The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Refrigerator freezing food are ordered from most likely to least likely to occur. Check or test each item, starting with the items at the top of the page.
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Top 6 Reasons Refrigerator Runs Constantly?
Top 5 Reasons Refrigerator Is Freezing Food?
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Refrigerator Light Not Working? Refrigerator TroubleshootingThe temperature control thermostat directs voltage to the compressor, evaporator fan motor, and condenser fan motor (if applicable). If the temperature control thermostat is not working properly, it may cause the refrigerant system to run longer than necessary. As a result, the refrigerator will be too cold. To determine if the thermostat is defective, rotate the thermostat from the lowest setting to the highest setting and listen for a click. If the thermostat clicks, it is not likely defective. If the thermostat does not click, use a multimeter to test the thermostat for continuity. If the temperature control thermostat does not have continuity at any setting, replace it.
The thermistor monitors the air temperature and sends the temperature reading to the control board. The control board then regulates power to the compressor and evaporator fan based on the thermistor readings. If the thermistor is defective, the compressor and evaporator fan may run too frequently. As a result, the refrigerator will be too cool. To determine if the thermistor is defective, test it with a multimeter. The thermistor resistance should change in conjunction with the refrigerator temperature. If the thermistor resistance does not change, or the thermistor does not have continuity, replace the thermistor.
The temperature control board provides voltage to the compressor and fan motors. If the control board is faulty, it may send continuous voltage to the compressor or fan motors. As a result, the refrigerator will be too cool. Control boards are often misdiagnosed—before replacing the control board, first test all of the more commonly defective components. If none of the other components are defective, consider replacing the temperature control board.
The main control board might be defective. However, the control board is very rarely the cause of the problem. Before replacing the control board, first test all of the more commonly defective components. If none of these components are defective, consider replacing the main control board.
Adjust the refrigerator temperature control to a warmer setting. Many models have a recommended temperature setting displayed, usually between 34 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Wait 24 hours for the temperature to adjust appropriately.
The refrigerator's evaporator fan motor draws air over the cold evaporator coils which chills the air. The air is then circulated through the refrigerator and freezer compartments to keep the temperature low enough to preserve food. If the evaporator fan motor is malfunctioning, the cold air from the freezer or refrigerator evaporator coils can migrate through the air ducts to the bottom of the refrigerator and freeze the food. You should try rotating the evaporator fan blades to see if they spin freely. If not, it's likely the motor bearings have seized and the motor will need to be replaced. You can also use a multimeter to test the motor for electrical continuity. If the motor has no electrical continuity, the component won't run and a new motor will need to be installed.
Allow space between the air vents and the food. If certain foods are directly in front of the cold air vent they can freeze.
The control board might be defective. However, the control board is very rarely the cause of the problem. Before replacing the control board, first test all of the more commonly defective components. If none of these components are defective, consider replacing the main control board.
The air damper control opens and closes to let the proper amount of cold air into the refrigerator compartment. If the damper does not close properly, it will let too much cold air into the refrigerator. Check the damper control to determine if it is broken or stuck open.
The damper opens and closes to let the proper amount of cold air into the refrigerator compartment. If the damper is stuck open, it will let too much cold air into the refrigerator. As a result, the refrigerator will be too cold. Check the damper to determine if it is broken or stuck open.
The temperature sensor monitors the refrigerator temperature and signals the control board to direct voltage to the compressor, evaporator fan motor, and condenser fan motor (if applicable) to restart the cooling system when necessary. If the temperature sensor is not working properly, it may cause the refrigerant system to run longer than necessary. As a result, the refrigerator will be too cold. You can often use a multimeter to test the sensor for changes in resistance as the sensor is heated up or cooled down. If the component shows no changes in resistance, the sensor is faulty and should be replaced.
