Refrigerator Stopped Running No Sound (Read This First)

By - Hs Saini

Updated -

If your fridge stops running and makes no sound when you turn it on, it is time to check your fridge components.

Though your refrigerator might be silent, you should still hear a humming sound. If the appliance has stopped running, the problem could be from your electronic control board. 

However, if it also makes no sound when you turn it on, it could result from a faulty component. So, why does this happen?

If your fridge stops running and you don’t notice any sound coming from it, it is a sign that your compressor is malfunctioning. This issue is because the fridge compressor maintains the refrigerant circulation around the system compartment. Try resetting the fridge or cleaning the dirty condenser coils to fix the issue.

Refrigerator Stopped Running No Sound No Light

Refrigerator Stopped Running No Sound 

Your refrigerator can stop running due to a dirty condenser coil, broken fan, or a faulty refrigerator temperature control.

However, if the fridge also stops displaying light, there might also be an issue with the compressor. 

A refrigerator is an essential appliance in any home due to its cooling and storage capability.

However, once your fridge stops displaying light or stops running altogether, you should diagnose the problem to figure out what fridge component is causing the breakdown. 

Before contacting an expert to handle the repairs for you, here are some diagnoses you can perform on the fridge to find out the cause of the refrigerator issue:

#1. Check the Fridge Connection

When your fridge stops running, and the light does turn on when you switch the appliance on, the problem is likely from a loose power connection or a faulty electronic control board.

Pull your refrigerator forward so there is enough space behind it for you to work on the issue. 

Next, check if the power cable connection is firm against the wall socket. In addition, disconnect the power cord from the socket and check the cord for any irregularities.

If the connection wire is faulty or you notice damages, replace the cable. Also, ask an electrician to inspect your electronic control board if the fault is not from the cable.

#2. Reset the Fridge

If the fridge cable connection is not faulty, this is the next fix you should perform on your fridge.

To reset your fridge, unplug the power cable and let it sit for a few minutes. This solution may be enough to get the temperature inside the refrigerator and the lights back to normal. 

Allow the fridge to sit without power for about two to three hours. Ensure you have moved the contents of your fridge to a cold container before turning it off.

Then, plug the fridge cord back into the power outlet. However, if the refrigerator shows no signs of returning to normal, the compressor is faulty and needs replacement.

This repair might be costly, so ensure you have verified the cause of the problem before proceeding with the repairs.

Possible CausesHow To Fix It
Faulty compressorCheck the compressor. Reset the fridge. Replace the compressor
Loose power cablesUnplug cables and tightly plug them. Change the power cord.
Broken gasketsReplace the gasket
Incorrect thermostat temperature settingReset the temperature
Blocked freezer fanClean the debris behind the fridge.
Faulty defrost timerReplace the timer

What Is the First Thing To Check When a Refrigerator Stops Working?     

When your refrigerator stops working, the first thing you should check is the fridge power source. Next, check the power cord, the electronic control board, and the power outlet.

If the connections are okay, check the temperature inside the fridge to ensure it is not a problem from the optimal temperature setting. 

Finally, inspect the noise level of the fridge and check for any leakages. If your fridge stops working abruptly, it will reduce the temperature inside the refrigerator.

This malfunction can cause the food in your fridge to spoil and lead to a costly repair bill. Though it may sound obvious, a fridge usually stops running because of a poor power connection.

First, you should check the circuit breaker serving the appliance. Also, check the electronic control board of the fridge to ensure there are no loose wires or bad connections.

If the circuit breaker was off, turn it off to return the refrigerator to normal. Check the wire connection of the fridge to the power outlet.

Disconnect the wire from the outlet and plug a torch into the outlet to test it. If there is no power, it indicates that the circuit is bad. 

What Does It Mean When a Refrigerator Stops Making Noises?        

When your fridge does not sound, it might be a problem with the compressor or the electronic control board.

If you do not hear the low hum of your fridge anymore, and the light is also off, this might be an electric power fault. 

However, if your refrigerator’s light is still on but the fridge is silent, your compressor is faulty and may need repair.

Before repairing the fridge component, troubleshoot the fridge by turning the refrigerator temperature control to the highest setting. 

Listen for any sound from the fridge, defrost the freezer and turn off the temperature system.

Then, unplug the fridge cable from the power outlet for 24 hours and connect the fridge back to its outlet.

Is It Normal for a Fridge To Make No Noise?

It is abnormal for a refrigerator to be completely silent. A fridge’s components get noisy when you turn on your fridge.

This noise can be shallow, but the sound is always there. In addition, you will often hear a periodical hum that goes on and off.

This sound is mainly from the compressor motor moving the refrigerant through the condenser coils.

How To Fix When Refrigerator Stopped Running With No Sound?            

Since different reasons could cause your refrigerator to stop running with no sound, there are various solutions to these problems.

You can fix this malfunction by resetting your fridge, repairing the electronic control board, or resetting the fridge temperature.

Below are steps to fix your fridge if it stops running with no sound: 

#1. Step 1- Disconnect Your Refrigerator

Unplug your refrigerator from its source by disconnecting the power cable from the outlet.

You will hear a slow whooshing sound which shows that your fridge is shutting down. Leave the appliance to sit without power for a few minutes to discharge the electricity.

Once you have disconnected the fridge from the wall socket, locate the refrigerator temperature control in the fridge.

Turn off the fridge from the control panel by setting the controls to “zero.” Next, connect the fridge cable back to the power outlet.

#2. Step 2- Reset the Fridge Temperature Settings

The method of resetting your fridge can differ depending on the model and brand of your fridge.

Consult your user manual for more information before performing the reset. To reset the temperature, set the refrigerator to 40° Fahrenheit.

The best temperature is at level four if your fridge is from one to ten.

#3. Step 3- Allow the Temperature To Stabilize

After resetting your fridge, allow the appliance’s temperature to stabilize for 24 hours before connecting it to the power outlet.

Contact your fridge manufacturer for assistance if you have issues resetting the temperature.

Other solutions include:

  • Inspect the fridge thermostat temperature. If the temperature is higher than usual, it will cause the fridge temperature to increase. This default will make the compressor motor work harder than it should. Ensure the thermostat temperature is at the correct temperature. 
  • Check the fan and the condenser coils. If there is dust and debris on the fan and the compressor coil, it will affect the operation of the compressor motor, causing it to overheat. Turn off the fridge and clean the dirty condenser coil and fan with a condenser brush and a hand vacuum.

Conclusion

No refrigerator is silent when it is running. Hence, if you notice any irregularities in your fridge, your appliance is faulty.

This issue could result from a loose power cable connection, faulty refrigerator temperature control, or a dirty condenser coil.

If the solutions in this article do not work, contact an expert to inspect your fridge.

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