refrigerator repair

refrigerator not getting cold and the freezer freezing and not defrosting, went to appliance store they told us it could be thermostat or some kind of switch… Also it sounds like it wants to run but hesitates…

Look on the rear wall of the freezer. Do you see a lot of frost or ice buildup?
It sounds like a defrost issue.

Nat

there is frost buildup but the freezer acts like it is working good other than the frost, the fridge part is not getting very cold and it is turned up…

Turning it up won’t help it. Your frig is having a defrost problem.
Here’s the parts breakdown on your unit Model RT18BKXKQ00

You need to test the adaptive defrost timer and defrost thermostat to see which one or if both aren’t working properly.

Nat

how would you go about testing that , sorry i know nothing about this kind of stuff…

Here’s your tech sheet it shows the steps to enter test mode. http://servicematters.com/docs/wiring/wiring_main.htm

If that doesn’t come up for you, your tech sheet should be in your unit, near the compressor or behind the kick plate.

Nat

i tried option 2 i did hear a click once any suggestions on what i can do next or should i go ahead and try option 1… thanks

Can you hear the unit defrosting? i.e. ice popping and cracking. Is the compressor and fans running now?

nat

where do you check for defrost heat in the freezer or where? i did hear one click when i was in the test mode…

i can hear the freezer running i dont know if it defrosting or not, i did that option 2 on the tech sheet…

When in defrost mode the compressor and fans do not run. The defrost heater is behind the rear panel in the freezer.

nat

freezer is blowing cold air i dont hear no popping .

so i should start the whole test over and take that panel off first before i try the test… i should do option 2 again also … i appreciate all the help i just really dont know what i am doing… thanks

So that didn’t throw it into defrost…
I will have to say that the adaptive defrost timer is out, Part #AP3109393

Nat