My refrigerator and freezer have slowly stopped cooling. Now I am noticing an oily smell when I come into the room. This refrigerator is 26 years old and has never needed repairs so I can't complain. Could it possibly need freon? I can hear the motor running and it has always been well cared for. It has gradually and slowly been cooling down and, until the smell, I didn't realize how much. Items inside are cool, but not cold and the freezer is not freezing.

certain amount of oil is in the compressor motor casing to stop it burning out
it is under the same pressure as the refrigerant

I would say the oil comes from that casing
you could turn the fridge off at the wall
bring the fridge out to get behind it
and degrease the area to see if the leak is severe

if it is..... needs a fridge technician

not sure
check if cost of replacing the motor compressor unit
on a ten year old ge
might be more that fridge is worth

I suggest get help with repairman.6 year old is not very old.Refrigerators have life more then 8 to 10 years.The problem can be temperature not set properly or any of fridge or freezer door not closed properly and cool air is getting leaked out. These are basic possibilities which first need to be checked. But if these possibilities are checked ok and still the problem is same, then its weak compressor issue. Click the link below for more details:--- http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2011/06/both-refrigerator-and-freezer-not.html

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This will help. Thanks.Helpmech.

The refrigerator side is at present working properly , but slowly slowly, it will also loose its cooling.This will happen because, freezer side is the side which cools first, then the refrigerator side ( also called as fridge side)., gets cooled.If freezer side is not cooling / freezing properly then fridge side will also loose its cooling ability.------------ And later on both section will loose its cooling.----------- As per the present situation, it indicates problem with compressor or problem with freezer side door not closing properly.---------- Or the temperature in freezer section is not set to proper cooling/ freezing.--------- So first inspect temperature, is it set right? If ok, then check the freezer door , is it properly closed? If ok, then its compressor problem.? The compressor is running non stop, this is indication of compressor problem.---------- Click this link below for more help:--- http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2011/06/both-refrigerator-and-freezer-not.html ----------- Later on both section will loose its cooling. -------- This will help.Thanks.Helpmech.

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Good Luck,
Gilshultz

THIS DOESN"T SAY WHICH FAN IS WORKING IF THE FREEZER FAN STOPS WORKING THE FRIGE WILL NOT GET COLD.
DOES FREEZER STILL FREEZE?. IF SO ITS YOUR FAN

there is more ice built up behind the panel

defrost is not working

Hi,
There are a few reasons why the refrigerator part will not cool...here are a couple of tips that will help you to figure out why the refrigerantor is not cooling...

Refrigerator not Cooling or Fridge not Cooling
http://www.fixya.com/support/r3662945-refrigerator_not_cooling_or_fridge_not

How to Defrost Refrigerator Defrost Timer Problem
http://www.fixya.com/support/r3771673-defrost_refrigerator_defrost_timer

heatman101

Thank You for having your model number ready, Could you remove the grate on front and bottom of refrigerator to expose the defrost timer. In the opening on front turn the timer slowly turn clockwise until you hear a click or change in operation of refrigerator. Let me know, Sea Breeze

My fridge and freezer just stopped cooling all of a sudden. I hear the compressor running and every couple of min there is a clicking noise. Is there a reset switch or something that I can do to start it working again? The lights are working but the freezer and fridge are room temp.

Something has stopped the cold air being ducted from freezer side to refrigerator side of things. Possibly duct blocked due to ice build up, evaporator not self defrosting etc. Turn unit off for a few days till it melts and then turn back on. If it was because a door has been left slightly open you will be ok. If for any other reason you will want to have it serviced in the next week or so.