Rank: Member
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Hi, everyone.
I have a Frigidaire side-by-side which works well for a few days and then
the fridge compartment stops cooling and a layer of ice/frost develops on
the back wall of the freezer. The freezer compartment maintains about 25
degrees while the fridge goes to 65 and up.
The defrost timer seems to cycle at regular intervals and the fans can be
heard running. The compressor gives off some heat, but not overly much
as far as I can tell.
When we unplug it for a couple days, it seems to defrost itself or reboot
something and then it works great....for awhile.
Is there any way this could be related to the ice maker? The fridge seems
to quit working when we forget to empty the ice bin and/or when we turn
the ice maker off. Coincidence, perhaps? Can the unit be run safely if
we remove the ice maker for testing?
Anything I can do to try to diagnose our fridge or advice on what parts
I might try?
I would hate to send another appliance to the landfill if it's just a matter
of replacing some small part(s). And our choices in new fridges is rather
limited due to our fridge cabinet's 67" height.
Thanks in advance for any help.
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Senior Expert
Joined: 2/29/2008(UTC)
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You seem to be missing a couple digits at the end of the given model number.
Need them to be able to find the correct info for this unit.
Sounds like it is just a defrost problem.
Below is my standard blurb on troubleshooting this.
I am assuming that the unit uses a mechanical defrost timer.
Also that the evaporator/freezer fan runs whenever the compressor is on.
First remove the evaporator cover in the freezer so you can see the coils.
If they are heavily iced/frosted over then it is a defrost problem.
Do not let them de-ice.
If yes.
Manually force a defrost cycle by turning the defrost timer cam till the fans and compressor turn off.
There is usually a hole in the cover to let you do this without taking anything apart.
Now check the defrost heater to see if it is on.
Be careful you do not want to burn your fingers.
If the heater is on then the timer needs replacing, re: it is probably stalling during it's rotation so is never getting into a defrost cycle.
If not on.
Unplug the unit.
Remove the wire for one side of the heating element from the wiring and measure it for continuity, usually around 20 ohms or so.
If the heater is OK
Remove one wire to the defrost thermostat and measure it, should be 0 ohms when frozen. Note that it opens just above freezing so must be frozen to check it. Also inspect it, if it is bulged at all replace it even if it measures OK.
If both the above are OK then odds are the defrost timer contacts are toast.
Best way to test this is a live test to see if you have 120 volts across the heater/defrost thermostat combo. |
THIS FORUM IS DEAD!!!!!!! |
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Rank: Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 8/8/2014(UTC)
Posts: 3
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Thanks for your reply.
You're right, the compartment sticker did not list the entire model number. Since the fridge color is almond, going by the manuals found on line, I think the entire model number is either FRS20ZRGD1 or FRS20ZRGD2.
Looking at the parts lists, these two models don't have a bunch of parts differences. The biggest one being a different compressor. So I'll be sure to make note of which one it has when I get the back re-opened.
The two models have all the same parts as listed in your "standard blub".
At the moment, the fridge is in manual defrost mode (meaning: unplugged), so I'll plug it back in and see what frosts over.
Thanks again for the help - and for the advice not to burn myself! I've done that once already on the ice maker. Who knew that could even happen!?
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Rank: Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 8/8/2014(UTC)
Posts: 3
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UPDATE:
Score one for The DenMan! You (and your 'standard blurb') were absolutely right - it was a defrost problem.
The defrost thermostat was no longer functioning and so the defrost heater was not being activated. Everything was frosting over to the point of no longer cooling.
I ordered a replacement defrost t-stat from Appliance Parts Pros and installed it myself. The fridge now seems to work just fine. Pretty good for a Little Old Lady such as myself, eh?
Total cost? Less than $20 including s/h. One less appliance needlessly taking up space in a landfill? Priceless!
Thanks again for your help! You rock!!
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Senior Expert
Joined: 2/29/2008(UTC)
Posts: 19,638
Thanks: 1 times
Was thanked: 11 time(s) in 11 post(s)
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You are welcome.
And thanks for getting back to us. Now when others search for a similar problem they will see what actually worked instead of just suggestions about what could be the cause. |
THIS FORUM IS DEAD!!!!!!! |
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Rank: Member
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Joined: 6/20/2014(UTC)
Posts: 12
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_isn't it a wonderful feeling to get advise, help and then do it yourself repair? Just awesome! I did a similar repair with another Pro members suggestions, advise purchased the part and did the repair on my own. Wonderful feeling. I gave many props out to all the Pros here. Their experience, knowledge and willingness to help is a great tribute to all. Say DenMan could you please take a look at my post link and photos below as pertains to my Amana not cooling properly. I read this thread thinking perhaps it would hold my answer but it appears to a novice like myself that it maybe a different issue or part malfunctioning. Thanking you in advance for the courtesy. http://forum.appliancepartspros...hooting-tips-please.htmlKind regards, PeterB
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