What could be wrong near a refrigerator when not cooling but is running? it's a side by side and the freezer is working but the...
it's a side by side and the freezer is working but the refrigerator is not cooling but the fan is working and i've cleaned every thing i can see lower than it
It could be the compressor is low on freon or it's leak freon out,or it's shot,cause the fan will run even if the compressor doesn't run,lately like an a/c unit.
Usually, the freezer shares cold air with the refrigerator contained by a side-by-side so if it is working, the refrigerator side should also be working.
Check to see that the refridge dial set to the coldest setting.
Also, the cold air registers are located at the top back wall of the refrigerator - manufacture sure it's unobstructed. Some designs also have cold air registers close the middle back wall and side walls - if you see these vents, fashion sure they are not blocked.
Finally, some high-end refrigerators (like Sub-Zero) use seperate compressors for the refrigerator and freezer. If you have this type of unit, it could be the compressor have failed on the refridge side.
Hope this helps!
Update: I bow to Thor, openly an expert in this field. Seriously, I appreciate your expertise, Thor - I'll keep hold of it in mind if I have this problem again. Aloha!
Answers: It is an airflow problem if the freezer is working. We know the compressor is working and your main thermostat is working.
Bruddah had honourable info about not covering vents.
Most newer SXS's use a motorized damper that open and closes to control the temp in the refrigerator. First check ice on the wager on wall of the freezer to check for and eliminate it being a defrost problem blocking the atmosphere. Then most likely it is the damper that is bleak.
On occaision it is the thermostat that controls the damper but that is rare.
I hold changed many Whirlpool and GE dampers for this problem but fewer Fridgidaire's. It is not really a consumer repair. It is not difficult once you know how but it is not unmistakable.
Good Luck.