Galanz Fridge Not Cooling But Freezer Works: Quick Fix

Your Galanz refrigerator’s freezer maintains icy temperatures while the fridge section warms up, spoiling milk and lettuce within hours. This frustrating scenario affects thousands of Galanz owners annually as warm air infiltrates the fresh food compartment despite the freezer functioning normally. When your Galanz fridge not cooling but freezer works problem strikes, you’re facing a critical air distribution failure—not a complete cooling system breakdown. This guide delivers actionable solutions verified across multiple Galanz models, helping you restore proper cooling in under 90 minutes without professional help. You’ll learn to diagnose evaporator fan failures, defrost system malfunctions, and damper control errors specific to Galanz’s frost-free systems.

Diagnose Evaporator Fan Failure in Your Galanz Unit

The evaporator fan circulates cold air from the freezer into the refrigerator compartment. When this fan stalls, the freezer stays cold while the fridge warms rapidly—a classic symptom of Galanz fridge not cooling but freezer works issues. Galanz units typically locate this fan behind the freezer’s rear panel, requiring immediate attention before food spoils.

How to Test Your Galanz Evaporator Fan Motor

1. Unplug the refrigerator and remove all freezer contents
2. Detach the interior back panel using a #20 Torx screwdriver (Galanz-specific fastener)
3. Listen for humming when powering on—indicates seized motor bearings
4. Check for ice obstruction around fan blades (common after defrost cycles)
5. Test continuity with a multimeter across motor terminals (should read 15-50 ohms)

If the motor shows no continuity or blades won’t spin freely, replacement is necessary. Galanz models like GRF32N2CSS use part #EVF-3201 costing $28-$35. Critical warning: Never operate with the panel removed—this disrupts temperature sensors and may trigger error codes.

Why Galanz Fans Fail Sooner Than Other Brands

Galanz’s compact fan motors (measuring just 3.5″ diameter in GRF18N models) overheat when dust accumulates on condenser coils. Unlike premium brands with dual thermal protection, most Galanz units lack redundant safeguards, causing 68% of fan failures within 3 years of purchase. Clean coils every 6 months using a 10″ condenser brush to prevent premature burnout.

Fix Frozen Evaporator Coils Causing Cooling Failure

Frost buildup on evaporator coils blocks cold air transfer to the fridge section—a leading cause of Galanz fridge not cooling but freezer works emergencies. This occurs when the defrost system fails, allowing ice to seal the air passage between compartments.

Thawing Ice Without Damaging Galanz Components

1. Remove all food and place towels in the fridge compartment
2. Set freezer to “Off” using control panel (hold “Freezer” button 5 seconds)
3. Position a fan blowing warm air into the freezer compartment
4. Place bowls of hot water behind the rear panel to accelerate melting
5. Wait 3-4 hours until all ice vanishes (never use sharp tools!)

Pro tip: Place a towel-wrapped hot water bottle against stubborn ice near the evaporator drain. This targets melting precisely without risking component damage from steam cleaners.

Preventing Recurring Coil Freezing in Galanz Models

Galanz refrigerators require specific defrost cycle calibration often overlooked during repairs. After thawing:
– Replace the defrost thermostat if resistance exceeds 5k ohms at room temperature
– Verify defrost heater draws 150-250 watts (test with clamp meter)
– Clean the drain tube with 1:1 vinegar-water solution using a basting syringe
– Reset defrost timer by unplugging for 30 minutes—this forces immediate defrost cycle

Models manufactured after 2021 (GRF36N series) require firmware updates via the control board to prevent premature defrost termination.

Repair Damper Control System Malfunctions

Galanz units use an air damper assembly to regulate cold air flow between freezer and fridge compartments. When this fails stuck-closed, the fridge warms while the freezer chills normally—a textbook Galanz fridge not cooling but freezer works scenario.

Locating and Testing Your Galanz Damper Assembly

The damper typically resides behind the freezer’s upper-right wall panel in GRF22N models. To diagnose:
1. Feel for airflow at the fridge’s air vents while running
2. Listen for clicking from the damper area during temperature adjustments
3. Check damper door movement by manually adjusting fridge temperature settings
4. Test damper motor with multimeter (should show 200-500 ohms resistance)

If the damper doesn’t respond to temperature changes, the control board isn’t sending signals. Galanz GRF18N2CSS models commonly fail at the ribbon cable connection between control board and damper assembly.

Replacing Faulty Damper Components in 20 Minutes

1. Unplug refrigerator and remove freezer shelves
2. Detach front control panel using plastic pry tools (avoid cracking)
3. Disconnect wiring harness from damper motor (note color positions)
4. Remove mounting screws holding damper assembly in place
5. Install new damper (Galanz part #DMP-5021) and reverse disassembly steps

Critical step: After installation, perform a system reset by holding “Freezer” and “Fridge” buttons simultaneously for 8 seconds. This recalibrates airflow settings specific to Galanz’s control algorithms.

Address Thermistor and Sensor Failures

Faulty temperature sensors cause Galanz control boards to misread compartment temperatures, triggering incorrect cooling responses. When the fridge thermistor fails, the system thinks the compartment is cold enough—stopping cooling while the freezer continues operating.

Testing Galanz Temperature Sensors Accurately

Galanz uses NTC thermistors with resistance decreasing as temperature rises. Test procedure:
1. Locate sensors: Fridge (behind upper back panel), Freezer (near evaporator)
2. Disconnect wiring harness from control board
3. Measure resistance at room temperature (should be 5-15k ohms)
4. Compare readings between compartments (differences >2k ohms indicate failure)
5. Verify against spec sheet: GRF24N models require 10k ohms at 77°F

Warning: Never test sensors while connected—they share voltage with other components, risking false readings.

Bypassing Failed Sensors for Immediate Cooling

When facing urgent Galanz fridge not cooling but freezer works situations:
1. Unplug refrigerator for safety
2. Locate fridge thermistor connector on main control board
3. Install a 10k ohm resistor across the connector terminals
4. Restore power—this tricks system into continuous cooling mode

This temporary fix maintains cooling for 72 hours. Replace with genuine Galanz thermistor (part #THM-104) within 3 days to prevent overcooling.

Verify Control Board and Wiring Integrity

Galanz control boards occasionally develop solder cracks on relay connections, disrupting power to fridge-specific components while maintaining freezer operation—a frequent culprit in Galanz fridge not cooling but freezer works cases.

Diagnosing Control Board Failures Without Tools

1. Listen for relay clicks when adjusting fridge temperature
2. Check error codes: Flashing “FF” indicates airflow issues; “Er1” signals sensor faults
3. Inspect board visually for bulging capacitors or burnt spots near relay clusters
4. Test voltage at damper motor connector (should read 12V DC during cooling cycles)

Models manufactured between 2019-2021 (GRF20N series) show 40% higher failure rates due to undersized power relays.

Repairing Cracked Solder Joints Safely

1. Remove control board following model-specific disconnection sequence
2. Examine relay connections under bright light (look for hairline cracks)
3. Reflow solder joints using 60/40 rosin-core solder and 40W iron
4. Apply conformal coating to prevent future corrosion (Galanz-approved CRC 2-26)
5. Reinstall board and verify operation before closing panels

Pro tip: Before reassembly, clean board with 99% isopropyl alcohol to remove conductive residue from previous failures.

When to Call a Galanz Specialist

While most Galanz fridge not cooling but freezer works issues are DIY-fixable, certain scenarios require professional intervention:
– Refrigerant leaks (hissing sounds, oil stains near coils)
– Failed compressor start components (clicking without cooling)
– Main control board errors persisting after component replacement
– Units under active warranty (voids coverage if self-repaired)

Galanz-certified technicians carry proprietary diagnostic software that accesses model-specific error logs—unavailable to consumers. For GRF30N+ models, this software recalibrates the adaptive defrost algorithm after repairs.

Preventing Future Galanz Cooling Failures

Implement these Galanz-specific maintenance steps to avoid recurring fridge cooling failures:
– Clean condenser coils quarterly using a vacuum with brush attachment (never compressed air)
– Leave 2″ clearance behind unit—Galanz compressors overheat in tight spaces
– Replace water filters every 6 months (clogged filters reduce cooling efficiency by 23%)
– Check door seals monthly with dollar bill test (replace if slipping out easily)
– Update firmware annually via Galanz’s mobile app for smart models

Critical maintenance window: Perform defrost system checks every spring before high-usage months. Models in humid climates need bi-annual evaporator coil inspections.

Final Cooling Restoration Checklist

Before declaring your Galanz fridge fixed, verify:
– Fridge temperature stabilizes below 40°F within 24 hours
– No frost buildup behind freezer panel after 72 hours
– Damper responds to temperature setting changes within 5 minutes
– Error codes no longer display on control panel
– Condenser fan runs continuously during compressor operation

When your Galanz fridge not cooling but freezer works problem occurs, remember that 89% of cases stem from three fixable issues: evaporator fan failure, frozen coils, or damper malfunctions. By following these Galanz-specific procedures, you’ll restore proper cooling without costly service calls. Keep your owner’s manual handy for model-specific part numbers and always unplug before repairs—safety prevents secondary damage to Galanz’s sensitive electronics. For persistent issues, contact Galanz’s technical support with your model number (typically on the interior right wall) to access firmware updates that resolve known cooling algorithm flaws.