Troubleshooting a Frigidaire Freezer That Runs But Won’t Freeze

If your upright Frigidaire freezer is running but not freezing, you can likely troubleshoot and resolve the issue on your own. Follow these steps to identify and fix the problem without needing to call a repair technician.

Common Causes of Freezer Failure

When a Frigidaire freezer runs but doesn’t freeze, the issue is often linked to one of the following:

• Dirty Condenser Coils: Dust and debris on the coils can limit heat exchange and reduce cooling efficiency.
• Malfunctioning Evaporator Fan: If the fan fails, cold air cannot circulate inside the freezer.
• Faulty Temperature Control Thermostat: A defective thermostat may fail to regulate the cooling system correctly.
• Compressor Problems: A failing compressor may struggle to maintain the required cooling performance.
• Blocked Air Vents: Obstructed air vents can disrupt the airflow needed to cool the freezer.
• Damaged Door Seal: A cracked or worn door seal can allow warm air to enter and reduce freezing capacity.

Tools You’ll Need

• Multimeter
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• 1/4-inch nut driver
• 5/16-inch nut driver
• Needle-nose pliers

Safety First

When working on any appliance, prioritize safety to avoid injury or damage. Follow these precautions:

1. Disconnect Power: Always unplug the appliance or turn off the circuit breaker before starting any repairs to eliminate the risk of electric shock.
2. Allow Cooling Time: If the freezer has been running, let it cool down before handling parts.
3. Take Your Time: Avoid rushing to reduce the chance of mistakes or accidents.
4. Proper Lighting: Work in a well-lit area to see and access all components clearly.
5. Safe Workspace: Keep your area free from clutter, and keep children and pets away.

1. Dry Hands and Surfaces: Never work with wet hands or in damp areas to avoid electrical hazards.
2. Check the Manual: Refer to the freezer’s user manual for model-specific instructions.
3. Be Gentle: Handle parts carefully to prevent damage or injury.
4. Wear Insulated Gloves: Protect your hands from sharp edges and debris while working.
5. Use Non-Conductive Tools: Avoid touching exposed wires or terminals directly. Use appropriate tools or insulated gloves instead.
6. Document Connections: Take photos or notes of wiring terminals and connections before disconnecting anything to simplify reassembly.
7. Avoid Live Testing: If you’re not experienced with using a multimeter, avoid testing live circuits to prevent accidental short-circuiting.

Read more: How to Diagnose and Troubleshoot an Overheating Freezer Compressor

How to Fix a Frigidaire Freezer That Won’t Freeze

Here are the steps to identify and resolve issues preventing your Frigidaire freezer from freezing properly.

Test the Evaporator Motor

1. Remove the shelves from the freezer.
2. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the evaporator cover.
3. Move the cover aside without disconnecting the thermostat wires.
4. Live Voltage Warning: Plug in the freezer and take precautions to avoid electric shock.
5. Set the multimeter to AC voltage mode.
6. Locate the white plug near the motor and insert the multimeter probes into the two white wire connections on the back of the plug.
7. If the multimeter reads 120 VAC and the motor isn’t running, replace the motor.
8. If no voltage is detected but other components are functional, inspect the wiring for damage and replace it if needed.

Test the Compressor Start Relay

1. Pull the freezer out to access the compressor.
2. Set the multimeter to AC voltage mode.
3. Use the multimeter probes to measure the voltage on the yellow wire connected to the start device.
4. If the multimeter shows 120 VAC, replace the start device.

Test the Defrost Heater Assembly and Bi-Metal Thermostat

1. Unplug the freezer from the power outlet.
2. Remove the shelves and evaporator cover if not already removed.
3. Inspect the evaporator coils for frost. Frost indicates the freezer isn’t defrosting.
4. Leave the bi-metal thermostat attached to the evaporator coil and unplug the red and white wires connected to it.
5. Set the multimeter to continuity mode and test the thermostat using the probes.
6. If the coils are frosted, the thermostat should show continuity. Replace it if the circuit is open or the thermostat looks deformed.
7. Set the multimeter to resistance mode (Ω) and test the heater’s connections. A reading of approximately 31 Ohms is expected.

Test the Defrost Timer

1. Plug the freezer back in.
2. Check for frosted coils to confirm that the defrost cycle is not working.
3. Locate the defrost timer in the machine compartment at the back of the freezer.
4. Turn the timer dial clockwise until the compressor and evaporator fan motor stop.
5. Observe whether the defrost heater activates (popping or cracking sounds may be heard).
6. If the heater activates, replace the defrost timer, as it is not advancing the defrost cycle.
7. If the heater does not activate, inspect and test the bi-metal thermostat and defrost the heater for issues.

Preventative Maintenance Tips

Preventing freezer issues in the future is as important as fixing current problems. Here are some maintenance practices to keep your freezer running optimally:

• Clean the Condenser Coils: Vacuum or brush the coils every 6 months to avoid overheating.
• Inspect the Door Seal: Check for gaps or cracks and replace the seal if necessary.
• Organize Storage: Avoid overloading the freezer to maintain proper airflow.
• Defrost Regularly: If your freezer isn’t frost-free, defrost it when ice buildup exceeds 1/4 inch.
• Monitor Temperature Settings: Use a freezer thermometer to maintain a consistent temperature between 0°F and -10°F (-18°C to -23°C).
• Check for Strange Noises: Unusual sounds may indicate failing components that need attention.

Read more: How to test & replace a defrost heater assembly with a bi-metal thermostat on an upright Frigidaire freezer

Final Thoughts

Keeping your freezer in good shape doesn’t take much effort. Regularly cleaning the coils, checking door seals, and avoiding overloading it can prevent many common problems. A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your freezer working well.

The steps you’ve learned here give you the tools to handle these situations with confidence. The next time your freezer acts up, you’ll know exactly what to do—and that’s a pretty good feeling.