My mini fridge is not cool. What can cause a mini fridge to stop working? The fridge in my dorm is not cold or cooling. Everything in the refrigerator is starting to thaw. However the inside lights still work. I hear a clicking noise every few minutes. I do not hear the compressor turning on. What component of the fridge could be the problem?
Mini Fridge Not Cooling
What Causes A Mini Fridge To Not Cool?
Clogged air vents or a damaged door gasket can cause a refrigerator to stop cooling or not be cold enough. Check that the air vent is not clogged with pet hair or dust. Be sure the rubber door seal is not ripped or off center. However since you have an issue with a clicking noise this is probably not the case.
Clicking Fridge: A clicking refrigerator sound could be the overload kicking out due to high amperage at startup. The clicking noise can also be caused by the start relay or compressor.
Mini Fridge Not Cooling – Fast Fix:
1. Check the cord – Is fridge plugged in?
2. Make sure outlet is working – Check outlet for power!
3. Is circuit breaker tripped? – Flip the breaker!
4. Thermostat set wrong? – Turn thermostat to coldest setting!
5. Is door gasket sealing? – Be sure door gasket is creating a seal!
6. Condenser coils dirty? – Clean coils at the back of fridge!
7. Are the vents blocked? – Clean out all vents to allow airflow!
8. Ice buildup on freezer? – Defrost the fridge!
9. Fans are blocked/faulty? – Check that fan(s) is operational!
CAUTION: Always remember to remove power to the refrigerator when troubleshooting. Flip the breaker and unplug the refrigerator.
Mini Fridge Still Does Not Cool?
Here is what to check to get your mini fridge cooling again:
Check the temperature control knob (thermostat)
A cracked knob will rotate but not actually turn the thermostat. The knob will freely spin but not adjust the thermostat. If the knob is cracked, use a needle nose pliers to turn the thermostat and set the temperature. Replace the temperature knob on your mini fridge if cracked.
Change the thermostat setting
The thermostat may be set to the OFF position by mistake. Turn the knob to set the temperature colder. The compressor should now start and cool down.
Check start relay/capacitor
A start relay or capacitor helps to start the compressor. If the start relay or capacitor is faulty, the compressor will not start and the refrigerator will not cool. To be sure the relay or capacitor is the fault, test the cap/relay with a multimeter. Replace the relay or capacitor on your mini fridge if found faulty. The capacitor is usually mounted off to the side of the compressor. How To Test An Appliance Capacitor With A Multimeter
Test the thermostat (temperature setting switch)
Does the thermostat click when you turn it in both directions? If not the thermostat is most likely faulty. To be sure the thermostat is the issue, test with a multimeter. Replace the thermostat on your mini fridge if found faulty.
Test overload switch
If compressor overheats the overload switch will heat up and break the contact of the switch. Test the overload with a multimeter to find if it is faulty. Remove and replace if found to be faulty.
Check the compressor
If the compressor does not start, it may either be stuck (not turning) or has become faulty. A new compressor will not be cost efficient and the unit should be replaced. (Low or no refrigerant in the compressor will not keep it from starting but low voltage can cause this)
NOTE: On most mini refrigerators the relay and overload are combined into one part and plug into the compressor terminals.
Refrigerator Schematic
To understand the components and wiring inside your mini fridge, see the fridge electrical schematic below.
Refrigerator Schematic
Mini Fridge Refrigerator Troubleshooting
Midea, Galanz, EdgeStar, Samsung, Frigidaire, Avanti, Magic Chef
Mini Refrigerator Parts
If you find any refrigerator parts to be faulty, remove the parts and take note of the part numbers printed on the side. To order new parts for your mini fridge, Amazon has thousands of parts to fix your refrigerator yourself. See below…
Need help with your mini fridge? Please leave your issue below. Include the model number of your mini fridge and we can assist you to troubleshoot the issue.
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I have a GE mini frig that is like new but hasn’t been run in several years. It runs but does not get cool. Please help. Need especially during this pandemic.
TAMMY WATSON,
Hamilton Beach mini refrigerator model REFHB31Ts not cooling, compressor is clicking…
Yes the relay is most likely the issue, have you tested the part to be sure the relay is causing the NO COOLING issue?
-RR
I Have a mini fridge made by Hamilton Beach model REFHB31Ts & 3.1 cu ft.
It has stopped cooling.
The compressor does make a clicking noise, but does not come on.
I am having trouble trying to find replacement part for this model.
I’m thinking maybe it is the relay switch, would this be a possibility?
Hello I have a Haier Minifridge model# HC32TW10SB. The compressor runs, it gets VERY hot and the freezer gets cold but the fridge portion does not.
Hello, I have a Haier Minifridge Model# HNSE032BB.
Fridge stopped cooling, clicking noise, so I suspect the starter relay or capacitor is faulty. Worked perfectly before. Can you direct me to the right parts for fix?
Thanks,
Matt