Hi;
We have an 18 year old fridge. It is cooling down only to 40F when on the highest setting.
The freezer is fine.
We have cleaned the condenser coils, but it didn't fix the problem.
Power is OK.

I think it's time to buy a new fridge, but I wanted to get some opinion first.

FW

This unit uses R-12 and will be expensive to repair but have you checked the defrost heater to make sure it's not remaining on? Is the door sealing properly? Check the cold control, could be bad. Do you see ice or heavy frost on the evaporator? Is the evaporator and condensing motor running properly? THese are some things to check. 18 years is very good milage for a unit these days.

Doug is correct on all points especiually the 18 years. There is a fan that circulates the air and that could be part of your problem. Look for the vents near the back of the unit. Push the door button closed so the light goes off, you should hear the fan start up.

I haven't seen any frost at all. I can hear the fan running, but have not checked the vents.
We are going to clean out the fridge today. That should reveal anything abnormal.
If there is a problem with the thermostat, we are going to buy a new fridge anyway. No sense in repairing an 18 year old unit.

We recently had an issue with our frig not cooling as well as it should. Upon closer inspection we found a large plastic bag of lettuce pressing up on the vents. Ate the lettuce and the problem improved. Maybe you'll be so lucky. You are correct about putting money into an 18 year old appliance. Before you toss it I'd try shutting it off and leaving the door open for about 8 hours. Hopefully you can keep your food safe in coolers. If there is a frost buildup, hidden, it will defrost an cooling will improve. If not, your frig is ready to be tossed and the food placed in the new unit.