Turbo Air Refrigerator Troubleshooting

Turbo Air refrigerators are known for their durability and reliability. Even though issues with these units are rare, this Turbo Air refrigerator guide will help you identify and resolve problems with your machine quickly so you can keep it in good working order.
These tips are for models from the M3, PRO and Super Deluxe series, such as the M3R47-2-N, PRO-26-2R-N and TSR-49GSD-N reach-in refrigerators, respectively.
Unit Isn’t Working
- Unit is unplugged - Plug in the unit.
- Unit isn’t turned on - Turn on the unit.
- Fuse is blown or circuit breaker is off - Check the circuit breaker. If necessary, schedule an appointment with a licensed electrician to solve the issue.
Machine Is Freezing Food
- Thermostat is set too cold - Adjust the thermostat to a higher temperature.
Refrigerator Not Cooling Well
- Unit is in sunlight or near a heater - Move the refrigerator to a location with a lower ambient temperature out of direct sunlight and away from a heater.
- Hot food placed in the unit - Give the unit time to cool down the hot food. In the future, wait for food product to come to room temperature before storing in the refrigerator.
- Refrigerator is overloaded with food - Allow the unit to cool down the food product over time. For faster cooling, remove some of the food product from the unit.
- Unit door was left open or is opened frequently - Remember to keep the door closed so the unit can maintain the proper temperature as easily and efficiently as possible.
- The temperature control dial isn’t on the correct setting - Check the temperature control dial; if the setting is too warm, adjust the setting to a lower temperature.
- Door gasket is dirty or defective - If the gasket is dirty, clean it; if it’s faulty, replace it.
- Condenser is clogged - Clean the condenser. Refer to our article on cleaning a commercial refrigerator condenser coil for more information on how to do so. For models with self-cleaning condenser coils, contact an authorized technician for assistance.
Refrigerator Not Cooling At All
- Power connection is improper - Check the outlet to make sure the unit is plugged in fully. If it isn’t, push the power cord into the outlet.
- Power cord is damaged - Make sure the power cord isn’t damaged. If the power cord is damaged, replace it.
Machine Making A Loud Noise
- Unit isn’t level - Adjust the leveling feet to make sure the unit is level.
- Floor is weak or isn’t level - If the floor under the unit is weak or isn’t level, move the unit to another location.
- Rear of the unit is too close to the wall - See if the back of the refrigerator is at least 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) from the wall. If the machine is too close to the wall, move the unit.
Condensation On The Exterior
- Ambient air is humid - Formation of condensation on the unit’s exterior is normal when there’s moisture in the air. To remove the condensation, wipe the unit’s surfaces with a clean, dry cloth.
Condensation In The Interior
- Door was left open for a long time or was opened too frequently - To prevent moisture from entering the unit and forming dew, make sure to keep the door closed as much as possible. Use a clean cloth to wipe away excess moisture in the interior.
- Damp, moist food is stored in the unit - Damp foods can release moisture into the air and cause water droplets to form on interior surfaces. So, let damp foods dry out before placing them in the refrigerator. Dry the excessive moisture with a clean cloth.
Refrigerator Door Doesn’t Close Tightly
- Door is bent - If the door is damaged, contact an authorized technician to remedy the issue.
- Unit isn’t level - Adjust the leveling feet to level the unit or move the unit to another location if the floor is uneven.
- Door gasket is out of place or damaged - Make sure the door gasket is positioned properly. If the gasket is damaged, replace it.
Machine Has Unpleasant Odors
- Unit interior is dirty - Clean the inside of the unit to remove old food particles and spill residues that are causing foul smells. Refer to our Turbo Air refrigerator cleaning instructions guide for details on the step-by-step process.
Occurrences That Aren’t Malfunctions
The following occurrences don’t indicate issues with your Turbo Air refrigerator, so troubleshooting isn’t normally required:
- Flowing sound when the compressor stops - The sound of refrigerant moving through the unit is normal.
- Compressor not running during the defrost cycle - It’s normal for the compressor to not run during the defrost cycle.
- Condensation on and around the edge of the door and on the front of the unit - It’s normal for water droplets to form around the edge of the door and on the front of the refrigerator.
- Gurgling noises coming from inside the refrigerator - Gurgling noises coming from inside the unit are normal.
For more information on troubleshooting your specific unit, the large library of Turbo Air manuals on our site is a great resource.