5 Reasons Your Freezer is Not Working

If your freezer is not working, it will likely be caused by one or more faulty components within your appliance. In this guide, we’ll discuss five main reasons why your freezer might not be working and give you some tips on how to fix them.

If the problem is a lack of power, you can test the power plug into a different power socket in your home and check the circuit breaker hasn’t turned off. If the power supply is the problem, you will need to get an electrician to come and replace the power socket, circuit breaker, or power cord. If the power is still being supplied to the freezer, start by checking the temperature is set correctly (see below).

1. The temperature is set too high

The best place to start is to check if the temperature is set correctly. For your freezer to operate correctly it should be set at 0 or below degrees Fahrenheit. Checking if the temperature is set correctly is as easy as opening the freezer door, locating the thermostat, and checking what temperature it is set at. If it’s set wrong, change the setting and then monitor it for a few hours to ensure your freezer is now working again correctly. If the temperature is set correctly and/or changing the setting doesn’t get your freezer working again, check the condenser coils (see below).

2. The condenser coils are dirty

The next reason why your freezer may have stopped working is if the condenser coils are dirty. The coils help your freezer stay cool and if they get dirty or covered in ice, they might not operate correctly, and your freezer will stop working.

Here’s the best way to check the condenser coils: 

1. Start by making sure the power is switched off to your freezer and then pull it out from the wall.
2. If the condenser coil unit has a cover over it, remove it.
3. Inspect the coils to see if they are dirty or frosted over.
4. If dirty, clean them with a damp cloth. If frosted over, leave the freezer off for an hour to let them defrost before cleaning them with a damp cloth.
5. Once clean, turn your freezer back on and monitor the temperature for a few hours to make sure it’s now working correctly. If your freezer still doesn’t work, check the condenser fan (see below).

3. The condenser fan is faulty

The next reason to investigate is if the condenser fan has become faulty. This component ensures the condenser coils don’t frost over so they keep working correctly. When the fan stops doing its job, your freezer will stop working.

This is the best way to check the condenser fan:

1. Start by switching the power off to your freezer.
2. Pull it out from the wall so you can access the back of it.
3. Remove the back panel and fan cover (if applicable).
4. Try to turn the fan around manually to ensure nothing is obstructing it from being able to move.
5. If the fan is frosted over or obstructed, remove any debris from the fan.
6. The next step is to test the fan motor with a multimeter.
7. If the test shows no continuity in the motor, the fan unit will need to be replaced. If the fan motor has continuity, you can move on to checking the start relay (see below).
8. If you install a new condenser fan unit, turn your freezer on once it has been installed and check if your freezer is now working. If not, check the start relay (see below).

4. The start relay is faulty

The next possible reason your freezer is not working is if the start relay has become defective. The start relay helps the compressor do its job cooling your freezer. When it becomes defective, your freezer won’t work.

The best way to check the start relay is to:

1. Start by making sure the power is turned off.
2. Pull your freezer out from the wall so you can access the start relay.
3. Locate the start relay (consult your user manual if required).
4. Disconnect the start relay.
5. Test the start relay with your multimeter.
6. If the test shows no continuity, replace it. If the test shows continuity, reconnect it and move on to checking the compressor (see below).
7. If you’ve installed a new start relay unit, turn your freezer back on and check if it is now working correctly. If not, check the compressor (see below).

5. The compressor is faulty

The compressor is one of the main components in your refrigerator. The compressor is a pump that compresses the refrigerant and then circulates it through the condenser coils. When it becomes defective, your freezer won’t be able to freeze.

The best way to check the compressor is to:

1. Start by making sure the power is turned off.
2. Pull your freezer out from the wall so you can access the compressor unit.
3. Remove the back panel from your freezer (if applicable).
4. Locate the compressor and disconnect it.
5. Use your multimeter to test the compressor. 
6. If the compressor has continuity, it’s working fine so you can reconnect it. At this point, you should consider getting a qualified technician to come and inspect your freezer to further investigate the cause of your appliance not working. 
7. If the compressor has no continuity, it will need to be repaired or replaced. Repairing a compressor is a very difficult task and should only be undertaken by a qualified technician. You may however decide it’s a better option to simply purchase a new freezer.