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I just found this active forum; it is great reading! Much appreciation to everyone that participates; the posts are very informative.
A few nights ago we noticed the ice cream was softer than usual, so we adjusted the freezer temperature. No difference one day later; ice cream still soft, but ice cubes hadn't melted. Yesterday we noticed the refrigerator wasn't as cold as it should be, so we adjusted the refrigerator; no change. Fridge temperature is 52 and freezer is 15.
Pulled the unit away from the wall, removed the cardboard cover, and vacuumed the (slightly coated) coils. The repair person will probably come on Monday. but wondering if there is anything else I can/should check.
Unit is almost 10 years old, original owner, no previous issues. Thanks!
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Rank: Member
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Here's some additional info since my original post. I took everything out of the freezer and removed the back plastic cover. Frost (and a few pieces of ice) was covering the metal fins/coils :confused: .
The vents at the bottom of the plastic cover into the freezer were "sealed" by frost/ice. The vent leading to the fridge did not seem to be blocked. One half-hour later, using a hair dryer and towel, most everything was dry. Put everything back together and refilled freezer. Temperature inside freezer, an hour or so later, 20 degrees and seems to be dropping.
Will report back after mowing the lawn.
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Rank: Member
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Today everything seems normal. Freezer around zero, fridge around 35. Shuts off periodically. Heard what seems to be defrost cycle (popping noises, gurgling) running last night.
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Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 6/20/2008(UTC)
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Originally Posted by: KenPaul  Today everything seems normal. Freezer around zero, fridge around 35. Shuts off periodically. Heard what seems to be defrost cycle (popping noises, gurgling) running last night. If the coils in the freezer were overfrosted. Then one of the defrost parts have failed. The defrost thermostat and heater are in the freezer. The thermostat is round and normally has a blue cap. It the blue part is sticking out the thermostat has to be replaced. There is a glass heater in the freezer that might also be the problem. Looking at it. if it's green or black all over then water got into it and shorted out the element. Since you heard it go into defrost. I would think the timer is good. But if the heater and defrost thermostat are good it should be the timer.
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Rank: Member
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I think I have the same problem. I have an Amana fridge with a bottom drawer freezer. Problem is, I can't seem to find where the defrost timer is. Any help?
Amana model ARB2217CC.
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Rank: Member
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Originally Posted by: LoginFreak If the coils in the freezer were overfrosted.
Then one of the defrost parts have failed.
The defrost thermostat and heater are in the freezer.
The thermostat is round and normally has a blue cap.
It the blue part is sticking out the thermostat has to be replaced.
There is a glass heater in the freezer that might also be the problem.
Looking at it.
if it's green or black all over then water got into it and shorted out the element.
Since you heard it go into defrost. I would think the timer is good.
But if the heater and defrost thermostat are good it should be the timer. Thanks for the feedback. I noticed what I think is the glass heater, but did not examine it closely. I recall seeing that a portion (about 1") was black, but nothing else noteworthy. It still seems to be working okay. Temperatures are normal and unit seems to be cycling correctly. I may have "dodged a bullet" on this one; only time will tell, I suppose.
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Rank: Member
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I'm back for more . . .
Well, since my last post, I've defrosted the coils a few more times; both freezer and fridge seem to work fine for 1 - 2 weeks after defrosting.
Is there any way to tell for certain if the heater is bad? As mentioned earlier, there is some black covering the heater; a second look at it revealed much more than an inch.
Should I just buy a defrost thermostat and heater and replace both at the same time? Based on these prices, they are about $20 each. Is this something a DIY can/should tackle? Thanks again!
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Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 8/13/2008(UTC)
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Kenpaul - Probably be a good idea to change the element if it has that much black and the defrost thermostat is cheap so might as well.....If it's been almost 2 week you may have to defrost the unit again (hair dryer or a steamer work really good)
Drwalton- Your defrsot timer is located near the controls and lights in the refrigerator. If you can look up the model number it is number 12 under the control section.
Hope that helps you both.
Nat
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Rank: Member
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Originally Posted by: libertyappl Kenpaul - Probably be a good idea to change the element if it has that much black and the defrost thermostat is cheap so might as well.....If it's been almost 2 week you may have to defrost the unit again (hair dryer or a steamer work really good)
Drwalton- Your defrsot timer is located near the controls and lights in the refrigerator. If you can look up the model number it is number 12 under the control section.
Hope that helps you both.
Nat Thanks, liberty. I will order an element (from Appliance Parts Pros!) and try to figure out which defrost thermostat I need. There are two thermostats listed for my model. :confused:
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Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 8/13/2008(UTC)
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KenPaul
Either one will work as will AP2639498 (which is a GE part) but unlike most GE parts this one is chaper!
Nat
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