Refrigerator troubleshooting

RayP(MI) · Sep 17, 2019

Newer model Frigidare (2012 mfr date). Top freezer not holding cold. Refrigerator section barely cold enough. Coils clean,
evaporator just warm to touch, refrigerator coils cold to touch, compressor running fans both running. Compressor warm to touch.
Cold air blowing out vents in freezer and refrigerator. When I get home, going to put ohmmeter on defrost thermostat, but if I
understand mechanism, should not be a problem. Could it be the defrost timer? What else should I check? Is it possible I am
running low on refrigerant?

guido · Sep 17, 2019

Hello RayP(MI)

One possible cause is a clogged evaporator drain. It will freeze up the coil and diminish cooling capability.
If that is the problem, you need to clean the drain and defrost the coil. Basting bulb and hot water will do the trick,

Guido.

MarkB_MI · Sep 17, 2019

> One possible cause is a clogged evaporator drain. It will freeze up the coil and diminish cooling capability.

I concur. Remove the freezer liner to get at the evaporator; it will be obvious if it's freezing over due to a blocked drain.

RayP(MI) · Sep 17, 2019

Not the drain. Coil not frozen up! Compressor continues to run however.

Roger Tomfohrde · Sep 17, 2019

Sounds like a leak, restriction or inefficient compressor. If you have a "K" thermocouple temperature probe ,measure the temps at the entrance to the evaporator, both sides of the filter drier and both sides of the compressor. The compressor should be around 100 degrees or more on the discharge and the suction side should be really low possibly below zero. Filter drier should be less that three degrees between if good and the inlet of the evaporators should be down 10 degrees below expected box temp. This is all after checking airflow and the coils for blockages which it sounds like you have done. Likely it is new refrigerator time.

Sleufoot · Sep 17, 2019

The evaporator should have a slight layer of frost on it , what I mean by that is lick a fingertip and touch the coil if it sticks to the coil then the refrigeration part is working correctly if not then you have as issue with the refrigerant charge or the compressor valves are bad and not pumping properly. Either issue would be expensive so check you warranty and cross your fingers! Is this unit a sideXside unit or freezer on top or bottom?

old · Sep 17, 2019

If it is a frost free refrigerator good chance the defrost timer has stopped working. Look under the front of it and look for a small box sort of thing. If it is like the on on mine there will be a small knob on it that you turn till you here a click and the compressor shuts off and that in turn turns on the defrost heater. Wait 20 minutes and turn the knob till you hear the compressor turn back and and wait an hour and I bet it is cooling again. I have to do that to my Frigidaire fridge every other day due to a bad timer and I have not found a replacement for it

RayP(MI) · Sep 17, 2019

top freezer

RayP(MI) · Sep 17, 2019

Got an infrared thermometer I use to check grain/hay temperatures. will get that out and check temps when I get home.
Am afraid we're just not getting sufficient cooling. Have been deep inside the cabinet, and not an icing problem, so I'm inclined to disregard defrost timer and defrost thermostat.

M-MAN · Sep 17, 2019

It's running and blowing cold so it ain't the defrost.

Clean and check your gaskets all the way around with a dollar bill.

David G · Sep 17, 2019

Condenser should be warm, evaporator cold.

Are both fans running?

Steve@Advance · Sep 17, 2019

Evaporator coils (in the freezer) should be frosty cold and not caked with ice.

If the coil is not frosty from end to end there is a refrigerant problem.

Low refrigerant or failing compressor.

Ken Macfarlane · Sep 17, 2019

Our nearly new fridge had leak in evaporator, part nla, super thin aluminum so can't really repair. It had 0 charge left so I recharged with propane/butane blend using a piercing valve. That was 10 years ago and still going strong, hasn't leaked since. Drain plugs about every 3 years requiring a manual defrost and wire down the hole.

Dieselbreath · Sep 17, 2019

Your problem could be caused by an open defrost cable in the freezer. They can be purchased online.
There is an upper and lower cable. Covers have to be removed to access them. I've had the problem twice before.

Ken Macfarlane · Sep 17, 2019

Read bottom posts, he's already checked, no ice in the evaporator.

Refrigerator troubleshooting

RayP(MI)

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guido

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MarkB_MI

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RayP(MI)

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Roger Tomfohrde

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Sleufoot

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old

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RayP(MI)

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RayP(MI)

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M-MAN

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David G

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Steve@Advance

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Ken Macfarlane

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Dieselbreath

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Ken Macfarlane

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