[hdgmom]

My refrigerator stopped working properly. Here are the symptoms:
- Refrigerator side is not cooling
- Freezer side is only cold in lower area
- Frost accumulates on the evaporator

I took everything out of the refrigerator and freezer.
While trying to figure out what was wrong with it, I noticed the following:

When refrigerator and freezer thermostat knobs are turned on:
- Evaporator gets cold and frosts up
- Airflow fan doesn’t run

When refrigerator and freezer thermostat knobs are turned off:
- Evaporator not getting cold (a motor stops running)
- Airflow fan starts running (except when both light switches are pushed)
- Lights in both refrigerator and freezer aren’t working

I tried replacing the defrost timer, but that didn’t work. Don’t know what to try next.

[richappy]

If the evaporator coils get totally frosted, you most probably have a bad derfost thermostat, a round item clipped to the evaporator top.

[hdgmom]

Originally Posted by richappy

If the evaporator coils get totally frosted, you most probably have a bad derfost thermostat, a round item clipped to the evaporator top.

I tested the defrost thermostat. It has continuity.

One thing that I did not mention in my original post is something that preceded the symptoms. The airflow hole at the bottom of the refrigerator near the meat drawer had been obstructed by the drawer being pushed up against the adjustable slide. Frost had also accumulated around that area.

[richappy2]

test your defrost heater and also check the drain hole in the bottom back of the freezer to make sure that not clogged. if so use a turkey baster with some hot water to force any gunk that may have built up down the hole. also check the thermostat to make sure that the fresh food section is cooling properly.

[hdgmom]

Originally Posted by richappy2

test your defrost heater and also check the drain hole in the bottom back of the freezer to make sure that not clogged. if so use a turkey baster with some hot water to force any gunk that may have built up down the hole. also check the thermostat to make sure that the fresh food section is cooling properly.

The defrost heater tested fine. The drain hole is clear. Not sure what you mean by check the thermostat. Do you mean the cold control refrigerator thermostat? When the refrigerator is plugged in and turned on, the fresh food section does not get cold.

[richappy]

For richappy2, I would appreciate it if you would not but into my response, not professional.
Pull off the freezer back panel and describe the frost pattern, total frost, or partial.

[hdgmom]

The frost appears mostly at the top of the evaporator, with a small amount of frost also at the bottom right.

About a month ago, I cleaned the condenser coils under the refrigerator with a vacuum. I wouldn't think that would be a factor with the problem.

[richappy]

Check the back of the fridg. if the compressor is hot, the condensing coils clean and not uniformly hot and the condensing fan moving, you probably have a bad compressor/and,or a refrigerant leak. Guages and amprobe would confirm.

[hdgmom]

The compressor is very warm, the coils are mostly clean and seem to be uniformly warm, the condensing fan is moving.

[richappy]

The compressor should be vibrating and the small diameter tubing going to the condenser should be very hot, probably best to get a pro to look at it, sure seems like a bad compressor.