If the refrigerator is not staying cold but the freezer is function, try these troubleshooting techniques.

You may notice the refrigerator itself is not keeping cool, while frozen items/ice remain cold in the freezer.  Video

Circuit Board Frozen

The freezer itself may be making a consistent rattling noise, and there will likely be a buildup of ice on the back wall of the freezer. This indicates there is ice on the coil.

First, check the circuit board. This is one of the most common problems. In most refrigerators, this can be done by pushing in the door light switch on the inside of the refrigerator 3 times. (You may need to double check the manual for your particular refrigerator model.) The noise from the freezer should stop - if it does not, the circuit board will need to be reset.

To reset the refrigerator circuit board, unplug the refrigerator for 30 seconds before plugging it back in. Then push the door light switch 3 times again. This will turn the circuit board off and switch the freezer to defrost mode.

All items will need to be removed from the freezer before moving forward. Remove any racks and the ice maker - you may need to unscrew the ice maker to remove it. On the back wall of the freezer, unscrew and remove any panels covering the fan and vents.

Pull the refrigerator out and connect a shopvac hose to the drain line hose located at the bottom of the refrigerator in the back. This is to catch the melted ice as it defrosts - it will likely be messy, so be prepared before defrosting! Once ready, you'll need to defrost the ice buildup. This can be done in multiple ways, such as using hot water or a heat gun - evaluate each situation carefully to use the safest method.

Other Likely Causes

• Frozen or inoperable fan
• Frost thermometer plugs disconnected or blown out
• Heating element plugs disconnected
• Clogged drainage hole causing ice buildup
• Faulty defrost board
• Refrigerant leak

For these different causes, consider the age and condition of the refrigerator as well as cost of repair vs. replacement. See the video below for further examples and instructions.