Samsung Fridge Not Cooling but Freezer Works? Local Tech Explains

samsung fridge not working

You open your Samsung fridge expecting cold milk and instead, you’re hit with a wave of lukewarm disappointment. But oddly enough, your freezer is still going strong. Sound familiar? If you’re in Vancouver and dealing with this frustrating issue, you’re not alone. As a top appliance repair company in Vancouver, we see this all the time and we’re here to explain exactly what’s going on.

This blog is designed to help homeowners understand why their Samsung fridge isn’t cooling while the freezer is still cold, what causes the problem, what you can do about it, and when it’s time to call in professional help.

What’s Really Going On?

Samsung fridges (especially the French door and bottom-freezer models) use a single cooling system where cold air is pushed from the freezer to the fridge using a fan and vent system. So when your freezer is working but your fridge isn’t, the problem is almost always airflow-related.

Let’s break down the most common causes:

1. Frosted Over Evaporator Coils

This is the number one culprit. Over time, frost can build up around the evaporator coils, which are located behind the back panel of your freezer. This frost blocks the fan from pushing cold air into the fridge.

What causes this?

  • Faulty defrost thermostat or defrost heater
  • Clogged or frozen defrost drain
  • Leaving the door open for long periods

DIY Fix: Try unplugging the fridge and letting it defrost for 24 hours. Put towels down – it’ll leak. If the fridge works again after that, you’ll know frost buildup was the issue. But if it returns, the underlying component (thermostat or heater) likely needs replacing.

2. Broken Evaporator Fan Motor

If the fan responsible for circulating air from the freezer to the fridge has failed, your fridge compartment won’t get the airflow it needs even though the freezer still works.

Signs of this:

  • Buzzing or clicking noises
  • No airflow when you open the fridge door

DIY Fix: Listen for the fan running. If it’s silent (and you’re sure the door switch is engaged), it’s likely toast. This is where our techs come in, we can replace that motor same day.

3. Clogged or Blocked Air Vents

Something as simple as overloading your freezer or fridge can block the vents that move cold air between compartments. If vents are blocked by items or frozen over, the fridge won’t cool properly.

DIY Fix: Inspect vents inside the fridge and freezer. Make sure nothing is pressed up against them and that air can flow freely. Clear any ice buildup if needed.

4. Faulty Thermistor or Control Board

The thermistor measures temperature and tells the control board when to activate cooling. If it malfunctions, the fridge might not cool at all.

DIY Check: Not easy. Diagnosing this properly requires a multimeter and knowing what readings to expect. This is a job better left to a licensed appliance repair technician.

 

samsung fridge not cooling

5. Doors Not Sealing Properly

If your fridge doors aren’t sealing well, warm air sneaks in and throws off the entire cooling process. Samsung gaskets are known to wear out or get dirty over time.

DIY Fix: Inspect the gasket (rubber seal) around the fridge door. Clean it with warm soapy water and check for cracks or warping. If it’s damaged, we can swap it out quickly.

How to Prevent It From Happening Again
  • Don’t overload the freezer or fridge. Allow airflow between items.
  • Check door seals regularly. Clean or replace if needed.
  • Keep vents clear and don’t block the back panel.
  • Avoid leaving the fridge door open for too long.
  • Schedule maintenance checks. We offer fridge tune-ups in Vancouver that catch issues before they become big repairs.

When to Call Express Appliance Repair Vancouver

If your Samsung fridge isn’t cooling but your freezer is fine, and you’ve already tried defrosting or clearing vents with no luck, it’s time to bring in the pros.

At Express Appliance Repair Vancouver, we specialize in Samsung fridge repair and offer same-day service throughout the city and surrounding areas. We’re trained on all major brands and models, and we carry parts for common repairs so we can usually fix your issue on the spot.

✅ Licensed and insured technicians
✅ Same-day fridge repairs
✅ Honest quotes and upfront pricing
✅ Repairs backed by satisfaction guarantee

Final Word from Your Local Tech

A Samsung fridge not cooling properly while the freezer still works is super common and luckily, very fixable. Whether it’s a fan, frost, or a control board, our team knows these units inside and out.

Call (778) 819-0387 or book your fridge repair online today. Let’s get that fridge chilling again – fast.