Not necessarily. The fact that the freezer is working fine while the fridge is not cooling could indicate a variety of issues, and it doesn't definitively rule out a problem with the compressor. There are a few potential causes for this scenario:
Blocked Airflow: In some refrigerators, the freezer and fridge share the same cooling system, and the cool air from the freezer is circulated into the fridge compartment through vents. If these vents are blocked or obstructed by food or ice buildup, it can restrict the airflow to the fridge, causing it not to cool properly.
Thermostat Issues: The fridge and freezer compartments may have separate thermostats that control their respective temperatures. If the thermostat in the fridge malfunctions, it might not signal the compressor to kick in, leading to inadequate cooling.
Defective Evaporator Fan: The evaporator fan is responsible for circulating cold air throughout the refrigerator. If this fan is faulty or not working correctly, the freezer may stay cold, but the fridge won't receive the necessary cool air.
Faulty Defrost System: Some refrigerators have a defrost system that prevents ice buildup on the evaporator coils. If this system fails, the coils can become covered in ice, blocking airflow and causing cooling problems in the fridge while the freezer remains operational.
Compressor Issues: Though the freezer is working fine, it's still possible for the compressor to have partial functionality. It might be running enough to keep the freezer cold but not enough to cool the fridge properly.
Refrigerant Leak: A refrigerant leak can cause the fridge to lose its cooling capacity, even if the freezer appears to be functioning correctly.
To diagnose the issue accurately and determine whether the compressor is involved, you'll need to perform some troubleshooting or seek assistance from a professional appliance repair technician. They can inspect the refrigerator's components, check for any refrigerant leaks, test the compressor, and identify the root cause of the problem.