If you’ve noticed your fridge is not turning off and keeps running non-stop, don’t panic. There are several common reasons why this happens — and in many cases, you can identify the cause yourself. Below, you’ll find the most common issues and how to fix them. Read more about our refrigerator repair:
Reasons Why the Fridge Doesn’t Stop
- The Temperature Is Set Too Low
- Faulty Thermostat or Temperature Sensor
- Control Board Malfunction
- Air Leak or Damaged Door Gasket
- Refrigerant Leak in the Sealed System
The Temperature Is Set Too Low – №1
One of the most common reasons your refrigerator keeps running is that the temperature setting is too low. If your fridge is full of food and you’ve set the temperature below normal, it might struggle to reach it.
Recommended temperatures:
- Freezer: 0°F
- Refrigerator: 37°F
Solution
Try adjusting the temperature to these levels and give your fridge a few hours to stabilize. In many cases, this simple step solves the problem.
Faulty Thermostat or Temperature Sensor – №2
If your fridge is colder than usual but still doesn’t shut off, the problem could be with the thermostat or temperature sensors, depending on your fridge model. A faulty thermostat may not accurately detect the internal temperature, causing the compressor to run continuously. Similarly, if the temperature sensors are malfunctioning, they may send incorrect signals to the control board, preventing the fridge from turning off even when it reaches the desired temperature.
Solution
To test this:
- Use a multimeter to check the resistance of the temperature sensors
- Compare the readings with the manufacturer’s specifications
If the sensor values are out of range, replacing them should fix the issue. This is a common cause we see in service calls across Houston.
Replacement cost: from $250
Control Board Malfunction – №3
Sometimes, the fridge keeps running even after reaching the correct temperature. This may indicate a problem with the main control board. In our fieldwork, we often see this happen with brands like GE and Whirlpool.
Solution
- Replace the temperature sensors first
- If the fridge continues to run non-stop after a few days, the control board is likely the cause
Unless you’re comfortable working with electronics and a multimeter, we recommend calling a professional.
Replacement cost: from $250
Air Leak or Damaged Door Gasket – №4
A torn door gasket or a door that doesn’t close properly can cause cool air to escape. As a result, your refrigerator constantly tries to reach the desired temperature — and never turns off.
Solution
- Check if the door is sealing tightly
- Rearrange food containers to make sure nothing is blocking the door
- If the gasket is cracked or loose, replace it
Diagnosis cost: from $200
Refrigerant Leak in the Sealed System – №5
Low refrigerant levels can prevent your fridge from cooling properly. If this happens, the compressor keeps running trying to maintain the temperature — but it never does.
Signs of a sealed system issue:
- Fridge feels warmer than normal
- The compressor never stops
- You remove the evaporator cover and only part of the coils have frost
Solution
In this case, call a certified technician. Only licensed professionals can handle refrigerants and sealed system repairs safely.
Diagnosis and repair cost: from $270
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I’m an appliance repair technician based in Houston, Texas. Here, I share my hands-on experience and insights. Hope you find my articles helpful! Feel free to drop a comment or share your thoughts—I’d be happy to chat!
5 Comments
My fridge has been running constantly for the past few days, but everything inside is still cold. I checked the temperature settings, and they’re set to 37°F. Could a faulty thermostat be the issue even if the fridge is cooling properly?
Hi Sophia! If your fridge is running constantly but still maintaining the correct temperature, it could be a few things—not just the thermostat. A faulty thermostat can cause the compressor to run nonstop, but other common reasons include:
• Dirty condenser coils – if they’re dusty, the fridge has to work harder.
• Worn door gasket – warm air might be leaking in.
• Defrost system issue – if frost builds up on the evaporator coils, it forces the fridge to run longer.
• Temperature sensor (thermistor) – it may be sending the wrong signals to the control board.
Since it’s cooling properly for now, it’s not an emergency, but definitely worth having it checked before it causes more wear on the compressor. Let us know if you’d like a technician to take a look!
Hi Rachel! You’re probably right—it does sound like a clogged or partially blocked defrost drain. When the fridge goes through a defrost cycle, the melted frost should drain through a tube into a pan underneath. But if that tube is clogged, the water can overflow and pool under your fridge.
Since it stops after you defrost, the drain might just be slow or blocked with debris or ice. A quick fix can be flushing the drain line with warm water (some people use a turkey baster). If it keeps happening, it’s best to have a tech clear it out properly and check for any cracks or damage in the drain system. Let us know if you need help with it!
Hi! What should I do if the refrigerator won’t turn off, but the temperature inside is normal — should I call a technician right away?
Hi Jessica,
If your refrigerator keeps running but the temperature inside is normal, it could be a sign of a faulty thermostat, control board, or dirty condenser coils. It’s a good idea to have a technician take a look before it leads to a bigger issue. We can help with a quick diagnostic visit whenever you’re ready!