my danby 4.4 fridge is running nonstop and not getting cold enough, freezer side is fine though

Diagnosis

The core issue with the Danby DAR044A4BDD is a failure in the air circulation system, specifically the evaporator fan motor. In this compact design, the cooling occurs exclusively in the freezer section. A small fan is responsible for pulling that chilled air and pushing it through a series of vents (dampers) down into the refrigerator compartment. When the fan fails, the freezer remains cold because it is directly adjacent to the evaporator coils, but the refrigerator section loses its source of cold air. Because the refrigerator thermostat is located in the main cabin, it detects that the temperature is too high and signals the compressor to keep running. Since no cold air is being moved into that space, the compressor runs 24/7 in a futile attempt to lower the temperature, which can eventually lead to the compressor overheating or the freezer coils becoming completely choked with ice. You can confirm this by opening the freezer door and listening for the fan's hum; if the freezer is silent or you hear a clicking/grinding noise, the motor is the culprit.

How to Fix It

To resolve this, you must replace the evaporator fan motor to restore airflow. Ensure you have a replacement motor compatible with the DAR044A4BDD model before starting.

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the wall outlet to prevent electrical shock.
2. Empty all food items from the freezer compartment to provide clear access to the interior walls.
3. Locate the interior rear panel of the freezer. Using a Phillips head screwdriver, remove the screws securing the plastic panel to the liner. Carefully pull the panel forward, being mindful of any wiring harnesses attached to the panel.
4. Inspect the fan blade. Attempt to spin it manually with your finger. If it feels stiff or does not rotate smoothly, the bearings have seized.
5. Disconnect the wiring harness leading to the fan motor. This is typically a small plastic clip; press the tab and pull gently.
6. Unscrew the mounting bracket holding the fan motor in place. Remove the old motor and the fan blade.
7. Install the new motor into the bracket and secure it with the original screws. Attach the fan blade firmly to the motor shaft.
8. Reconnect the wiring harness and snap the rear panel back into place, securing the screws.
9. Plug the unit back in and wait 2-4 hours to see if the refrigerator section begins to drop in temperature.

If That Didn't Work

• Check for Ice Blockage: If the fan is spinning but air isn't moving, the evaporator coils may be encased in a block of ice, blocking the air vents. Perform a manual defrost by unplugging the unit for 24 hours with the doors open. This clears ice buildup that a standard "auto-defrost" cycle might have missed.
• Inspect the Air Damper: Some versions of this model have a mechanical or electronic damper door that regulates airflow. Check if the vent between the freezer and fridge is physically blocked by a food item or if the damper door is stuck in the closed position.
• Verify Thermostat Calibration: If the fridge is still warm despite the fan running, the cold control thermostat may be faulty, failing to signal the compressor correctly. Test the continuity of the thermostat using a multimeter; if it shows an open circuit while in the "cool" position, the thermostat needs replacement.
• Clean the Condenser Coils: Pull the unit away from the wall and vacuum the coils on the back. If the coils are coated in dust and pet hair, the system cannot shed heat efficiently, which prevents the refrigerator section from reaching the target temperature even if the fan is working.

Heads Up

• Avoid Overstuffing: Do not pack items directly against the back wall of the refrigerator or freezer; this blocks the air vents and can cause the fan to work harder and burn out prematurely.
• Clearance Requirements: Ensure there is at least 2 inches of space between the back of the unit and the wall to allow for proper heat dissipation.
• Door Seal Maintenance: Periodically wipe the magnetic door gaskets with warm soapy water. A leaking seal allows warm air to enter, causing the unit to run nonstop and frosting up the evaporator coils.
• Power Stability: If you experience frequent power surges, use a high-quality surge protector to protect the sensitive control board and fan motor from voltage spikes.