Refrigerator Not Cooling? Common Causes & Replacement Parts in Canada

Refrigerator Not Cooling? Common Causes & Replacement Parts in Canada

Is your refrigerator not cold enough, or has it stopped cooling completely? This is a serious problem that can spoil your food, but many cooling issues can be fixed with the right replacement part. XPart Supply stocks all the cooling components you need for Whirlpool, Maytag, GE, Kenmore, LG, Samsung, KitchenAid, and other major brands.

✓ Most Common Causes of a Refrigerator Not Cooling

1. Faulty Evaporator Fan Motor

Symptoms: Refrigerator not cooling but freezer works fine. You may not hear the fan running when you open the freezer door.

Solution: Replace the evaporator fan motor. This fan circulates cold air from the freezer to the refrigerator compartment.

Popular Parts:

  • Whirlpool/KitchenAid: W10312695, W10858151
  • GE: WR60X10185
  • Samsung: DA31-00146E
  • LG: 4681JB1029C

2. Bad Thermistor (Temperature Sensor)

Symptoms: Refrigerator too warm or too cold, or temperature fluctuates.

Solution: Test the thermistor with a multimeter. Replace if faulty.

3. Defrost System Failure

Symptoms: Refrigerator not cooling, frost buildup on evaporator coils.

Solution: Check the defrost heater, defrost thermostat, and defrost timer/control board. Replace faulty components.

4. Dirty or Failed Condenser Fan Motor

Symptoms: Refrigerator not cooling, compressor runs hot.

Solution: Clean the condenser coils first. If the fan motor is faulty, replace it.

5. Faulty Start Relay or Compressor

Symptoms: Refrigerator not cooling at all, compressor won't run, or you hear clicking sounds.

Solution: Test the start relay. If faulty, replace it. If the compressor itself has failed, a direct replacement is required.

Whirlpool Replacement Compressors: W11628587 Whirlpool Refrigerator Compressor · WPW10750849 Whirlpool Refrigerator Compressor · W11480426 Whirlpool Refrigerator Compressor

6. Blocked Air Damper or Vents

Symptoms: Refrigerator too warm, freezer works fine.

Solution: Check and replace the air damper control or clear blocked vents.

✓ Shop Refrigerator Cooling Parts by Brand

✓ How to Diagnose Your Refrigerator Cooling Problem

  1. Check the basics: Make sure the refrigerator is plugged in, the temperature is set correctly, and the door seals properly.
  2. Listen for the evaporator fan: Open the freezer door and listen for the fan. If it's not running, the motor may be faulty.
  3. Check for frost buildup: Remove the back panel inside the freezer. Heavy frost on the evaporator coils indicates a defrost system problem.
  4. Test the thermistor: Use a multimeter to check resistance. It should change when you warm it with your hand.
  5. Clean the condenser coils: Unplug the fridge and vacuum the coils on the back or bottom.
  6. Listen for the compressor: The compressor should run periodically. If it's silent or clicking, check the start relay.

✓ Why Choose XPart Supply for Refrigerator Cooling Parts?

  • 30+ years serving Canadian appliance repair professionals and DIYers
  • Same-day shipping across Canada for orders before 3 PM EST
  • Expert phone support to help diagnose your refrigerator problem
  • OEM quality guaranteed – genuine parts plus premium XPart alternatives
  • Canadian business – no cross-border delays or surprise duties
  • Guaranteed fit support – we verify the right part for your model

Need a replacement instead of a repair?

Sometimes the repair cost isn't worth it. XPart Supply carries Certified Pre-Owned washers, dryers, and major appliances that have been inspected, repaired, cleaned, and tested — available for local pickup or in-town delivery in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Brantford, and Hamilton.

View Certified Pre-Owned Appliances

✓ Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my refrigerator not cooling but the freezer works?

This is usually caused by a faulty evaporator fan motor, bad thermistor, or blocked air damper. The evaporator fan circulates cold air from the freezer to the fridge, so if it fails, the fridge won't cool.

How do I know if my refrigerator evaporator fan is bad?

Open the freezer door and listen for the fan. If you don't hear it running, or if it makes grinding/squealing noises, the motor is likely faulty.

Can I replace a refrigerator evaporator fan myself?

Yes! Replacing an evaporator fan is a common DIY repair. You'll need to remove the back panel inside the freezer. Expect 30-60 minutes with basic tools.

Why is my refrigerator not cooling at all?

Complete cooling failure is usually caused by a bad compressor, failed start relay, faulty control board, or refrigerant leak. Start by testing the start relay and checking if the compressor is running.

How much does it cost to fix a refrigerator that's not cooling?

DIY parts typically cost $30-$200. Evaporator fan motors run $40-$100, thermistors $20-$50, start relays $15-$40, and defrost heaters $30-$60. Professional repair can cost $200-$500+ including labor.