[travellerdreamer]

Hi.. Our top mount frost proof fridge/freezer is not keeping food cold or frozen. The air coming from the freezer is cool but not cold enough to freeze food and the fridge is warm.

Would this mean the compressor is failling or could it be something else? If the repair cost is going to be equal to purchasing a new fridge then we will consider purchasing a new fridge instead of repairing. This fridge is only 4 years old I'm surprised we our having issues already.

Any advice would be much appreicated...thanks

[denman]

Here are the units that come up using the given model number.
Replacement parts for FRT8S6E2B3 models | AppliancePartsPros.com
I do not get an exact match so please check your model number.

This can be a number of things.

First you have to determine if the compressor is running. You can usually hear it, also you should be able to feel it vibrating and it should be warm.

If the compressor is not running it could be a bad thermostat, a bad start device or the compressor.

If the compressor is running and cycling then it could be a bad thermostat.

If the compressor is constantly running.
Check that the fan in the freezer is running.
Check that the condenser/compressor fan is running.
Check that the condenser coils under the unit are clean.

Remove the cover in the freezer so you can inspect the evaporator coils.
Be sure the unit has been running a couple hours before doing this. In other words do not do it just after a defrost cycle.
If they are clogged solid with ice and frost you have defrost problem.
If they only have frost in one area, usually where the freon enters the coils you are low on freon and have a leak somewhere.
If no hint of frost or cooling you are either out of freon or the compressor is toast

A low freon or no frost at all is probably a sealed system problem.
This would be an expensive repair as you need a pro.
But check your warranty often the sealed system has an extended warranty.

[travellerdreamer]

Originally Posted by denman

Here are the units that come up using the given model number.
Replacement parts for FRT8S6E2B3 models | AppliancePartsPros.com
I do not get an exact match so please check your model number.

This can be a number of things.

First you have to determine if the compressor is running. You can usually hear it, also you should be able to feel it vibrating and it should be warm.

If the compressor is not running it could be a bad thermostat, a bad start device or the compressor.

If the compressor is running and cycling then it could be a bad thermostat.

If the compressor is constantly running.
Check that the fan in the freezer is running.
Check that the condenser/compressor fan is running.
Check that the condenser coils under the unit are clean.

Remove the cover in the freezer so you can inspect the evaporator coils.
Be sure the unit has been running a couple hours before doing this. In other words do not do it just after a defrost cycle.
If they are clogged solid with ice and frost you have defrost problem.
If they only have frost in one area, usually where the freon enters the coils you are low on freon and have a leak somewhere.
If no hint of frost or cooling you are either out of freon or the compressor is toast

A low freon or no frost at all is probably a sealed system problem.
This would be an expensive repair as you need a pro.
But check your warranty often the sealed system has an extended warranty.

Thank you for responding, very helpful information. The compressor is still running so it may be a bad thermostat. Guess we will have to call a technician in, hopefully it's not a major repair expense. Our last appliances were Kenmore in our last home, had for 18 years...could be still running for all we know...we included our Kenmore appliances with the sale of our former house. ""Should of taken them with us to our new home"" Should of stayed with Kenmore at least we knew this product was reliable. Thanks again for your help, much appreicated

[denman]

Should of stayed with Kenmore at least we knew this product was reliable.
FYI Sears/Kenmore does not make anything so they will probably sell this unit with a Kenmore badge and Sears model number.

The first 3 digits of ttheir model numbers tell you who actually made the appliance, see the below link.
http://www.appliance411.com/purchase/make.shtml

[travellerdreamer]

Originally Posted by denman

Should of stayed with Kenmore at least we knew this product was reliable.
FYI Sears/Kenmore does not make anything so they will probably sell this unit with a Kenmore badge and Sears model number.

The first 3 digits of ttheir model numbers tell you who actually made the appliance, see the below link.
http://www.appliance411.com/purchase/make.shtml

If the repair exceeds buying a new fridge what brand would you recommend?

[denman]

I do not like recommending units because with my luck you would get one and it would be a lemon.

As you can see there are not many manufacturers but lots of brands.

I do not care for GE due to problems with control boards and DC fans.
Just take a look through this forum to find a bunch of problems.
I think this is probably an attempt to get a high Energy Star rating that has gone bad.

I would get a unit with a mechanical thermostat and if possible a defrost timer (not an adaptive defrost board) but these are getting harder to find.

Some of the above units do not have a condenser/compressor fan. I am not a fan of this design but that is just a personal thing.

Fancy controls often mean fancy/difficult problems down the road.

Also you should watch the Energy Star ratings. To get a high rating companies often build in more complexity which again means more problems down the road.
I would like to see this rating also include the energy required to build a new unit and recycle the old one that has failed prematurely.

[travellerdreamer]

Originally Posted by denman

I do not like recommending units because with my luck you would get one and it would be a lemon.

As you can see there are not many manufacturers but lots of brands.

I do not care for GE due to problems with control boards and DC fans.
Just take a look through this forum to find a bunch of problems.
I think this is probably an attempt to get a high Energy Star rating that has gone bad.

I would get a unit with a mechanical thermostat and if possible a defrost timer (not an adaptive defrost board) but these are getting harder to find.

Some of the above units do not have a condenser/compressor fan. I am not a fan of this design but that is just a personal thing.

Fancy controls often mean fancy/difficult problems down the road.

Also you should watch the Energy Star ratings. To get a high rating companies often build in more complexity which again means more problems down the road.
I would like to see this rating also include the energy required to build a new unit and recycle the old one that has failed prematurely.

Hi... The technician was in today and here's the scope. He checked the fridge over and found the sealed system is low on gas and has an internal leak that cannot be repaired. Can't believe it the fridge is just over four years old, we paid 900.00 for an item that should lasted a heck of alot longer then four years. Well it looks like we have to buy a new fridge...I think we be better off to look in the used adds and fine an antique fridge it would likely last longer. Anyway that is the name of the game, everything these days is disposable, dosen't matter how much you pay, quality is out the door. thanks for your replies, it great to have these forums. Take care....