Hello,
This fridge is about 4 years old. It will warm up to defrost and then forget to cool down again. When it defrosts, it will completely defrost everything in the freezer.
I had a repairman come out three times. One time he replaced the cardboard backing. The next time he tightened a loose wire (i’m not sure where). The last time he replaced the defrost timer.
The defrost timer fix worked for about a month, and then I began having the same problem on a regular basis. Sometimes it will kick on right when I open the door. Other times I can get it to start by shaking it a little. Sometimes it will just decide to work on its own (after it has completely warmed).
By this point I didn’t trust this repair guy anymore, and from what I read it sounded like a good defrost timer would fix it. I replaced it again myself with the same exact result as before.
I imagine that it is a loose wire somewhere, but where should I look? Is there something else that should be replaced?
When it is working, the thing works very well. I should say that this is a garage fridge, and I have never seen it work properly since I bought it used about 6 months ago.
My guess would be that the thermostat (Item 13 in Section 3) is sticking open.
Could be a loose connection but I would vote for the thermostat.
Jiggling the timer would also jiggle the thermostat.
Instead of jiggling just turn the temperature knob back and forth a few times if it fires up then replace the thermostat.
Fridges in garages do not like to operate correctly when the temperature gets down to around freezing though that should not be a problem this time of year.
It could be a problem with the defrost thermostat. The defrost cycle is a timed event in your case 30 minutes. If all the ice is melted off the evaporator coils then the thermostat should open killing the heater.
The thermostat opens just above freezing.
So if it does not too much heat will be added to the freezer.
If it is deformed/bulged replace it even if it measures OK.
I do not think this is your problem as it does not explain why the unit does not start up after a defrost cycle but mention it because you said defrost is melting everything in the fridge.
But may be it is just because the compressor does not start up after defrost.
Also could be a problem with the start relay on the compressor.
This though would not be related to defrost.
Thank you for your input. I did test the thermostat by dipping in a glass of ice water and measuring resistance. Since this is an intermittent problem, however, it could very well be malfunctioning. I will start there.
I live in phoenix, AZ. The lowest temps I ever have in my garage are in the 40s. On rare occasions.
I turned the temp knob this morning and it kicked right on. I just ordered the thermostat that you suggested. Hopefully that fixes it, I am getting tired of drinking warm beer
I received the thermostat quickly and installed it the same day. Two weeks later the refrigerator is running like new. I think the problem is solved. Thank you!
I also noticed after the fact that it is running much colder now. I never took a temperature reading when I was troubleshooting. That would have been a HUGE clue pointing to the thermostat. Live and learn…
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.
