Refrigerator Gets Cold Then Warm

Quick answer

A refrigerator that gets cold then warm is often due to a faulty thermostat, dirty condenser coils, or a refrigerant leak. Check the coils, test the thermostat, and ensure the door seals tightly.

Confirm the symptom

• Refrigerator cools properly at first
• Temperature rises after several hours
• Compressor cycles on and off frequently
• Interior starts to frost over
• Food begins to spoil after a day or two

Tools and prep

• Infrared thermometer — To check temperature consistency inside and on coils
• Condenser coil brush — To clean dust and debris from coils
• Multimeter — To test thermostat and defrost heater continuity
• Shop vacuum — To remove debris from hard-to-reach areas
• Refrigerant leak detector — To identify refrigerant leaks

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Prep & safety

• Unplug the refrigerator to ensure safety before inspecting components
• Allow the interior to warm up to room temperature before testing
• Wipe down the exterior and interior to prevent dust from interfering with tests
• Keep a notebook to record observations during troubleshooting

Step-by-step troubleshooting

1. Check Condenser Coils
   Do: Locate and clean the condenser coils using a condenser coil brush and shop vacuum.
   Observe: Coils should be free of dust and debris.
   Means: Dirty coils reduce cooling efficiency.
   Next: If coils are clean, move to the next step.
2. Test Thermostat
   Do: Use a multimeter to test the thermostat for continuity.
   Observe: The thermostat should have continuity when set to a lower temperature.
   Means: No continuity indicates a faulty thermostat.
   Next: Replace the thermostat if it's faulty.
3. Inspect Door Seal
   Do: Close the door on a piece of paper and try to pull it out.
   Observe: A strong resistance means the seal is tight.
   Means: A weak seal allows warm air to enter.
   Next: Replace the door gasket if the seal is weak.
4. Check Defrost System
   Do: Inspect the defrost heater and timer for damage or wear.
   Observe: The defrost heater should be warm during defrost cycles.
   Means: A faulty defrost system can cause temperature fluctuations.
   Next: Replace the defrost heater or timer if necessary.
5. Test Compressor
   Do: Listen for the compressor to run continuously without cycling.
   Observe: The compressor should run smoothly without unusual noises.
   Means: A malfunctioning compressor can cause inconsistent cooling.
   Next: Consult a professional if the compressor is faulty.
6. Check for Refrigerant Leak
   Do: Use a refrigerant leak detector to scan for leaks around the coils and connections.
   Observe: The detector should not indicate any leaks.
   Means: A refrigerant leak reduces cooling capacity.
   Next: Contact a professional to recharge the refrigerant if a leak is detected.

Common causes

Parts you might need

When replacing parts, ensure they match the specifications of your refrigerator model.

• Thermostat: match the model number and voltage rating
• Door gasket: match the size and shape of the existing gasket
• Defrost heater: match the wattage and length
• Condenser coil brush: match the size and type of your refrigerator's coils
• Refrigerant recharge kit: match the type of refrigerant used in your refrigerator

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Consult your refrigerator’s manual for specific part numbers and compatibility information.

When to call a professional

• If the refrigerator still doesn’t cool properly after replacing parts
• If you detect a refrigerant leak and cannot recharge it yourself
• If the compressor is making unusual noises or not running at all
• If you’re unsure about diagnosing or replacing electrical components
• If the problem persists after following all troubleshooting steps

FAQ