Why is the inside of my the refrigerator hot?

by Sue
(Cardiff, Ca)

What does it mean if the inside if the refrigerator becomes hot?

I have a mini-fridge and the inside has become warm instead of cold, in fact so warm that it melted the butter inside and obviously spoiled all of the food in it as well.

Can I fix this, is it a repairable problem or do I need to throw it away and buy a new one? I have never had this happen before so I am a bit surprised that it happened.

I thought refrigerators were supposed to keep things cool and not cook them. Does this have anything to do with the compressor not working any more? I've read a great deal about refrigerators warming up when the compressor stops working.

If anyone has any ideas they would be greatly appreciated.