The following is a reprint from our Ask the Expert feature on AcmeHowTo.com:

Question: Our refrigerator and freezer stopped cooling, but we still hear it running. Could the problem be the compressor and would it be more cost effective to replace the compressor or buy a new refrigerator?

Answer: If it suddenly just stopped cooling and you still hear the compressor running (it is the motor looking thing usually at the back and bottom of the fridge) then I'd bet your evaporator fan isn't working. Look inside your freezer for a fan. If you can't see it, you may have to remove some panels. The fan should be on when the compressor is running. You may have to push the button to make the fridge think the door is closed for the fan to run.

If you hear the compressor running, then you don't need a compressor. If the compressor is bad, no I don't recommend replacing it; get a new fridge. But the good news, is that I don't think that is your problem. Check out our How-To section on refrigerators.

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