Fridge Not Cooling but Running: What to Check

Published 7 October 2026 · Repair Centre Kota

Short answer: A fridge that runs but does not cool usually has a dusty condenser, a failing fan, a faulty relay or thermostat, or a gas leak.

Common causes

Dusty condenser coils. Dust at the back or bottom stops heat from escaping, so cooling drops.
Blocked air vents or overfilling. Food blocking the vents stops cold air from circulating.
Worn door gasket. Warm air leaks in and the fridge cannot keep up.
Thermostat or temperature setting. A wrong setting or a faulty thermostat stops the compressor from running properly.
Evaporator or condenser fan failure. The fan stops, so cold air is not pushed into the fridge section.
Start relay or compressor trouble. You hear clicking, and the compressor starts and stops.
Gas leak. Cooling is very weak and the compressor runs constantly.

What you can check safely

Set the dial to a middle or cold setting
Make sure the vents inside are not blocked by food
Check the door closes fully and the gasket is not torn
Switch off, then clean dust from the back or bottom coil with a soft brush

When to call a technician

Call a technician if the compressor clicks repeatedly, the fridge is still warm after a day or there is an oily patch at the back. Do not keep food in a fridge that is not cooling.

Need it fixed? We repair out-of-warranty appliances at your door in Kota. Visit charge ₹500; the repair cost is quoted after the check.

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