Kenmore Upright Freezer Fixed Itself?

Hello and thanks for reading. I have a Kenmore upright freezer (#253.21741102) that was made in 2002 I believe. About a week ago I heard the temp alarm going off and found that it was no longer cooling. I hit the quick freeze button on the door and the compressor kicked in and it eventually got down to about -10 deg. I fiddled with it a little but could only get it to work in the quick freeze mode. I took everything out and unplugged it for a few days while I started researching a fix. After it thawed out what appeared to be about 2 cups of water came out from underneath. 3 days ago I plugged it back in to start trying to figure it out and to my surprise it seems to be working fine now?? So now I’m thinking it might have something to do with the defrost system. Any input or suggestions on what it could be or how to diagnose it would be greatly appreciated.

Tim

[QUOTE=beaglewrangler;896659]Hello and thanks for reading. I have a Kenmore upright freezer (#253.21741102) that was made in 2002 I believe. About a week ago I heard the temp alarm going off and found that it was no longer cooling. I hit the quick freeze button on the door and the compressor kicked in and it eventually got down to about -10 deg. I fiddled with it a little but could only get it to work in the quick freeze mode. I took everything out and unplugged it for a few days while I started researching a fix. After it thawed out what appeared to be about 2 cups of water came out from underneath. 3 days ago I plugged it back in to start trying to figure it out and to my surprise it seems to be working fine now?? So now I’m thinking it might have something to do with the defrost system. Any input or suggestions on what it could be or how to diagnose it would be greatly appreciated.

Tim[/QUOTE]

Tim, With that much water on the floor(there’s also a defrost drain pan) you most likely have a defrost issue. you’ll need to remove the back wall cover and test the heater element for a closed circuit and the defrost thermostat for a closed circuit if the interior temp. is 50 dgrs. or less. in the mean time check to see, hear if the compressor cycles on and off, that will help to determine if the cold control is at fault. Then check the defrost timer(on the back of the freezer) to make sure it is running and advancing.

OK thanks for the quick reply Joe. I will try your suggestions over the weekend and post the results.

[QUOTE=beaglewrangler;896682]OK thanks for the quick reply Joe. I will try your suggestions over the weekend and post the results.[/QUOTE]

OK, appreciate it. Will keep an eye out for your next post. Thanks

Ok, I took the unit apart and from what I can tell the defrost system checks OK. I was able to use a multimeter to check the defrost thermostat and the timer is advancing fine. I manually turned the timer and was able to start the defrost cycle and the element heated up ok. Not sure where to go from here. It seemed to be working fine when I plugged it in the first time after having the issue which was puzzling to me. After messing with it last night I left it running overnight and this morning the temp. alarm was going off again. Maybe that’s normal with the interior cover being off? Not sure if I should expect normal operation with that being removed. Thanks for any further suggestions.

Tim

[QUOTE=beaglewrangler;896739]Ok, I took the unit apart and from what I can tell the defrost system checks OK. I was able to use a multimeter to check the defrost thermostat and the timer is advancing fine. I manually turned the timer and was able to start the defrost cycle and the element heated up ok. Not sure where to go from here. It seemed to be working fine when I plugged it in the first time after having the issue which was puzzling to me. After messing with it last night I left it running overnight and this morning the temp. alarm was going off again. Maybe that’s normal with the interior cover being off? Not sure if I should expect normal operation with that being removed. Thanks for any further suggestions.

Tim[/QUOTE]

Tim,

Yes, with the evaporator cover panel off, the air flow will be “disturbed” and the alarm could sound. Put the cover back in place, make sure you get the seals on the side of the panel installed correctly. Then go with what you have until something happens. Best guess would be a “glitch” in the defrost timer circuit(s) If it is, it’ll happen again, then you can re check it. Good Luck

OK Thanks for taking the time I really appreciate it.

Tim

[QUOTE=beaglewrangler;896742]OK Thanks for taking the time I really appreciate it.

Tim[/QUOTE]

You’re Very Welcome !!!