cleaning condenser coils, checking thermostat settings, clearing vents, and testing the door gasket seal.
How much does it cost to fix not cooling?
Professional repairs can range from $100 to over $600, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not cooling?
If DIY fixes don't work or if the problem involves the compressor, it's best to consult a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

100%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Evaporator fan motor issues (2 mentions)
  • Control panel malfunction (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Unplugged and reconnected the main control board and IQ touch board

    Success rate: 6.0%

  2. Added oil to the fan motor

    Success rate: 6.0%

  3. Replace evaporator fan motor

    Success rate: 6.0%
Analysis based on 5 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Fridge not cooling enough.
  2. Power Failure Caused Electrolux Fridge Panel to become Unres...
  3. Had to defrost my fridge, now it wont get as cold as before,...
  4. Two separate Electrolux fridges malfunctioning at same time?
  5. Fridge repair - Electrolux

Community Discussions

Power failure caused control panel to become unresponsive

Unplugged the main control board and IQ touch board, then reconnected them, which resolved the issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

High fridge and freezer temps (65 degrees and 30 degrees respectively)

Professional suggested replacing the unit due to suspected leak in the evaporator.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

fridge not getting as cold as before

Added oil to the fan motor to restore its function.

DIY View on Reddit →

Iced Out Freezer and A Warm Fridge

Clear ice buildup and check defrost drain and fan operation.

DIY View on Reddit →

not keeping the fridge temp down, frost building up in the freezer section

Defrosting the fridge/freezer by turning it off and allowing it to melt.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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