Can this fridge be saved?

This article is the archived version of a report that appeared in August 2009 Consumer Reports magazine. Visit our refrigerators page to see the very latest information on refrigerators.

Sometimes an easy fix will do. We asked online parts supplier RepairClinic.com for common problems and repair costs. Generally, replace an appliance when a repair would cost more than 50 percent of the cost of a comparable new one.

Problem Water getting to icemaker, but no ice.
Part Icemaker control module or entire icemaker.
DIY cost $70 to $110.
Pro repair $150 to $190.

Problem Refrigerator or freezer door stops self-closing.
Part Cam riser on hinge.
DIY cost $11 to $30.
Pro repair $90 to $110.

Problem Refrigerator seems to run constantly.
Part Condenser brush (to clean dirt and debris from condenser coil beneath the fridge).
DIY cost Up to $5.
Pro repair $80 to $120.