Check these first, whatever the brand
- Look after the food first
Move anything that has to stay cold into a cool box or another fridge while you sort it out.
- Listen at the vents
With the door shut you should hear the fan running. Silence or a scraping noise points at ice or a failed motor.
- Look for ice
Frost around the fan or behind the back panel is the most common cause. It usually means the automatic defrost isn't working, or a door has been left ajar.
- Defrost it fully
Empty it, unplug it and leave the doors open until all the ice has melted, with towels down. Your brand's code page gives the maker's time, from several hours to a few days.
- Keep the vents clear
Don't pack food against the air vents inside.
When it's time for an engineer
If the code comes back soon after a full defrost, the fan motor or the defrost system needs checking.
Parts people end up buying
Only once the checks point to a part. Match it to your model number: it's on a label inside the fridge, usually on a side wall, or on the back.
- Fridge fan motorSearch on Amazon
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Questions people ask
Why does my fridge fan keep icing up?
Usually the automatic defrost isn't working, so ice builds up on the coils and around the fan. A door that doesn't seal properly makes it worse.
How long does a fridge take to defrost?
Several hours at least, and a day or more for heavy ice. Follow the time on your brand's code page.