[hohaapp]

Hey, I have a Maytag side-by-side freezer/fridge, white,no icemaker, maybe 15yrs or older. Sorry, really can't seem to find the model number.

The freezer side does get cold, but not cold enough. Inside of the freezer, the lower half of the back wall is full of frost. Refridgeration side is working fine.

The compressor does not stop working. Maybe it runs day and nights non-stop.

Where should i start to trouble shoot?


--------------------------Update----------------
Followed Denman's instruction:

1. while fridge on, turn the timer. Heater does not go hot, not even warm.

Question: How long does it take the heaters to get hot to the touch?

2. checked continuity of thermostat and heater, both returned 0 ohm.

3. took out timer, turned the timer , tested legd 1 -2, got 0ohm ; and turned timer, tested 1-4.returned 0ohm. Put the timer back on the fridge, turned it to defrost cycle, waited 40mins, compressor never turned on.
So, I went to get a new timer. Put it on fridge. Just got it on, during the defrost cycle, the heater is still not warm...


Could it be something else?

Thanks a lot

[denman]

Perhaps the following will help you find the model number.

Remove the rear cover in the freezer so you can inspect the evaporator coil.

If heavily frosted/iced over to the point where the evaporator fan cannot pull air through it, you have a defrost problem.

If it is just frosted in one area, usually where the freon enters the coil, it is probably a sealed system problem. This will be an expensive repair as you need a pro. Often it makes more sense to put the dollars towards a new unit.

Make sure the evaporator fan runs.

[hohaapp]

Thanks for the reply.

If I find out it is the defrost problem, what do I do?

Change the fan?

[denman]

Just add a post with the model number.

Some units use a timer but others use electronic control of the defrost.

[hohaapp]

here r some pics . can't see model no.

there used to be a black tar paper on lower back panel. long gone.

[hohaapp]

here are the pics of the back of the fridge .No model no.

Inside of the fridge, I checked too. no luck.

[hohaapp]

Opened the freezer inside panel. The evaporator is full of frost. Can't see the fan. Please see pics.

[denman]

You have a defrost problem.

Now we have to figure out the cause.
The defrost system is made up of a defrost heater, a defrost thermostat and the defrost timer or adaptive defrost board.
Also some units control defrost from the main control board but this is usually on later model years.

Now all we have to do is find what it uses.
An adaptive defrost board is usually in the control console in the fresh food section.

A defrost timer can be at the back of the unit but I do not see one in your picture.
Could be behind the kick plate, often you cannot see the actual timer due to the mounting bracket blocking your view.
Could be in the control console in the fresh food section.
Usually there will be a hole so you can see/turn the timer cam without taking anything apart.

Following is an example of what the timer will look like, click on the picture for more views.
Part number: AP2111929

Once we find what controls the defrost you may be able to get a part number off it and then we can work backwards to find out what is causing the defrost problem.

[hohaapp]

Originally Posted by denman

You have a defrost problem.

Now we have to figure out the cause.
The defrost system is made up of a defrost heater, a defrost thermostat and the defrost timer or adaptive defrost board.

Now all we have to do is find what it uses.
An adaptive defrost board is usually in the control console in the fresh food section.

A defrost timer can be at the back of the unit but I do not see one in your picture.
Could be behind the kick plate, often you cannot see the actual timer due to the mounting bracket blocking your view.
Could be in the control console in the fresh food section.
Usually there will be a hole so you can see/turn the timer cam without taking anything apart.

.3.

I will look for the hole for the timer...

Would I be able to see any thing to find the Adaptive Defrost Board?

Thanks

[hohaapp]

Originally Posted by denman

You have a defrost problem.

Now we have to figure out the cause.
The defrost system is made up of a defrost heater, a defrost thermostat and the defrost timer or adaptive defrost board.
Also some units control defrost from the main control board but this is usually on later model years.

Now all we have to do is find what it uses.
An adaptive defrost board is usually in the control console in the fresh food section.

A defrost timer can be at the back of the unit but I do not see one in your picture.
Could be behind the kick plate, often you cannot see the actual timer due to the mounting bracket blocking your view.
Could be in the control console in the fresh food section.
Usually there will be a hole so you can see/turn the timer cam without taking anything apart.

Should I also do the continuity check on the thermostat and the heater?