[pjg344]

We have Maytag refrigerator with freezer on top. If you touch the refrigerator on the outside on both sides of freezer it is very, very warm to touch. Is this normal? Could it be overheating?

[twinkiedooter]

This could be due to the defrost cycle coming on inside the freezer. Check to see if this is the defrost cycle doing this. The fridge fan should not be working when the defrost cycle is on. That will give you a clue as to whether it is in a defrost cycle. If the fridge is very warm all the time it could be another problem. Does the freezer and fridge have the proper operating temps inside - are you using a fridge and freezer thermometers?

[drtom4444]

Have you checked the condenser coils? If they are dirty the refrigerator may need to lose heat elsewhere, but the liquid line which is part of the condenser circuit is routed around the freezer door to keep ice from forming there, so this is normal unless your coils are dirty. You need to clean out coils every six months at a minimum. If you have pets even more often. I like to take a refrigerator outside and wash it out inside and out to get it really clean. Dirty coils will ruin a refrigerator's compressor. DrTom4444