What to do when your Thermador side-by-side refrigerator isn't cooling at all
If your refrigerator's not cold enough, first check whether containers are blocking air flow at the vents; the owner's manual usually shows where the vents are. High temperatures are also a sign of a control system problem, a failure in the air control damper, low refrigerant charge and other malfunctions.
A failed evaporator fan can prevent the refrigerator from cooling. Follow the troubleshooting tips in our Diagnosing refrigerator evaporator fan problems video if you detect no air flow through your refrigerator.
Parts that can fail in your Thermador side-by-side refrigerator
- Condenser fan. The condenser fan is in the machine compartment of the refrigerator next to the compressor. It moves air across the condenser coils to help cool the hot refrigerant coming out of the compressor. The refrigerant is cooled before it moves through the expansion device and into the evaporator.
- Defrost bi-metal thermostat. The defrost bi-metal thermostat is a safety device attached to the evaporator coil. The defrost bi-metal thermostat shuts off the refrigerator defrost heater if the heater gets hot enough to damage the evaporator.
- Electronic control board. The refrigerator electronic control board controls the major electro-mechanical components in your refrigerator. When the electronic control board senses the compressor needs to run to cool the refrigerator, it sends voltage to the compressor and fans. It then receives input from temperature sensors to monitor the temperatures inside the refrigerator and freezer sections. With this information, the electronic control board controls the defrost cycle.
- Door gasket. The door gasket seals the gap between the door and cabinet to prevent warm air from leaking into the compartment.