Maytag Plus Side-by-Side Refrigerator Is Not Cooling

Turned Down

• The simplest problem with the easiest fix is that you have your refrigerator's temperature turned up so high it barely cools at all. Newer Maytag refrigerators have temperature control consoles on the front where you can adjust the temperature in the freezer and refrigerator. Older models may have dials on the inside with numbers "1" through "7," with "7" being the coldest. Adjust the temperature on your Maytag model so it cools at the temperature you prefer. Newer side-by-side models come out of the factory set at 38 degrees Fahrenheit for the refrigerator and 0 degrees Fahrenheit for the freezer, which are Maytag's recommended temperature settings.

Broken Door Seals

• Another problem with an easy fix is a degraded door gasket. The door gasket is the rubber seal that goes around the perimeter of the door's interior. This seal ensures that the refrigerator is airtight and that no cold air can escape, while conversely no warm air can enter. The gasket can degrade or come loose over time, however, and be rendered ineffective. Order a new gasket for your specific model from Maytag and consult your particular instruction manual for directions on replacement.

Blocked Vents

• The cooling in your refrigerator actually comes from the freezer. Cold air is produced in your freezer and then circulated through your refrigerator via a system of vents. Open your refrigerator and look in the top left corner for a vent. Make sure the vent isn't blocked by large food items like wine boxes or juice cartons, which could prevent the sufficient flow of cool air. There's a return vent on the left of the middle section of your refrigerator. Make sure this vent is unblocked, as well, to allow for efficient airflow.

Blown Mechanisms

• There are numerous mechanical failures that could lead to your Maytag not cooling foods or even coming on at all. A blown compressor is one of these failures. A compressor is a motor at the back of the fridge that circulates the coolant throughout the unit's internal pipes. You may have a blown compressor if the lights come on in the fridge but you can't hear any motor running behind it, nor is it cooling. You'll need to consult a repairman if you suspect your fridge has blown its compressor. Another problem could be a power issue. You may have overloaded the power outlet when you plugged in your refrigerator, causing a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. Have a professional electrician inspect the wiring near the outlets to remedy the issue.