Maytag refrigerator not cooling but freezer is fine

Want to know how to fix your Maytag refrigerator that is not cooling? This article gives you a detailed guide…

Maytag refrigerator not cooling but freezer is fine
Photo Credit: Jo Zimny, Flickr.com (under license)

  • Maytag Refrigerator Not Cooling after Power Outage – What to Do
  • Maytag Fridge Not Cooling But Freezer Works – Solutions
    • 1. Check the Evaporator Fan
    • 2. Check the Evaporator Coils
    • 3. Check the Thermistor
    • 4. Check the Air Damper
  • Maytag Refrigerator Compressor Running But Not Cooling – What to Do
    • 1. Temperature Control
    • 2. Condenser Coils
    • 3. Evaporator Coils
    • 4. Condenser Fan
    • 5. Thermistor
    • 6. Evaporator Fan
  • Maytag Refrigerator Not Cooling or Freezing – Quick Fix
    • 1. Condenser Fan Motor
    • 2. Evaporator Fan Motor
    • 3. Start Relay
    • 4. Start Capacitor
    • 5. Condenser Coils
    • 6. Thermistor
    • 7. Temperature Control Thermostat
  • Maytag Plus Refrigerator Freezer Not Cooling
  • Get Instant Help — Ask An Experienced Verified Appliance Technician

Maytag Refrigerator Not Cooling after Power Outage – What to Do

If you find that your Maytag refrigerator is not cooling after a power outage, try to reset the front display panel. Once the panel is reset, the refrigerator will begin to cool again.

How you reset yours will depend on the model of your Maytag refrigerator but it is usually a combination of buttons on the panel that will reset the Maytag refrigerator panel.

But if this doesn’t get the cooling function working again, check the circuit breaker that powers the part of the house where the refrigerator is. Be sure it is working. Then, check the power cord of the unit to see if it is properly plugged into the wall socket. Be sure to check the wall socket, too.

When you check these, take a look at the temperature control to be sure it is at the right setting. You could have moved it without knowing at some point during the power outage.

However, if these things are in place yet the refrigerator is not cooling, then a part of it has become defective. You will need to contact a professional technician to take a look at it.

Maytag Fridge Not Cooling But Freezer Works – Solutions

In the event you find that your Maytag fridge section is not cooling but the freezer is cooling, here is what to do:

1. Check the Evaporator Fan

Listen for an unusual noise from the fan motor. This will tell you it is faulty. If there is no noise, spin the blades of the fan by hand. If they don’t spin freely, the motor is bad and needs changing. But if they spin freely but the motor is not running at all, test it for continuity with a multimeter. And if there is no continuity, change the motor.

The evaporator circulates cold air throughout the refrigerator and over the evaporator coils. If it cannot do this, the freezer could remain cold but the fridge will get warm.

2. Check the Evaporator Coils

If they have frost on them, thaw the frost manually by turning off the refrigerator or using a hairdryer. This will increase the flow of cold air into the fridge section.

But then, you will also have to check the components of the defrost system, such as the defrost timer, defrost heater and the defrost thermostat. If they are fully functional, the heater will turn on from time to time to defrost the ice on the coils. So if there is ice that is not thawing, one of the components of the defrost system has become defective.

3. Check the Thermistor

Use a multimeter to test the thermistor for continuity. Without continuity, the thermistor is bad and needs changing. Replace it with a new and functional one.

A faulty thermistor means the control board will not be able to get accurate temperature readings. And without the readings, the board will not be able to properly regulate the power to the compressor and evaporator fan. This means the unit will not run well, leaving it warm.

Maytag refrigerator not cooling but freezer is fine

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4. Check the Air Damper

Take a look at the air damper between the freezer and the fresh food section. If it is closed or just partially open, then it is bad and needs to be changed. If it is not changed, it won’t be able to let the right amount of cold air from the freezer into the fridge.

The video below shows what to do about a Maytag fridge that is not cooling while the freezer is cooling…

Maytag Refrigerator Compressor Running But Not Cooling – What to Do

If your Maytag refrigerator’s compressor is running yet the refrigerator is not cooling, check the following:

1. Temperature Control

You could have touched it while putting things in the refrigerator or cleaning it. Just be sure you set it to the right temperature and give the unit time to cool.

2. Condenser Coils

If the condenser coils are dirty, the refrigerator will not function properly even if the compressor is running. Move the unit and take a look at the coils, usually at the rear bottom part. Vacuum them well and dust after vacuuming.

If the refrigerator start cooling after vacuuming the coils, then they were the problem.

3. Evaporator Coils

Check the coils, behind the rear panel of the freezer section. If they are frozen over, thaw them so they can freely release cold air into the refrigerator. Thaw them by turning off or unplugging the refrigerator for about 24 or 36 hours, depending on the frost buildup.

Plug the unit back or turn it on again. If it starts cooling, then you know the coils were the problem.

4. Condenser Fan

The fan should be spinning as long as the compressor is running. If it is not, check the motor of the fan by turning the blades with your hands. If there is any resistance to spinning, the motor is bad and needs to be replaced. You can also try testing it with a multimeter to see if there is continuity.

5. Thermistor

Test the thermistor with a multimeter for continuity. If it is the problem or you suspect it is, it is best to get a qualified technician to verify this and change it if it is really the problem.

6. Evaporator Fan

If you hear a squealing or any other unusual noise from the back panel of the freezer section, where the fan usually is, then the fan is bad. Open the panel and check to be sure. If you cannot do this, call a technician to verify this  and change it.

However, if you find that all these are not the problem, then it is either the compressor is bad or the refrigerator has a problem with the freon sealed system. Contact a qualified technician to check this for you.

Check out these other articles on refrigerators not cooling for other brands…

  • Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Cooling [How to Fix]
  • GE Refrigerator Not Cooling – Quick Fix
  • KitchenAid Refrigerator Not Cooling [How to Fix]
  • LG Refrigerator Not Cooling [What to Do]
  • Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Cooling [Quick Fix]
  • How to Fix Samsung Refrigerator That is Not Cooling — Detailed Guide

Maytag Refrigerator Not Cooling or Freezing – Quick Fix

If there is a problem with the cooling ability of your Maytag refrigerator, check the following components:

1. Condenser Fan Motor

To check if the motor is faulty, spin the blades of the fan with your hands. If they don’t spin freely, the motor could be bad. To make doubly sure, test the motor for continuity using a multimeter. If there is no continuity, replace the motor.

2. Evaporator Fan Motor

Turn the blades of the fan manually. If there is a restriction to the spinning, the motor could have a problem. And if there is a noise coming from the motor that is not usually there, then the motor is bad. To be extra sure, test the windings of the motor for continuity. If there is none, you definitely need to change the motor. If not, the refrigerator will not cool.

3. Start Relay

Test the relay between the start and run terminals to check for continuity. If there is none, then it cannot help the compressor to run. And if the compressor doesn’t start, the refrigerator won’t be able to cool.

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4. Start Capacitor

Test the capacitor with a multimeter to check if it is defective. Without any reading for continuity, the capacitor is bad and the compressor will have no boost of power to start.

5. Condenser Coils

If the coils are dirty, clean them thoroughly so that they can effectively dissipate the heat from the refrigerant as it passes through them. This way, the refrigerator will not have to work extra hard to cool.

6. Thermistor

With a multimeter, check the resistance of the thermistor. It should change together with the temperature of the refrigerator when you test it. But if it doesn’t, the thermistor is bad and needs to be changed.

7. Temperature Control Thermostat

Turn the dial of the thermostat from the lowest setting to the highest setting. You should hear a click. If you hear none, test it with a multimeter for continuity to be sure. If there is no continuity at any of the settings, change the thermostat.

You can also check the temperature control board or main control board if these parts are all functioning well. However, it is highly unlikely that they would be the problem.

In addition to the above, you can check these parts if your Maytag refrigerator is cooling but not cooling well enough. Fixing any of the above will also fix a poorly cooling Maytag refrigerator.

Learn more of what to do when your Maytag refrigerator is not cooling or freezing from this video…

Maytag Plus Refrigerator Freezer Not Cooling

Check the condenser coils. Clean them well so that they can remove the heat from the refrigerant. If not, the refrigerator will grow warm and the freezer is likely not to cool properly.

Also, check the start relay attached to the compressor. Remove it and shake it. If it rattles, the relay is bad. So the compressor will find it hard to run. And if it doesn’t run, the refrigerator will not work, thereby leaving the freezer warm.

Additionally, check the evaporator fan motor. Listen for a strange noise. That will tell you the motor is bad. If there is no noise, spin the blades. Any little resistance means the motor is bad. But if none of the above applies, test it with a multimeter for continuity. No continuity means the motor is defective and needs a replacement.

You can also check the evaporator coils. If they have frost on them, thaw them so they can disperse cold air effectively into the freezer.

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What would cause a refrigerator to stop getting cold but the freezer works?

The most common cause for this condition is a problem with the defrost system. If the refrigerator freezer is cold but the refrigerator is warm, the evaporator fan motor might have failed. Every refrigerator has a set of coils called an evaporator. These are the coils that get cold.

How do I fix my refrigerator not cooling but the freezer is fine?

Evaporator Coils One of the main reasons for fridge not cooling but freezer works is that the evaporator coils are not working in proper order. The evaporator coils are filled with frost, so air doesn't get space to pass through them to get cold. For a solution, you have to first remove the frost by blowing hot air.

How do you fix a Maytag refrigerator that is not cooling?

Adjust the temperature. ... .
Check the settings. ... .
Check if vents are obstructed. ... .
Make sure the icemaker is turned on. ... .
Check if the water line is kinked. ... .
Make sure water shut-off valves are fully open. ... .
Make sure the door is sealed properly. ... .
Wipe down the door seal gasket..

Why is my Maytag refrigerator not staying cold?

Refrigerators require proper airflow in order to cool properly. If your refrigerator isn't cooling, it may be because food items are blocking the vents of the fridge and/or freezer compartments. Overstuffing your fridge with food can cause items to block the vents and prevent the cool air from circulating properly.