[csquared24]

Hello, I have a ~8-yr old Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator/freezer (model # ED5THAXMS10). I got back from a weekend trip today, and discovered several items no longer frozen in the freezer. Also, after I got a small volume of water out of the in-door ice dispenser, found there's no more ice cubes in dispenser. I placed a digital thermometer in the freezer, and came back a couple hours later and it's reading 36F. Not sure where to start troubleshooting. I had problems with the ice-maker earlier this year, and was able to diagnose and replace the part with help from this forum. Hoping for the same fortune!

Thanks,
Colin

[csquared24]

A couple other points. The refrigerator temp seems OK, don't know specific temp, measuring now. Also, there's water droplets on the ceiling of the freezer, and ice crystals all down the back wall of the freezer.

[csquared24]

Today the items in the freezer were frozen again. Ice crystals still down the back wall of the freezer. I removed all items and stored in my chest freezer. Unplugged unit and removed back panel. Some ice on the coil fins, but not a lot. I melted it all off with hair dryer and removed random ice throughout freezer. I checked the resistance on the heating element and had 24 ohms, which I believe is a good value. I now thinking that maybe the door wasn't completely closed while we were gone for a couple days? I've plugged the unit back in and waiting to see if it comes down to temp.....

[denman]

Sounds like you are on the right track.

If it turns out that the door was the problem I would check that the cams on the lower door hinges are OK. They help the door stay closed/seal.

I doubt you have a defrost problem.
The evaporator coils have to be frosted/iced over to the point that the evaporator fan cannot pull air through them.

Was the compressor running when the temperature was high?
If not then you may have a main thermostat that is sticking open every once in a while. If the compressor shuts off and the temperature is high wiggle the temperature control knob. if the compressor fires up then I would replace the thermostat.

Was the evaporator fan running?
If not it can also cause problems with the freezer temperature.
It should be on when ever the compressor is on.