Troubleshooting The Most Common Thermador Refrigerator Problems

By all means, Thermador is a reputable brand, and their refrigerators are some of the most sophisticated and efficient appliances on the market. 

However, all this innovative technology can make for more opportunities for things to go wrong! 

In fact, all those complex features and the sheer quantity of inner components can make it a headache to fix at home. 

To help you tackle DIY troubleshooting and repair, here’s a guide to some of the common problems that may occur with your Thermador refrigerator. 

Refrigerator Won’t Cool

If your refrigerator is not cooling properly, there are a number of potential causes.

First, start by checking that the condenser coils are not dirty. These coils are typically located either behind or under the refrigerator and are easily accessible. 

You can use a vacuum cleaner to suck up as much debris and dust as you can. And then you can use a cloth to wipe off any remaining dirt.

Cleaning your condenser coils regularly is important because their function is to circulate coolant, and disperse any heat away from the appliance. 

Evaporator Fan Blades Or Motor

If your condenser coils are clean and you’re still experiencing difficulties with the fridge temperature, you’ll then want to check to see if the evaporator fan motor is working. This component helps circulate cool air throughout the appliance.

To check your fan, you can try listening to see if any strange noises are coming from the motor. If you hear any grinding or ticking noises, it’s usually a clear indication that your fan isn’t working properly.

Condenser Fan Motor

Another culprit of a refrigerator failing to cool is the condenser fan motor being defective. 

To access this fan, refer to your owner’s manual to locate the component. Then, once you’ve accessed it, try spinning the fan blades by hand. 

If they turn smoothly, then the motor is fine, but if they offer resistance, then a bearing or the motor is likely defective. While you’re there, check if there are chunks of pet hair, dirt or debris blocking the fan. 

If you do see hair and debris, make sure to clean it off.  

The purpose of the condenser fan is to keep both the compressor and the condenser coils cool. It’s therefore essential in keeping the refrigerator itself cool.

Thermador Refrigerator Repair Near You

If you’re struggling with your Thermador refrigerator for any reason, and none of these troubleshooting tips have helped, then it’s time to call in experienced professionals to carry out repairs.

Compressor Issues

If your compressor is working fine, then you should hear a faint humming noise emanating from your fridge when it is running. On the other hand, if there’s an eerie silence and you haven’t heard this sound for a while, then it’s likely that the compressor is defective and is no longer functioning.

With that said, compressor repairs can sometimes be more expensive than replacing the appliance. 

Therefore, you’ll want to check to see if your fridge is still under warranty. 

If it’s not, we recommend getting a repair quote to assess whether or not it’s worth fixing or replacing.

Refrigerator Is Leaking

If your refrigerator is leaking, then there are a few likely causes.

First, check the defrost drain to see if it is frozen or clogged up. If it’s frozen, the water will likely overflow out of the drain and drip into the compartment beneath. If this overfills, then it will likely leak onto the floor. 

If you can see that it is frozen, thaw the ice using a hair dryer or some warm water. 

Secondly, you’ll want to check the unit’s water inlet valve. 

This valve supplies water to the dispenser and ice-maker. If it is loose, cracked or damaged, then water will likely leak from it. If this is the case, you’ll likely need to replace the valve.

Finally, the water filter compartment is often to blame when it comes to refrigerator leaks. Especially with older appliances, this component might crack or break from being used. 

If this is the case, then replacing it is fairly simple.

Ice-Maker Not Working

Your ice-maker might be failing to produce ice for a variety of reasons.

The first potential issue is that the ice maker is simply not ready yet. It takes at least a few hours to form a batch of ice, but if you’ve only just installed your fridge, it might take a bit longer.  

If that’s not the problem, then it could be down to the water filter. 

If the filter is blocked then water might not be able to pass through, preventing any ice from forming. It’s recommended that you change water filters every 6 months or so to avoid blockages like this.

Next check the valves and water line connections. Sometimes these can get clogged with debris or they can freeze, which will prevent the ice-maker from functioning properly. 

If none of these isolated components are to blame, then the whole ice-maker assembly might need professional repair, or it may need to be replaced.