Maytag Refrigerator: not cooling

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Maytag refrigerator isn't cooling, you may notice that the interior feels warm or above the ideal temperature range. While the lights and controls may still function, you could experience a warm fridge with a cold freezer or both sections failing to cool. Understanding the common causes can help you address this issue effectively.

Urgency: High

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag refrigerators often have separate damper control assemblies prone to sticking, causing warm fridge but cold freezer.
  • Maytag start relay failures are noted as a frequent cause for compressor not starting.

Possible Causes

Dirty condenser coils

How to Identify: Visible dust and debris on coils located on back or bottom of unit; refrigerator has to work harder, feels warm inside.

Part: Condenser coils

Evaporator fan motor failure

How to Identify: Freezer may run but fridge section warm; no airflow noise; fan blade doesn’t spin freely.

Part: Evaporator fan motor

Condenser fan motor failure

How to Identify: Compressor runs but overheat occurs due to poor airflow; fan not spinning at back of fridge.

Part: Condenser fan motor

Damper control assembly stuck or broken

How to Identify: Freezer cold but fridge warm; damper doesn’t open to allow cold air transfer.

Part: Damper control assembly

Faulty thermostat/temperature control

How to Identify: Incorrect or fluctuating internal temperatures despite correct settings; no click when adjusting dial.

Part: Thermostat/temperature control

Start relay or compressor issues

How to Identify: Compressor clicking but not running; no cooling at all; fridge warm and possibly humming or no compressor sound.

Part: Start relay / compressor

Refrigerant leak / sealed system failure

How to Identify: Compressor runs continuously yet fridge still warm; frost pattern abnormal on evaporator coils.

Part: Sealed refrigerant system

DIY Solutions

Clean condenser coils

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: vacuum with brush attachment, coil brush, screwdriver (if grille removal needed)
  1. Unplug refrigerator
  2. Locate coils (back or bottom), remove grille if necessary
  3. Use vacuum and brush to remove dust and debris
  4. Reassemble grille and plug fridge back in
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug unit before cleaning to avoid shock

Clear blocked air vents and adjust food placement

Easy 10-15 minutes
  1. Remove or rearrange items blocking vents inside fridge
  2. Ensure airflow pathways from freezer to fridge are unobstructed

Check and replace door gasket

Moderate 30-45 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, warm soapy water
  1. Inspect gasket for wear or cracks
  2. Clean gasket and sealing surface
  3. Replace gasket if damaged ensuring snug fit

Professional Repairs

Replace evaporator or condenser fan motor

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

Repair/replace sealed refrigerant system or compressor

Estimated Cost: $300 - $800+

Replace damper control assembly

Estimated Cost: $100 - $250

When to Call a Professional

No improvement after DIY steps
Compressor not running or clicking repeatedly
Signs of refrigerant leak (hissing, oily residue)
Ice buildup indicating defrost system failure

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean condenser coils: Heat buildup reducing cooling efficiency
    Frequency: every 6 months
  • Inspect door gaskets: Warm air leaks leading to cooling loss
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Refrigerator not cooling?
Common causes include dirty condenser coils, evaporator fan failure, or a faulty thermostat.
How do I fix Maytag Refrigerator not cooling myself?
You can clean the condenser coils, clear blocked air vents, or check the door gasket.
How much does it cost to fix not cooling?
Professional repairs range from $100 for fan motors to $800+ for sealed system repairs.
When should I call a technician for not cooling?
If DIY fixes don't work, or if you suspect compressor or refrigerant issues, contact a technician immediately.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

36%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Professional

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Jazz Board Failure (5 mentions)
  • Control Board Issues (5 mentions)
  • Damper Motor Failure (3 mentions)
  • Compressor Problems (3 mentions)
  • Fan Motor Failure (3 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replaced the jazz board and it's working again

    Success rate: 3.0%

  2. Replaced the control board after the fan motor failed

    Success rate: 3.0%

  3. Forced defrost resolved the issue due to ice buildup

    Success rate: 3.0%

  4. Hitting the cold control housing with a screwdriver resolved the issue

    Success rate: 3.0%

  5. Replaced run capacitor; control panel issues resolved

    Success rate: 3.0%
Analysis based on 28 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Maytag MFI Fridge Damper Inconsistent
  2. Refrigerator and Freezer not cooling properly
  3. Maytag Refrigerator warm, but Freezer Cold
  4. Maytag fridge not cooling after a power surge
  5. Maytag top freezer not working.
  6. MAYTAG Refrigerator not cooling but freezer is fine
  7. Old Refrigerator - Maytag PTB1553GR not ice cold
  8. Refrigerator broken - would appreciate any assistance
  9. Maytag refrigerator not cooling
  10. Maytag M1txegmyb refrigerator and freezer not cooling proper...
  11. Failing Fridge Compressor or Start Relay?
  12. Maytag Refrigerator Replacement Start Relay - Wrong Power Co...
  13. Freezer working but refrigerator warm how to fix Maytag Mode...
  14. Maytag fridge not cooling and freezer works fine
  15. Maytag refrigerator not cooling after changing fan. Freezer ...
  16. Maytag MBL2256KES2 refrigerator not getting cold.
  17. Troubleshooting Maytag refrigerator not cooling
  18. What do you think is wrong with my refrigerator? Clicking no...
  19. Maytag refrigerator not cooling - non-obvious failure
  20. Maytag Refrigerator Not Cooling
  21. Maytag MFI2569YEM0 Refrigerator compressor clicking on/off a...
  22. Maytag refrigerator refrigerant line icing over
  23. Refrigerant Leak?
  24. 14 year old Maytag refrigerator....fridge no longer cools bu...
  25. Maytag fridge not cold
  26. Maytag Bottom Freezer Damper Door not Opening
  27. Refrigerator model too difficult to fix…
  28. Maytag MFI2569VEM fridge repair

Community Discussions

not cooling on the fridge side but the freezer side works fine

Replaced the control board after the fan motor failed, which resolved the cooling issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

Refrigerator stopped cooling completely, not ice cold after relay replacement

Refrigerator became ice cold after 24 hours post-repair.

DIY View on Reddit →

Both refrigerator and freezer not cooling. Refrigerator is silent. Condenser fan not running.

Hitting the cold control housing with a screwdriver resolved the issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

not cooling, temperature control panel blinking 0

replaced the jazz board and it's working again

DIY View on Reddit →

fridge is relatively warm, ice melted in the freezer

Replace the thermostat

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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