So, you’ve combed through our resource center on how to fix a refrigerator, went through the motions of diagnostics, and still, you’re frozen (pun intended). You’ve perused out our fridge repair guides that detail how to check the power, the thermostat, the gaskets, and you’ve already researched how to fix a fridge that’s leaking water.
Still, if you’re ready to take your DIY fridge repair to the next level, there are some additional fixes that do require a bit of technical prowess.
This guide is intended for informational purposes only. Attempting to repair household appliances can pose a safety risk. We highly recommend that you consult with a service professional for your fridge repair.
How to Fix a Refrigerator Thermal Fuse
Lots of home appliances rely on a thermal fuse to help regulate temperature. Like an electrical fuse, a thermal fuse is a safety measure that trips to shut the refrigerator – but instead of reacting to a power surge, a thermal fuse flips when an appliance overheats.
One way to tell if the thermal fuse has blown is if the evaporator freezes over. To fix this, check your refrigerator model number and order a new fuse online, or get one from your local hardware store.
It can be pretty simple to fix a fridge thermal fuse – if you know where the fuse is. A thermal fuse can be replaced using simple tools you probably have lying around the house: a Phillips head screwdriver, a flat head screwdriver, wire cutters and zip ties.
The thermal fuse is typically located in one of two places - either inside the refrigerator behind the paneling, or in the rear bottom, next to the compressor.
It’s important to remember to unplug your refrigerator unit before attempting to locate your thermal fuse. Once unplugged, use the owner’s manual to help you find where the fuse is located on your refrigerator model.
Using the Phillips head screwdriver to remove screws holding in the paneling, and the flat head screwdriver to pry the paneling open, you can expose the thermal fuse, which is connected on each end via plastic clips. If the wiring on the thermal fuse is secured with zip ties, use the wire cutter to carefully cut through the zip ties without cutting the wires themselves.
Then, simply unclip the thermal fuse, replace it with the new fuse, apply new zip ties if necessary, and reassemble the paneling.
How to Fix a Fridge That’s Low on Freon
If you’ve already checked your fan, compressor, timer, thermostat, ventilation holes, and everything is in working order, adding coolant may be the next step in your DIY fridge repair.
This requires some specialized equipment:
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Bullet piercing valve
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Proper Freon for your refrigerator model
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Freon hose
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Freon gauge
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Socket wrench or nut driver
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Air conditioning conversion adapter
Disconnect the fridge from power, pull it away from the wall, and remove the back paneling. Find the area of the Freon tube closest to the compressor, and select the proper piercing valve adapter to fit around the tube.
Then, install the piercing valve using the enclosed Allen wrench. The piercing valve will pierce a hole in the tube, allowing you to open or close the tube at will, so you can add additional Freon now or later, remove Freon, or just check the levels.
Put the air conditioning converter on the piercing valve in order to connect the Freon hose. Open the valve using the Allen wrench.
Plug the refrigerator back in, and then measure the Freon levels using the gauge to determine how much Freon to add. Consult your owner’s manual to see the proper Freon level for your refrigerator model.
Then, connect the Freon hose to the replacement can of Freon, and add Freon to your refrigerator incrementally, checking the levels to make sure you didn’t add too much. Finally, close the valve, detach the air conditioning adapter, and reassemble your paneling.
Make Fridge Repairs Easy - Call Puls
If you lack the tools, experience, or just the spare time to attempt a repair on your own, leave it to the experts. Our technicians are familiar with all fridge brands and models, and can perform your repair quickly, professionally, and for a great price.
It’s super easy to schedule an appointment: simply hop online to book a time slot, and a certified Puls technician will be at your door in no time – often as soon as the very same day.
To make things even easier, we also offer a thorough in-home inspection for just $79, which is waived entirely if you move forward with our recommended repair service. This will help you can get an idea of the issue at hand and how much it will cost, before committing to anything
And, of course, we stand behind our technicians and the great work that they do. That’s why on all refrigerator repairs we offer a 90-day guarantee on parts and labor.
Plus, for a limited time only, you can enjoy $20 off when you book online with the code: SAVE20. You’ve got no time to lost - get started now to have your fridge working like new by tonight.
