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So I have a Kenmore Elite upright freezer from 2006, model number 253.26082100, that seems to have issues with staying at 0 degrees F. It has a temperature display that has just started to flash the temperature instead of being solid all the time. I have an analog temperature gauge in the freezer that seems to confirm the display temperature.
Freezer is inside house, in a room that typically stays around 78-80 degrees. Freezer is well stocked, but I try to make sure there is airflow from top to bottom. Never had any issues with freezer since it has been brand new, so hopefully it can be fixed.
Exterior of fridge was cool to touch on Saturday AM when digital door gauge said 22 degrees F. I could hear what sounded like the fan running. I unplugged freezer for 4-5 mins. Plugged back in, and for some reason pressed the increase and decrease temperature gauge at the same time. This is when flashing of the temperature gauge started. Did not hear compressor turn on even when I hit flash freeze. I unplugged again for 4-5 mins. Plugged in and compressor kicked on. I waited for 30 mins and sides of freezer felt warm and IR camera showed coils on sides glowing red so it was compressing.
Temperature finally got down to 4 degrees F (Temp set at 0F) on Sunday AM. Sides still warm.
Monday all good.
Today (Tuesday) I noticed gauge still flashing (Never stopped) and temperature back up to 22 degrees F (analog gauge is same). Exterior of freezer is cool to touch. I unplug freezer for 4 mins and plug back in, do not hear compressor kick in. I unplug freezer for another 4 mins and plug back in. After a minuter or two the compressor kicks back in and about 30 mins later sides of freezer are warm to touch and display says 6 degrees F. Will get down to zero for a week or two, then seems like cycle repeats.
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What do you think might be going on?
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Are these large temperature swings normal? Not safe for long term food storage?
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I am able to diagnose as I have tools, but I cannot find the manual or schematics.
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Why is the electronic display flashing instead of staying solid? Can it be switched back?
Here is the display for reference.
