If the freezer is still cold
This is the most common version of the problem, and it points us at the airflow path between the freezer and the fridge. The compressor and the sealed system are usually fine. Likely causes, in order:
- Iced-over evaporator coil. The defrost cycle failed. Frost built up on the freezer coil. Air can't flow through it anymore, so the fridge stops getting cold air. The freezer often still feels cold because the ice itself is freezing — but the fan can't push air past it.
- Failed evaporator fan motor. The fan that pushes cold air from the freezer into the fridge isn't running. Open the freezer with the door switch held in — if you don't hear the fan, this is likely it.
- Stuck damper. A small flap between the freezer and fridge is supposed to open and close. If it's stuck closed, no cold air reaches the fridge.
- Failed thermistor or control board. The fridge thinks it's already cold and stops calling for cooling.
If the freezer is also warm
Now we're looking at the cooling system itself. The compressor isn't pulling heat out, or it isn't running at all.
- Condenser blocked with dust. Especially common on built-ins where the grille hasn't been cleaned in years. The unit can't reject heat. Sometimes a thorough cleaning is the whole repair.
- Condenser fan failed. No airflow over the condenser, same result as a blocked condenser.
- Compressor not starting. Could be a start relay or a failed compressor. We test before condemning either.
- Sealed-system leak. Refrigerant slowly leaked out. Less common, but it happens. Repair depends on the unit and the leak location.
What you can check before calling
- Is the unit set to the right temperature? (Fridge: 37–40°F. Freezer: 0°F.)
- Did anything block the vent at the back of the fridge? Move tall items away.
- Is the door closing fully? A bottle on a shelf can hold the door slightly open.
- Is the condenser grille clogged? On a built-in, it's the metal grille at the very top or bottom front.
If those check out and the fridge is still warm, call us.
Don't unplug it for hours hoping it resets. If the evaporator is iced up, that does melt the ice — but you've also lost food, and the underlying defrost component is still broken. It'll happen again. Better to diagnose first.
Built-in fridges and condos
Built-in refrigerators in Santa Monica condos often share a common failure: the condenser at the top of the unit pulls dust through the cabinetry and slowly clogs. We pull the unit, clean it, and check the fan. See our built-in refrigerator repair page for more on these specifically.
How long does the visit take?
Diagnostic: 15–30 minutes. Repair: same visit if it's a defrost component, fan motor, damper, thermistor, or condenser cleaning. Sealed-system or compressor work is occasionally a return visit if specific parts need to be ordered.