Is your Maytag fridge not working properly? For some problems, a quick DIY fix is all you need. For others, you’ll need help. Here’s how to know the difference.
Maytag fridge
When it comes to any kind of commercial or domestic kitchen appliances, you are bound to need repairs from time to time. In busy restaurants or hotel kitchens, these are likely to be even more common.
But if you are experiencing problems with your commercial or domestic Maytag fridge, you may not need to call in professional help to get it fixed.
Some repairs are actually quite simple to do on your own. Parts can be ordered online, and the internet is full of how-to videos and guides to help you replace parts on your own.
But while some DIYs may be simple, it isn’t always easy to decide when to do repairs on your own and when to get help.
If you’re having problems with your fridge and aren’t sure whether you need help to get it fixed, check out this list of Maytag fridge repairs that you can–or can’t–do yourself!
Your Maytag Fridge Is Leaking
Finding mystery puddles of water around your fridge is always cause for concern.
Even though the leak may be an easy fix, if it is leaking heavily, it may be best to call a repairman right away, to get the problem fixed as quickly as possible.
Possible causes of a leaking fridge include a clogged or frozen defrost drain, a faulty water inlet valve, or cracked water tanks or water filter housings.
The first two problems you could fix on your own, but both require disassembling parts of your fridge. The other two issues are best left to the professionals to fix.
If your fridge is leaking and you don’t plan to fix it yourself, contact us right away to help get the issue solved before the water damages your floors or other equipment.
A leaking fridge can also be a hazard in a commercial setting, as it can be easy for employees to slip and fall in the water. If this is a concern, opt for calling in an expert rather than trying to DIY a fix, to get the problem under control faster.
It Won’t Cool Down
Perhaps the most annoying problem that you might experience with your Maytag fridge is when it no longer gets cold.
This problem could arise in several ways, ranging from a fridge that is still cold but not as cold as it should be, to one that no longer gets cold at all.
Either way, this can be a serious problem for a commercial fridge. If your food isn’t being kept at the proper temperature, you could be putting your customers at risk, or wasting tons of money on food that spoils before it’s consumed.
There could be several reasons why your fridge isn’t cooling. Some of the possible problems are ones that you can easily fix on your own, while others require the help of a professional.
Dirty Condenser Coils
If the problem has arisen over time, it could be because of dirty condenser coils.
The condenser coils are located under the fridge. As the refrigerant passes through the coils, they dissipate the heat that spreads out. Over time they become dirty and clogged, and no longer work properly, which keeps your fridge from cooling down.
If this is your problem, this is an easy fix; simply remove the coils, clean them, and put them back.
Bad Condenser Fan Motor
If your foils aren’t dirty, or if you clean them and your fridge still won’t get cold, you may have a bad condenser fan.
The condenser fan motor blows air across the condenser coils, cooling them. If the fan motor isn’t running or isn’t running fast enough or consistently, your fridge won’t cool down.
If you have a bad condenser fan motor, you’ll need to order a new part. A quick online search will net you plenty of videos about replacing these fans. But if you’re still not sure that you can do it yourself, you can call in an expert instead.
Bad Evaporator Fan Motor
The evaporator fan motor blows air across the evaporator coils, circulating the cold air into your fridge and freezer. If this fan motor goes out, cold air may still be entering your fridge, but it won’t be spread throughout.
The first step is to locate your evaporator fan. Your Maytag fridge may have more than one, and they may be located on the back or top of your fridge. Others have just one, and it is often located in the freezer.
When you find that the fan isn’t working properly, you’ll need to replace it. Like with the condenser fan, this is a problem that you can DIY if you feel comfortable, or get help with.
Temperature Control Thermostat Is Dead
The temperature control thermostat is the powerhouse of your fridge. It directs voltage to other parts throughout the appliance. If it goes out, so will the rest of your fridge.
If you suspect that your thermostat may be dead, try turning it from the lowest temperature setting to the highest, and listen for a clicking noise. If it doesn’t click, it will need to be replaced.
This is a simple part to order and replace, so definitely DIY this repair.
Compressor Has Gone Out
The compressor is a motor that compresses and circulates refrigerants. If it goes out, your fridge won’t get cold.
This isn’t a common problem, particularly in newer refrigerators. It’s a costly fix and involves handling the refrigerant. For these reasons, if you suspect that your compressor may be out, it’s best to call in a professional.
It’s Cooling Down Too Much
While a warm fridge is definitely a problem, a fridge that is too cold is as well.
If the refrigerator part of your fridge is freezing your food, one of two issues could be going on.
Your temperature control thermostat could be dead. Follow the instructions above for checking to see whether this part is running properly.
If the thermostat isn’t to blame, the problem could be with the air damper control. This control opens and closes to regulate how much cold air is entering the fridge.
If the air damper control has gone out, you can order and replace this part on your own, just so long as you’re comfortable doing a bit of disassembling and reassembling.
It’s Running Loud
If your normally quiet Maytag fridge is suddenly waking you up in the middle of the night, it’s likely that one of the fan motors isn’t running properly.
Start by checking the condenser and evaporator fans. If either has gone bad, see the directions above for replacing them.
If your fridge is loud when the ice maker is running, it could be the fault of a bad water inlet valve. This electronically controlled valve regulates water passing into the fridge and ice maker. If it has become gunked up by mineral deposits, you’ll need to replace it.
Trying to clean or repair it could cause the electric supply to the valve to malfunction. Instead, install a replacement valve yourself, or call in an expert if you don’t want to take apart your fridge on your own.
In rare cases, a loud fridge could be the result of a bad compressor. If you’ve determined that everything else on your fridge is running properly, but it’s still loud, call in an expert who can check your compressor and replace if needed.
Other Simple DIY Fixes
There are a variety of other small issues that can keep your Maytag fridge from running properly. Luckily, many of these are simple and inexpensive to fix on your own.
If the light in your fridge goes out, simply replace the light bulb with the right size and watts from your local hardware store.
If the doors on your fridge no longer feel as though they are sealing tightly into place, you can easily tighten the screws that hold them on.
When installing a new fridge, you can also check to make sure that it is sitting on a level surface. Otherwise, the fans and coils may not operate properly, and the fridge won’t cool.
Maytag Fridge Repairs That Will Always Require a Professional Repair
Unfortunately, there are plenty of issues that require more than a simple DIY fix.
For instance, if your fridge is leaking refrigerant, you’ll definitely need some help to fix it. An expert will have the tools and skills that it takes to stop the leak, repair the damage, and get your fridge running smoothly again.
If your freezer is becoming clogged with ice, your defrost control band may not be functioning correctly. To avoid messing up other parts of the process, call in an expert for this issue.
Anytime when the actual problem isn’t easily identified is a good time to call in professional help. Otherwise, you may end up paying lots of money and wasting time replacing working parts, only to have the problem persist.
Deciding When to Call in the Experts and When to Do Your Own Repairs
If you are experiencing minor problems with your Maytag fridge and feel confident in your ability to DIY a fix, go for it! This can be a great way to save some money.
But simple, inexpensive repairs can become much more costly if you aren’t sure what you are doing. When in doubt, ask for help.
You may be surprised to find that even complicated refrigerator repairs can be cheaper than you would think. At ACR Repairs, we specialize in providing fast and effective Maytag fridge repairs.
If you’re experiencing problems with your Maytag fridge, contact us today!
