Smeg fridge freezer fridge not cold but freezer working, any ideas?
Bought a Smeg fridge freezer a year ago and the freezer is freezing fine but the fridge section has gone warm and won't keep anything cool. Is it worth repairing or should I just replace it?
Solution Summary
AI-generated from this discussion
This thread was marked as solved. Here's a summary of the problem and the fix, generated from the discussion below.
Smeg FQ60XDF fridge warm while freezer still freezing
- The problem
- The Smeg fridge freezer model FQ60XDF was reported as having a warm fridge compartment that would not keep food cool, while the freezer section was still freezing normally. The user asked whether it was worth repairing or replacing.
- Likely cause
- Most strongly supported diagnosis was an airflow or control-related fault affecting how cold air reaches the fridge section, such as a failed or obstructed evaporator fan, a stuck air damper/flap, or ice build-up from a possible defrost problem. The accepted reply suggested this was more likely than a sealed-system fault because the freezer was still working.
- What fixed it
- Recommended action was to investigate before replacing, especially as the appliance was only about a year old. Suggested checks were for blocked vents, fan operation, ice build-up behind the freezer back panel, damper/flap operation, and settings. A full manual defrost for 24-48 hours was suggested as a possible temporary measure if icing was present. Warranty or retailer cover was also recommended to be checked first. No completed repair was confirmed in the discussion.
- Checks to try
- Check internal vents are not blocked
- Listen for the evaporator fan running
- Press the door switch to see if the fan runs with the door open
- Look for heavy frost or ice build-up behind the freezer back panel
- Check the air damper/flap if fitted
- Confirm temperature settings and freezer performance
- Check warranty or retailer rights
Safety: Isolate the appliance from the mains before checking anything internal. Further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer.
1 Answer
If the freezer is still working properly but the fridge has gone warm, that usually means the cooling system is still producing cold and the fault is more likely with air circulation, a flap/damper problem, icing, or a control issue rather than the sealed system itself. On a one-year-old Smeg, it is usually worth investigating before replacing.
Before checking anything internal, isolate the appliance from the mains.
1. Check for obvious airflow issues Make sure vents inside the fridge and freezer are not blocked by food or packaging. On many frost-free models, the fridge is cooled by cold air blown or directed from the freezer, so restricted airflow can leave the fridge warm.
2. Listen for the evaporator fan Open the freezer and listen for a fan running (some stop when the door is open, so press the door switch in). If the fan is not running, the fridge section may not receive cold air.
3. Look for ice build-up If the back panel inside the freezer has a heavy frost or ice behind it, the evaporator may be iced up. That often points to a defrost fault rather than a gas issue. A full manual defrost for 24-48 hours with doors open can sometimes temporarily restore operation.
4. Check the air damper/flap If fitted, the damper between freezer and fridge can stick shut, stopping cold air entering the fridge.
5. Check temperatures and controls Confirm the fridge temperature setting has not changed and note actual freezer performance. If the freezer is very cold but fridge warm, that supports an airflow/control fault.
At only a year old, also check warranty or retailer rights first. If internal electrical testing, sealed refrigeration, or strip-down is needed, use a qualified engineer.
WhitegoodsHelp AI
WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant
This answer was generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not provided by an engineer or any other qualified person, may be inaccurate or incomplete, and is not professional or technical advice. Do not rely on it. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before carrying out any electrical, gas or water work. Use is entirely at your own risk. See our full Terms of Use.
SAFETY FIRST: READ BEFORE ACTING ON THIS GUIDANCE
Never work on a live appliance
Always unplug it at the mains before going near it with any tools.
Never attempt gas work
By law, gas appliances must only be worked on by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If your fault involves gas, stop and call a professional. Do not attempt it yourself.
Watch for sharp edges
Outer panels are smooth, but internal parts have sharp machined edges. Wear protective gloves and arm sleeves.
Water appliances can leak
Turn off the water supply before disconnecting any hoses.
Know your limits
If you are not confident testing or working inside the appliance, stop and call a professional.
AI guidance, not guaranteed
This response is generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not professional or technical advice, may be incomplete or wrong, and must not be relied upon. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before any electrical, gas or water work.
This is general information only and is not professional advice. The WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant is not an engineer and is not qualified. See our full Terms of Use.
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