Won’t you feel irritated if your refrigerator does nothing but you still see the light turned ON? I mean there are various things that one might think of regarding his appliance. Many people have been complaining about this issue when their refrigerator light comes on but it does nothing after this. Luckily, I have gathered some useful material regarding this issue which I will be sharing in this article. If you are also facing the same problem then it is time to give this article a thorough read.
Refrigerator Light Comes ON but Nothing Else – A Quick Glance
If you already have intermediate knowledge about the fixing and troubleshooting of appliances then all you need to do is have a quick glance at the issues and their relevant fixes. A single glance would be sufficient for you in order to get rid of this problem.
| Problem | Fix |
| 1. Abnormally high freezer temperature | Adjust the freezer temperature |
| 2. Faulty temperature controller (thermostat) | Test for fault using a multimeter and replace the thermostat if faulty |
| 3. Overheated compressor | Replace the overheated compressor |
| 4. Stuck defrost button/ defrost timer | Unstuck the defrost button |
| 5. Dirt-caked condenser coils | Clean the condenser coils |
| 6. Insufficient airflow | Create more clearance around the fridge |
Why is my Refrigerator doing nothing?
The potential reasons why your refrigerator is doing nothing after showing a turned ON light are mentioned below.
- Abnormally High Freezer Temperature
- Faulty Temperature Controller
- Overheated Compressor
- Stuck Defrost Button/Timer
- Dirt Caked Condenser Coils
- Insufficient Air Flow
You need to look into these causes because they are the ones which are causing trouble to your refrigerator unit.
Problems and Fixes:
In this section of the article, I will be explaining every reason briefly along with its fix. So make sure to keep following this article till the end.
1. Abnormally High Freezer Temperature
It is a common fact to know that the freezer should always run at a low temperature and not on a high one. Your refrigerator unit might experience paralysis if you set the freezer temperature too high. In the worst case scenario, the unit might become unresponsive. If you set the freezer temperature too high then it will restrict the compressor from kicking in. In case this happens, the whole unit will experience a downfall.
Solution Fix
Turn OFF the fridge and unplug it from the main supply. Use the user manual and find the temperature setting control knob. Once found, adjust the freezer temperature to low. After doing this, plug back the refrigerator and turn it ON. Observe, whether the compressor kicked in or not. If not, jump on to the next fix.
2. Faulty Temperature Controller
A temperature controller is also known as a thermostat. If your fridge is unable to run even after showing a turned ON light then it means there is something wrong with the thermostat. You can readjust the unit temperature and control other components like evaporator, compressor and condenser using a thermostat. Put it in this way that the thermostat is responsible for running these three components and these components are important for running the whole unit. So if the thermostat becomes faulty, then your whole unit will eventually stop working.
Solution Fix
In order to solve the issue, all you need to do is have a multimeter and perform the following steps.
- Keep turning the thermostat in the counterclockwise direction till you get to zero
- Touch the probe to both the terminals of the thermostat and note down the meter reading
- In case the meter is showing the reading then it means there is something wrong with the thermostat. You need to make a quick replacement in this situation
- But if you witness no reading then it means the thermostat is totally okay
3. Overheated Compressor
If you are experiencing cooling issues with your refrigerator then you need to closely check the condition of your compressor. The compressor could be overheated and you can tell this thing by following one of the below mentioned signs.
- Compressor working on an off with interruption. This shows the overload as well as the power issues of the compressor.
- If the compressor’s fan isn’t working then it is as good as dead. Due to a faulty fan the compressor itself will become overheated.
Solution Fix
After confirming this fact that your refrigerator’s compressor has become faulty, call a technician and ask him to replace the old compressor with a new one. Make sure you have the matching model of your compressor.
4. Stuck Defrost Button/Timer
Old refrigerator models have a defrost button which allows the refrigerator to go in the defrost mode. The button can often get stuck in the unit’s defrost mode which can also interfere with its startup. However, in the latest models you won’t find a manual defrost button.
Solution Fix
In case you own an older fridge, make sure to check the condition of the defrost button. If it is stuck then pull it out gently so it doesn’t get damaged. But if you own a newer model then you need to call a technician to have a look at the unit.
5. Dirt Caked Condenser Coils
Condenser coils in your fridge are present to dissipate the heat. They are usually present at the back of the unit. You need to clean these coils regularly as they accumulate the dirt much quickly. Too much dirt can result in dirt caked condenser coils which could paralyze the normal functioning of your fridge.
Solution Fix
Clean the condenser coils regularly as they need proper maintenance. You can use a soft brush to brush off the major particles and dirt present on the coils. Make sure to clean the coils properly so you don’t have to face further issues.
6. Insufficient Airflow
If your fridge is tightly packed within its space then there are less chances of air circulation. Insufficient airflow might lead to compressor overheating which will result in shutting down the whole unit. Moreover, if your fridge is placed on a 3-corned wall with low ceilings then you will face the same issue.
Solution Fix
You need to ensure a good airflow around your refrigerator. Leave a space of 3 inches or more at the back of your fridge. Moreover, there should be one-inch clearance at the top of the fridge as well. Doing this will ensure a good airflow and will prevent your compressor from getting overheated.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q – Will my fridge work without the light?
A – Yes, it is possible for your fridge to work without the light. But it would get hard to identify whether the issue lies within the bulb or the appliance itself.
Q – What is the first thing to check when a refrigerator stops working?
A – The first thing to check whenever your refrigerator stops working is the power supply. Make sure your refrigerator unit is getting sufficient power supply.
Q – Why is my refrigerator light OFF?
A – Your refrigerator light might be OFF due to an improper installation of the bulb or due to a faulty light bulb.
Concluding Thoughts:
Now that the refrigerator light is on, you know what to check first, but not anything else. As was mentioned, it is crucial to examine the state of the temperature controller, compressor, condenser coils, and defrost timer/button. But remember to leave enough space surrounding your refrigerator, and if the freezer is set too high, reduce its temperature.