Electrolux Refrigerator Model EI23B Freezer Icing Up

Refrigerator & Freezer Repair
1

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Brand: Electrolux
Model Number:EI23BC51IS3
Main Symptom:Freezer Ice Build Up
What happens & when: Ice Build Up on Bottom Of Freezer

Error Code (if any):
Parts or tests already tried: Cleaning to remove ice
Photos / video link:

Greetings All.

I have an Electrolux French Door Bottom Freezer Refrigerator, Model # EI23BC51IS3, approx. 15 years old.

I noticed a few weeks ago a puddle of water underneath, which I mopped up, and it was OK for a few weeks, then it happened again. Also, it seemed to be making an unusual humming sound, and then it became difficult to close the freezer door.

Upon inspection I discovered a layer of ice along the bottom of the freezer below the bottom rack.

So last evening I emptied it, let the ice thaw, cleaned it out, and this morning (so far) it seems to be OK. But I suspect the issue will probably reoccur.

Any thoughts at to what the issue might be, and if there is a remedy (other than a new one)?

Thank you all in advance.

As a side note, the owner’s manual for this model (and I presume other models as well) mentions something about “automatic defrost” (in the section titled “vacation mode”), but doesn’t seem to give any other information.

Also, this model has the refrigerator and freezer temps on the door, and I’ve never seen them vary from 38º F and 0º respectively (except in the event of a power outage).

2

You are right in suspecting the defrost system. There are 4 possible issues at play.

  1. Defrost element ( Frigidaire 5303918410 Refrigerator Defrost Heater | Genuine OEM Part )
  2. Defrost thermostat ( Frigidaire 242046001 Refrigerator Defrost Thermostat | Genuine OEM Part )
  3. Clogged defrost pan drain. Sometimes debris gets into the drain hole in the drip pan under the freezer evaporator causing a clog so that the melt water cannot drain to the pan under the fridge where it evaporates. This water eventually fills the drain pan, overflows to the freezer floor and eventually drips out onto the floor at the front of the unit.
  4. Defrost cycling control issues ( Frigidaire 241891601 Refrigerator Switch Control Board | Genuine OEM Part )

If you need further information such as testing, accessing and replacing parts let me know

3

Thank you Jeffrey. Any additional information you can provide on identification, location, testing and/or replacement of these items would be most appreciated.

4

All except the control board are located on the evaporator behind the cove at the back of the freezer compartment.

Since you are having the ice in the bottom of the freezer and water on the floor, I wouldn’t suspect an issue with the defrost components so much as the dfrost system drain

5

Thanks again Jeffrey. It appears you are correct. Over the weekend I disassembled the freezer and found that the drain tube had debris in it. I flushed it out and reassembled, so far no ice build up. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Your input led me in the right direction.