Refrigerator Stopped Running No Sound (5 Issues Fixed!)

Ordinarily, you expect your refrigerator to make some low-volume noise when running, as no fridge is ever silent. But what if your refrigerator stopped running no sound? How do you explain that?

Your refrigerator stopped running and doesn’t make a sound because of a power disruption, an electrical glitch, defrost mode, refrigerant leakage, or a defective component such as the compressor, fan, or electronic control board. 

Out of the five issues lies why your refrigerator stopped working and went silent. Interestingly, not all five problems point to a severe case. Some are not an issue per se, as they are easy to correct. 

This guide shall discuss why your fridge won’t run suddenly. In addition, we’ll look at what to check when the refrigerator won’t work or light up, when it fails to make any sound or produce any light, among other issues. 

Let’s dive in!

In a hurry? Consider below the five issues that could potentially silence and stop your refrigerator from working and their fixes. 

Quick Troubleshooting Guide for A Refrigerator That Stopped Running & Has No Sound 

5 Reasons Your Refrigerator Stopped Running No Sound

Consider these five issues if your refrigerant suddenly stops running and fails to make any sound:

1. Power Disruption 

If there’s an abrupt power disruption, your refrigerator will stop running; if it doesn’t run, it won’t make any noise. Overall, here are some issues that could disrupt the refrigerator’s power supply: 

• Power outage – If there is an abrupt power blackout, your refrigerator will go off, forcing the compressor to stop running. In the end, the fridge will go silent. 
• Loose plug – If you accidentally plug out or slightly knock off the power plug from the wall socket, you’ll disrupt the fridge’s power supply. Once that happens, the refrigerator will stop running. 
• Tripped breaker – A power surge will likely trip off the circuit breaker. Once that’s the case, it disrupts the fridge’s power supply, making it harder for the refrigerator to continue running. 
• Defective outlet – Ideally, fridges require a 120v voltage supply. If it’s less than that, then they won’t run. But still, it could be a case of the outlet blowing up due to a power surge. 

Fix 

Check if you’ve power. If there has been an outage, wait for the power to resume. Then check the refrigerator power cord to ensure it is firmly fixed onto the socket and reset the power breaker if it’s off. 

Meanwhile, plug another appliance into the power outlet to see if it works. If it doesn’t, replace it. 

2. Electrical Glitch 

All electronics and appliances sometimes suffer an electrical glitch that briefly stops them from running. In most cases, all the refrigerator needs a hard reset and can start running normally. 

Fix 

Perform a hard reset on your refrigerator, and here’s how to do it: 

• Plug out the fridge from the socket 
• Set the refrigerator and freezer controls to zero to turn them off 
• Wait for at least 1 hour to reconnect the refrigerator 
• Adjust the temperature controls to your preferred settings (or as they were)
• Give the fridge another 24 hours from its temperature to stabilize
• Power it on and wait to see if it’s working 

3. Defrost Mode 

If stuck on the defrost cycle, your refrigerator may stop running and go silent. You can tell if that’s the case by inspecting the internal temperature. 

If it’s on defrost cycle, its cooling ability is less powerful, so you won’t even realize that the refrigerator is running. 

Fix 

Check if the refrigerator is set to Defrost Mode and change its setting. You can use your fridge manual to adjust the setting appropriately. 

4. Refrigerant Leakage 

Sometimes the refrigerator won’t run when the refrigerant level drops. At other times, a refrigerant leakage stops it from running abruptly.

The liquid coolant (speaking of the refrigerant) works by absorbing heat and promoting a cold environment, which is necessary for refrigeration and freezing. 

So, once it leaks, probably due to fridge damage, it affects the refrigerator’s ability to run. 

Fix 

Talk to a fridge expert who can help you diagnose and fix a refrigerant leakage. 

5. Defective Component

Lastly, your refrigerator might stop running and go silent due to a component failure. In particular, that’ll be the case if any of these three components fail:

a) Compressor 

Usually, a working compressor makes a faint humming (or low buzz) sound to indicate that the fridge is running normally. Once the compressor becomes unusually silent, that suggests that it could be faulty.

Other indicators of a defective compressor include short cycling (where the fridge goes on and off), overheating, and an abnormally loud humming compressor (which is not applicable in this case)

The compressor fails due to fridge overload, filthy or iced-up coils, low refrigerant, or natural wear (over 15 years). 

Fix 

Check for the above signs to tell if the compressor is defective. If it is, replace it. But if unsure, ask for a fridge expert’s help. But first, consider rebooting the compressor, and here’s how to reset a refrigerator compressor: 

• First, plug out the refrigerator 
• Then turn it off at the control panel (set the controls to zero)
• Plug back the refrigerator
• Set the temperature of the fridge correctly (40⁰F) 
• Wait for 24 hours for the refrigerator to stabilize before checking it

b) Condenser Fan 

The fan is another component that doesn’t run silently. So, it’s one of the suspects when the fridge suddenly goes silent.

Note, however, that the compressor might be working but not the condenser fan. But over time, the compressor may overload when the fan fails. 

Fix 

Replace the condenser fan (View on Amazon) if it’s not running. 

c) Electronic Control Board (ECB)

The electronic control board powers every other refrigerator component, which means the refrigerator will stop running when it fails. It could be that the ECB is short-circuited, thus unable to relay any information to the rest of the fridge. 

Fix 

A defective electronic control board needs replacing. But since it’s hard to diagnose, consider calling an expert. Given the control board’s cost, you wouldn’t want to replace it when it’s not faulty. 

Refrigerator Stopped Working No Light

Your refrigerator will most likely stop running and will fail to light up due to a power issue. It could be that there’s no power (outage), the plugging is loose, the circuit breaker is off, or the outlet is defective. 

If your refrigerator has power, the chances are that it’s one of these issues:

• Burnt fridge bulb (damaged filament) 
• Defective door switch 
• Faulty wiring 
• Malfunctioning circuit board 

Fridge Not Making Noise But Light On

If your fridge lights up, rule out a power issue. And now that it does not make any noise, keenly consider that it could be a setting issue. 

Perhaps the controls are set to zero and are therefore unable to incite the refrigerator to run. It could also be that the fridge is on a defrost cycle, which you must change. 

And if it’s not a setting or defrosting issue, it’s most likely an overheating compressor that needs replacing. 

Refrigerator Stopped Running No Sound No Light

If your refrigerator stops running and doesn’t light up or make any sound, it’s likely due to failed power, a wiring fault, or a defective electronic control board. 

The first thing is to reset it. That requires you to plug it out for at least an hour. If it doesn’t run, call an expert to check the wiring and the condition of the electronic control board. 

Fridge Not Cooling But Light Is On

Several issues could be behind a refrigerant that won’t cool but whose lights are on. Here are the most probable ones:

• Power disruption – The breaker could be off, the power cord loose, or the socket malfunctioning. 
• Wrong temperature setting – If the refrigerator temperature is outside 35 – 40⁰F, it won’t cool
• Dirty condenser coil – The coil fails to dissipate heat, allowing the refrigerant to stay warm instead of cold
• Defrost mode – This promotes defrosting instead of cooling
• Unleveled fridge 
• Defective components such as the door seal, condenser fan, air damper, or compressor 

People Also Ask 

1. What Is The First Thing To Check When A Refrigerator Stops Working? 

The first thing to check when a refrigerant stops working is its power supply. You must ensure the fridge has power, which means firmly plugging the fridge, resetting a tripped breaker, and replacing a blown-up fuse. 

Don’t forget, however, to confirm if there’s power. There could have been a power outage, and that’s why the fridge doesn’t power on. And if nothing is wrong, consider checking the temperature controls to ensure they are set accordingly. 

2. Why Would Fridge Suddenly Stop Working?

Your fridge would suddenly stop working due to an interrupted power supply. It could be due to a slack power cord, a tripped breaker, a blown socket, or an outage.

However, if the problem has nothing to do with failed power, it could be due to a short-circuited motor or control board or a refrigerant leakage. You can replace a short-circuited motor or control board but call an expert to troubleshoot the refrigerant leak. 

3. Why Is My Fridge Not Running? 

Your fridge might not be running for different reasons. It could be that its power supply has been disrupted by an outage, tripped breaker, loose cable, or blown-up socket. 

But still, your fridge may fail to run due to a short-circuited main control board.

What should I do if I need to replace any parts of the evaporator fan motor?

If you find that you need to replace any parts of the evaporator fan motor in your refrigerator, follow these steps:

1. Begin by ensuring that the refrigerator is unplugged for your safety.

2. Locate the evaporator fan, which is usually found at the back of the freezer compartment.

3. Remove the panel covering the evaporator fan to access it properly.

4. Carefully inspect the fan for any signs of damage, such as a broken fan blade. If you identify any issues, the fan will need to be replaced.

5. Check the fan shaft to ensure that it can rotate correctly. If it is unable to turn, you will need to replace the entire fan unit.

6. Using a multimeter, check the continuity of the fan motor. If there is continuity, it indicates that the motor is functioning properly. If not, you will need to replace the motor.

7. After replacing any necessary parts, plug in the refrigerator and test to confirm that the problem has been resolved.

By following these steps, you can effectively address and replace any problematic parts of the evaporator fan motor in your refrigerator.

How do I check if the door gaskets are faulty?

To check if the door gaskets of your refrigerator are faulty, you can follow these steps:

1. Inspect the areas around the freezer shelves, the edges of the doors, and the air outlet ducts for any signs of moisture. If you notice any moisture accumulation, it could indicate that the gaskets need to be replaced.

2. Examine the gaskets themselves for any signs of wear and tear. Look for cracks, tears, or any damage that might affect their effectiveness. Additionally, ensure that the gaskets are still in their correct shapes and are not warped or misaligned.

3. Test the airtightness of your fridge and freezer by using a thin piece of paper. Place the paper in the door and then close it. Try to pull out the paper with a gentle tug. If the gaskets are still functioning properly, you should not be able to easily remove the paper.

If any of these tests indicate a potential issue with the door gaskets, it is recommended to replace them. Once you have replaced the gaskets, turn on your refrigerator again, and observe if the problem has been resolved.

Can faulty refrigerator and freezer door gaskets cause the refrigerator to keep running?

Yes, faulty refrigerator and freezer door gaskets can cause the refrigerator to keep running. Here are some steps you can take to determine if the gaskets are indeed faulty:

1. Inspect the shelves in your freezer, the edges of the doors, and the air outlet ducts for any signs of moisture. Moisture around these areas is an indication that the gaskets might need to be replaced.

2. Check the gaskets for signs of wear and tear. Look for any visible damage such as cracks, tears, or deformation. Ensure that the gaskets are still in their correct shapes and are properly aligned with the doors.

3. Verify the airtightness of your fridge and freezer by performing a simple test. Place a thin piece of paper in the door and then close it. If you cannot easily pull the paper out, it suggests that the gaskets are still working correctly and form a tight seal.

4. If any of the above tests fail, it is highly likely that the gaskets are faulty. In such cases, it is recommended to replace the gaskets to restore the proper functioning of your refrigerator.

After replacing the gaskets, turn your refrigerator back on and monitor if the problem of the refrigerator continuously running has been resolved. Properly functioning gaskets will help maintain the desired temperature inside the refrigerator and prevent unnecessary energy consumption.

How do I check if the defrost termination thermostat is faulty?

To determine if the defrost termination thermostat is faulty, follow these steps:

1. Ensure that the refrigerator is switched off to prevent any electrical accidents.
2. Locate the defrost termination thermostat on the evaporator tubing. It is usually attached to the coil or nearby.
3. Use a multimeter, which is a device that measures electrical continuity, to perform the test.
4. Set the multimeter to the continuity mode or resistance mode (Ω).
5. Place one probe of the multimeter on each terminal of the defrost termination thermostat.
6. If the defrost termination thermostat is functioning properly, the multimeter will indicate continuity or a low resistance reading.
7. However, if the multimeter shows no continuity or indicates a high resistance reading, it suggests that the defrost termination thermostat is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Remember to exercise caution when working with electrical appliances and switch off the power before conducting any tests. If you’re unsure about these steps or if you’re uncomfortable working with electrical components, it’s advisable to seek assistance from a qualified technician.

How do I check if the defrost timer is faulty?

To check if the defrost timer of your refrigerator is faulty, follow these steps:

1. Start by ensuring that the refrigerator’s power is switched off to prevent any accidents or electric shocks.

2. Locate the defrost timer. The position of the timer can vary depending on the specific make and model of your refrigerator, so it’s advisable to consult the manual. Common locations include behind the kick plate at the bottom of the fridge, within the control panel, or at the back of the fridge.

3. Determine if the defrost timer is electrical or mechanical. This will help you proceed with the appropriate testing method.

4. If the defrost timer is electrical, you should check its continuity using a multimeter. Set the multimeter to the continuity or resistance setting. Then, gently touch the probes of the multimeter to the corresponding terminals on the defrost timer. If the multimeter shows no continuity (indicating an open circuit), this implies that the timer is faulty and needs replacement.

5. In the case of a mechanical defrost timer, you can manually turn the timer using a screwdriver until you hear a distinct click sound. This action should activate the heater switch. If the heater switch fails to activate, it signifies that the timer is faulty and should be replaced.

By following these steps, you will be able to determine if the defrost timer in your refrigerator is faulty and requires replacement.

Closing Thought 

Now you know what to check after your refrigerator stopped running no sound. Start by ensuring your refrigerator has power, and then reset it to fix an electrical glitch. 

Change the settings if the fridge is on defrost mode and replace a defective compressor, condenser fan, or electronic control board. And if you still can’t fix it, have an expert check the refrigerant and refill it if necessary.