Refrigerator not cooling: safe checklist

Doors, airflow, power and food safety.

Before starting

Use only the instructions supplied for your exact model. If there is a leak, smoke, hot wiring or gas smell, stop and seek qualified help.

1. Protect perishables

If the fridge is clearly warm, transfer perishables to dependable cold storage. Do not assume food is safe after prolonged warming.

2. Check seals and closure

Move obstructing food and verify doors and drawers seal normally.

3. Check airflow

Keep indoor vents clear and follow external clearance instructions. Lack of fan sound alone is not a diagnosis.

4. When to seek service

Repeated compressor, defrost or fan codes need model-specific service diagnosis; do not open sealed refrigerant systems.

Manufacturer references

These links document selected codes or procedures; they may not cover every model.