Field pattern: fridge warm? Read the evaporator frost and check the fan before blaming the compressor

The evaporator coil tells you which system failed. A coil packed with ice means a defrost failure (the sealed system is fine); a light, even frost with no air moving means a fan problem; frost on only the first part of the coil, or none at all with the compressor running, points to the sealed system. Condemning the compressor without looking at the coil is the common wrong turn.

Cross-checked ~45 min moderateBrands: All

Before you start

Unplug before removing the evaporator cover or touching fan wiring
Sealed-system work (leak search, recharge, compressor or drier change, brazing) requires EPA 608 certification: diagnose and refer
Do not chip ice off the evaporator with tools; tubing punctures easily

Diagnostic steps

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