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 refrigerator freezing food?
The most common causes are a temperature set too cold, food blocking the cold air vents, a damper stuck open, a faulty thermistor or temperature sensor, a bad control board, or a worn door seal that makes the fridge run all the time. Start with the setting and the vents, since those are quick to fix.
Put an appliance thermometer in a glass of water on the middle shelf. Check it after a few hours. The FDA food storage guide says to keep the fridge at 40°F or below and the freezer at 0°F.
What are the 6 most common causes?
1. The setting is too cold
Dials get bumped when you load food. Some dials go up for colder, not warmer. Set the fridge to about 37°F and wait a day.
2. Food blocks the vents
Cold air from the freezer comes in through vents, often at the back or top of the fridge section. Food pushed against them freezes. Leave a little space.
3. A damper stuck open
Many fridges use a small door, called a damper, to control how much freezer air enters. If it sticks open, too much cold air pours in.
4. A faulty thermistor or sensor
This part tells the control how cold it is. If it reads wrong, the fridge keeps cooling past the set point.
5. A control board fault
Less often, the control board keeps the compressor or fans on too long. A technician tests the sensor first, since it is the more common cause.
6. A worn door seal
A leaky gasket lets warm air in, so the fridge runs nonstop. Some areas get too cold while others warm up.
What can you check yourself?
- Check the setting and move it one step warmer.
- Move food a few inches away from the vents.
- Close a dollar bill in the door. If it slides out easily, the seal may be worn.
- Keep the fridge about two-thirds full so air can flow.
- Wait 24 hours after each change before you judge the result.
Fridge freezing everything even on a warm setting? Call now for refrigerator help in Mountain View.
When should you call a technician?
Call if food still freezes after you change the setting and clear the vents, if the fridge runs all the time, or if frost builds up inside the fridge section. These point to the damper, the sensor or the control. Most refrigerator repairs in Mountain View run about $200 to $600 with parts and labor.
Learn more about our refrigerator repair in Mountain View. If the fridge is too warm instead, read refrigerator not cooling. If the freezer is the problem, see freezer not freezing.
The ENERGY STAR refrigerator guide has tips to help a fridge run well and use less power.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should my fridge be set to?
Keep the fridge at 37 to 40°F and the freezer at 0°F. A cheap appliance thermometer helps you check what the dial really does.
Why does food freeze at the back of my fridge?
Cold air from the freezer often enters near the back wall. Food pushed against the vents there can freeze, even when the rest of the fridge is fine.
How much does refrigerator repair cost in Mountain View?
Most refrigerator repairs run about $200 to $600 with parts and labor. You get the price before any work starts.