Why Is My Haier Refrigerator Not Cooling? Troubleshooting Guide

A refrigerator that won’t cool properly can be a serious headache, especially when it’s packed with food. If your Haier refrigerator is struggling to maintain the right temperature, any of several reasons could be behind it.

This article will help you troubleshoot the problem step-by-step and find the best solution. We’ll go over the most common causes and fixes so you can get your Haier refrigerator cooling properly again.

Simple fixes to try first

A refrigerator not cooling properly isn’t always a sign of a major issue with your appliance. Sometimes, small, simple fixes are all that are required to get your Haier cooling again.

Check the temperature settings

Sometimes, the issue is as simple as your Haier refrigerator’s temperature being set too high. Ideally, the fridge section should be set around 37°F (3°C), while the freezer should be set close to 0°F (−18°C).

Press and hold the lock button for about 3 seconds and the control panel will unlock. Then, you can use the temperature adjustment buttons to set the fridge and freezer to the right temperatures.

The door is being left open

It’s easy to accidentally leave the door slightly ajar when closing it as it may look fully shut at a quick glance. Sometimes, it just needs an extra nudge to fully seal. Kids might not realize they’re leaving it open slightly or a food item could be blocking it from closing properly.

If the door is left open even a little, cold air will escape, causing the fridge to warm up. Always double-check that the door is fully closed after using the fridge.

Blocked air vents could be the issue

Your Haier refrigerator relies on air vents to circulate cold air throughout the fridge and freezer compartments. If these vents get blocked by food items or ice buildup, the cool air won’t flow properly and your appliance may struggle to stay cold.

Also, be mindful not to overstuff your refrigerator. A good rule of thumb is to keep the fridge and freezer about three-quarters full for optimal cooling. Packing it too full can restrict airflow, making it harder for everything inside to stay at the right temperature.

Further fixes to try next

These repairs are a little more advanced but still doable.

Door gaskets might be bad

The rubber gaskets around your refrigerator doors play a crucial role in keeping cold air inside and warm air out. If they’re dirty or damaged, they won’t seal properly, which can cause your Haier refrigerator to struggle to stay cool.

Here’s how to check and fix the door gaskets:

1. Inspect the gaskets – Open the fridge and carefully check all around the door for dirt, mold, wear, or cracks.
2. Do a dollar bill test – Close the fridge door on a dollar bill, then try pulling it out. If it slides out easily without resistance, the seal isn’t tight enough and may need cleaning or replacing.
3. Clean the gaskets – If they’re dirty, wipe them down with a wet cloth and dish soap.
4. Replace if needed – If a gasket is cracked or worn out, it’ll need to be replaced. You should be able to replace it yourself. Simply pull the old gasket off and carefully press a new one into place.

Damaged or disconnected wires

If your Haier refrigerator control panel has suddenly stopped working or is displaying “OF,” it might be due to damaged or disconnected wires near the door hinge—a known weak spot in some Haier models.

This issue often happens because repeated door movement gradually wears down or disconnects the wiring.

Follow these steps to troubleshoot and potentially fix the issue:

1. Unplug your refrigerator. This is essential when dealing with wiring issues.
2. Open the fridge door.
3. Locate and remove the screws on the plastic panel at the top of the fridge compartment. Gently lift off this panel to expose the wiring.
4. Carefully examine the wires near the door hinge for any signs of wear, damage, or disconnection. Pay special attention to connectors that might have come loose.
5. Find the door switch, which is often a small white component near the top of the fridge compartment. Press it manually to see if the interior light turns off. If the light stays on, the switch might be faulty.
6. If you find any damaged wires, you can repair them using electrical tape, heat shrink tubing, or wire connectors if you’re confident enough in your DIY skills.
7. Ensure all connectors are securely plugged in.
8. If the door switch is faulty, replace it.

Frozen evaporator coils

Another common issue in Haier and other refrigerator brands is frozen evaporator coils. When these coils freeze over, airflow gets blocked, making it harder for your fridge to maintain the right temperature.

You may be able to resolve the issue by unplugging the refrigerator, opening its doors, and letting it defrost for 12 to 24 hours. Place some towels on the floor and inside the appliance to soak up any melting water.

If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to remove the rear panel inside the freezer to access the evaporator coils and inspect them. While you’re in there, check the defrost system, which includes the defrost heater, defrost timer, and defrost thermostat—if any of these fail, they can cause the coils to freeze over.

Examine each defrost component for visible damage (burn marks, broken wires, etc.) and use a multimeter to test for continuity. Replace any parts that are faulty or damaged. Always unplug the appliance before attempting this repair.

Consider calling a professional

If the steps above haven’t fixed the cooling issue with your Haier refrigerator, it might be time to bring in an expert. The problem could be related to the control board or compressor, both of which require professional diagnosis and repair.

The only other DIY steps you could try are cleaning the condenser coils and inspecting the condenser and evaporator fans (and replacing them if they’re damaged or faulty).