Viking appliances are one of the best appliances you can purchase for your kitchen. So when you discover your Viking refrigerator not cooling, you’re going to be looking for answers. We’ve compiled a list of common reasons a Viking refrigerator won’t cool properly to help you troubleshoot the problem.
Top Reasons Why Viking Refrigerator Not Cooling
If your Viking refrigerator’s not cooling but the freezer works there may be an issue with the thermistor, temperature control thermostat, or failed evaporator fan. If your Viking refrigerator and freezer won’t cool, it may be a problem with the compressor start relay, control board, compressor, or condenser fan.
Troubleshooting Guide for a Viking Refrigerator that Won’t Cool
If your Viking refrigerator is too warm, start by setting the refrigerator control to the next lower number by pressing the DOWN button. Wait 30 minutes to see if the refrigerator starts cooling properly.
A few DIY solutions when your food temperature is too warm:
The door isn’t closing properly.
- Check that the refrigerator is level. If not, level the refrigerator.
- Ensure the door gaskets are sealing properly. If the door isn’t sealing, ensure that there is no food (like jam) causing an improper seal. Clean the seal thoroughly.
You’re opening the refrigerator too frequently. When the kids are home from school and there’s a lot of activity in the house, it’s common for the refrigerator to open and close frequently. If there’s been a lot of activity in the house, keep the refrigerator door closed for an hour to see if that resolves the cooling problem.
Food has recently been added. If you’ve recently added a lot of food, especially warm food and drinks, you may see a temporary rise in refrigerator temperature.
Also note: The front of the refrigerator cabinet may be warm to the touch. This is normal. This prevents moisture from condensing on the cabinet. This condition will be more noticeable when the refrigerator is first started, during hot weather and after excessive or lengthy door openings.
How to Reset a Viking Refrigerator
If your Viking refrigerator is not cooling, it may beep to notify you that the temperature has been too warm for too long. If your Viking refrigerator is beeping, you can reset it by pressing the “Alarm Off” button on the control panel.
You can also reset your Viking refrigerator by unplugging it and waiting a few minutes. Keep in mind, that it can take up to 24 hours for a Viking refrigerator to cool down after installation or temperature adjustments.
Let’s take a look at the most common reasons a Viking refrigerator runs warm that may require a technician’s help.
Dirty Condenser Coils
Condenser Coils are responsible for dissipating heat from the refrigerator as the refrigerant passes through them. When the condenser coils get dirty, they are unable to work efficiently.
When the condenser coils no longer dissipate heat efficiently, your refrigerator won’t maintain a proper temperature. If your Viking refrigerator won’t cool properly, first check to see if the condenser coils are clean and free from debris.
To clean the condenser coils, start by locating the coils. Condenser coils on a Viking refrigerator are usually located in the front of the refrigerator behind a grill, behind the refrigerator, or behind a panel on the back of a refrigerator. Refer to your Owner’s Manual for the location of the condenser coils on your Viking refrigerator.
- Next, clean up any dirt or debris from where the refrigerator was located. You may need to sweep and mop.
- Then, disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply.
- Remove the panel or grill in order to access the condenser coils.
- Use a vacuum to gently clean the surfaces of the coils.
- Clean in between the coils with a coil brush and vacuum any dust that falls loose. Be careful to not bend the coils.
- Before replacing the panel, clean off any dust.
- Reattach the panel, plug your refrigerator back in, and then slide it back into place.
Here’s what your Viking condenser coils may look like if you haven’t cleaned them!
