If an old refrigerator has stopped cooling but is still making ice, it indicates that the freezer compartment is functioning correctly, but the refrigerator compartment is not cooling as it should. This situation can be caused by a few different factors:
Evaporator Fan Failure: Inside the freezer compartment, there is an evaporator coil that cools the air. The evaporator fan is responsible for circulating the cold air from the freezer to the refrigerator compartment. If the fan stops working, the freezer may still cool and make ice, but the cold air won't be distributed to the refrigerator section, resulting in its lack of cooling.
Blocked Airflow: Sometimes, items placed in the freezer can block the vents or airflow channels that carry the cold air to the refrigerator compartment. Make sure there are no obstructions and that the vents are clear.
Damaged or Worn Door Gaskets: The rubber door gaskets create a seal around the refrigerator and freezer doors. If they are damaged, worn, or not sealing properly, warm air can enter the refrigerator section, affecting its cooling ability while the freezer still maintains the cold for ice production.
Faulty Thermostat: The refrigerator has separate thermostats for the freezer and refrigerator compartments. If the thermostat that controls the refrigerator's cooling stops working, it won't trigger the compressor to run, resulting in no cooling in the fridge section.
Defrost System Issues: If the automatic defrost system malfunctions, ice can build up on the evaporator coils. This can impede the cooling process in the refrigerator compartment while the freezer may still function normally.
Refrigerant Leak: If there's a refrigerant leak, the refrigerator won't be able to cool properly. The freezer might still work because it has less cooling demand or uses a separate evaporator.
Compressor Problems: The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator's cooling system. If it's not functioning correctly, it can impact both the freezer and refrigerator compartments. However, it's possible that the compressor is still working well enough to cool the freezer and make ice, but not enough to cool the refrigerator.
Given that the refrigerator is old, some of these issues are more likely due to wear and tear over time. It's recommended to have a professional appliance repair technician inspect and diagnose the specific problem with your refrigerator. They can pinpoint the issue and advise whether it's cost-effective to repair the unit or if it's time to consider a replacement.