Oven Convection Fan Not Working? 6 Causes and What to Do
A convection fan that will not spin is usually a failed fan motor, a seized blade, a door switch or a relay on the control board. Here is how to narrow it down.
Read the guideWhy is my freezer not freezing?
The most common causes are a door that is not sealing, blocked vents from an overpacked freezer, dirty condenser coils, a failed evaporator or condenser fan, a defrost problem that ices over the coils, and less often a sealed system fault. Most of these can be found and fixed in one visit.
Start with a thermometer. FoodSafety.gov says frozen food should be kept at 0°F. If your freezer is warmer than about 10°F, act now.
What are the 6 most common causes?
1. A door that won't seal
A torn gasket, a bag caught in the door, or a fridge that leans forward can let warm air in. Frost near the door edge is a clue.
2. Blocked vents
Freezers need air to move. Boxes stacked against the back wall can block the vent where cold air comes in.
3. Dirty condenser coils
Dusty coils make the compressor work harder and cool less. Vacuum them once or twice a year.
4. A failed evaporator fan
This fan blows air over the cold coils. If it is silent when the freezer door switch is pressed, it may have failed.
5. A defrost fault
If the defrost heater, thermostat or control fails, ice builds up on the coils behind the back panel and blocks airflow. A thick frost layer on the back wall is the sign.
6. A sealed system problem
A refrigerant leak or weak compressor is the least common cause. The compressor runs nonstop but the freezer never gets cold. This work needs an EPA-certified technician.
What can you check in 15 minutes?
- Check the temperature setting and make sure it was not bumped.
- Close the door on a sheet of paper. If it pulls out easily, the gasket may be worn.
- Move items away from the back wall vent.
- Unplug the unit and vacuum the condenser coils.
- Listen for the fan when you press the door switch.
Freezer warming up and food at risk? Call now and we treat it as a priority, day or night.
What should you do with the food?
Keep the door closed as much as possible. A full freezer holds its temperature longer than a half-empty one. If you need to move food, use a cooler with ice. Food that still has ice crystals or is at 40°F or below can usually be refrozen.
The USDA's guide on freezing and food safety explains what can be refrozen.
When should you call a technician?
Call if the freezer is above 10°F after these checks, if you see heavy frost on the back wall, or if the compressor runs all the time. Our Mountain View refrigerator repair team fixes fans, defrost systems and sealed systems on all major brands. If the fridge section is warm too, read why a refrigerator stops cooling. If only the ice maker stopped, see ice makers that stop working.
Before replacing a freezer, check the ENERGY STAR guide to compare efficient models.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should my freezer be?
Set it to 0°F or below. Use a freezer thermometer to check, since the dial setting is not always accurate.
Why is my freezer not freezing but the fridge is cold?
The fridge gets its cold air from the freezer, so this is less common. It often means the freezer door is not sealing, the freezer is overpacked, or a defrost or sensor fault is affecting only the freezer section.
How long will frozen food last if my freezer stops?
A full freezer with the door closed usually holds a safe temperature for about 48 hours, and a half-full one for about 24 hours. Keep the door shut until it is fixed.