If your upright Frigidaire freezer is running but not freezing, don’t panic. You can troubleshoot and possibly resolve the issue yourself, avoiding the cost of a service call.
Common Reasons Your Freezer Isn’t Freezing
Several factors might cause your Frigidaire freezer to fail at freezing. Identifying the issue early can help you avoid unnecessary repairs:
- Temperature Setting: Sometimes, the temperature setting might accidentally get changed. Make sure the temperature is set low enough (around 0°F or -18°C) for optimal freezing.
- Faulty Door Seal: If the door seal is damaged or not sealing properly, cold air can escape, and the freezer won’t reach the desired freezing temperature.
- Dirty Condenser Coils: Condenser coils that are covered in dust or debris can affect the freezer’s cooling efficiency. Clean the coils regularly to maintain proper functioning.
- Clogged Air Vent: The air vents inside the freezer need to be free of obstructions for proper airflow. Items stored in front of these vents can cause freezing issues.
- Defective Thermostat: If the thermostat is not working properly, it can prevent the freezer from reaching the correct temperature. Testing and replacing the thermostat may be necessary.
Tools You’ll Need
- Multimeter
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
- 1/4-inch nut driver
- 5/16-inch nut driver
- Needle nose pliers
Safety Precautions
Before starting any maintenance, follow these safety steps:
- Disconnect Power: Always unplug the freezer or switch off the circuit breaker before beginning. This eliminates the risk of electrical shock.
- Allow Cooling Time: If the appliance was recently running, give it enough time to cool down before handling.
- Work Slowly: Rushing increases the risk of mistakes and accidents. Take your time during each step.
- Maintain a Safe Workspace: Make sure your work area is well-lit and free from clutter. Keep children and pets away from the area.
- Stay Dry: Avoid working with wet hands or in damp conditions to reduce the risk of electric shock.
- Check the Manual: Review your freezer’s user manual for specific instructions related to safety and part replacements.
- Handle with Care: Be gentle when removing or replacing parts to avoid damaging the appliance or injuring yourself.
- Wear Protective Gear: Use insulated gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges and debris.
- Document Connections: Take photos or make notes of wiring and connections before disassembly to make reassembly easier.
- Avoid Live Voltage Testing: If you’re unfamiliar with handling live voltage, avoid using a multimeter for testing to prevent short circuits or injury.
Read more: Refrigerator Defrost Cycle: Signs of Malfunction and Solutions
How to Fix a Frigidaire Freezer That Won’t Freeze
Here are the steps to troubleshoot and fix your Frigidaire freezer if it isn’t freezing properly.
Test the Evaporator Motor
- Remove the shelves from the freezer.
- Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the evaporator cover.
- Move the evaporator cover aside without disconnecting the wires to the thermostat.
- Plug in and power on the freezer.
- Set your multimeter to AC voltage mode.
- Locate the white plug near the motor.
- Insert the multimeter probes into the two white wire connections on the back of the plug.
- Check the voltage reading.
- If the voltage reads 120 VAC but the motor isn’t running, replace the motor.
- If there’s no voltage but other components are functional, inspect and replace damaged wiring.
Test the Compressor Start Relay
- Pull the freezer out to access the compressor.
- Set the multimeter to AC voltage mode.
- Use the probes to check the voltage on the yellow wire leading to the start device.
- If the voltage reads 120 VAC, replace the start device.
Test the Defrost Heater Assembly and Bi-Metal Thermostat
- Unplug the freezer from the power outlet.
- Remove the shelves and evaporator cover if not already removed.
- Inspect the evaporator coils for frost or ice buildup.
- If the coils are iced over, unplug the red and white connections to the bi-metal thermostat.
- Set the multimeter to continuity mode.
- Test the thermostat by checking for continuity with the multimeter probes.
- If the thermostat shows an open circuit or looks deformed, replace it.
- Set the multimeter to resistance mode.
- Test the defrost heater connections using the multimeter probes.
- Verify a resistance reading of approximately 31 Ohms.
Test the Defrost Timer
- Plug in and power on the freezer.
- Locate the defrost timer in the machine compartment at the back of the unit.
- Turn the defrost timer dial clockwise until the compressor and evaporator fan motor stop.
- Check if the defrost heater activates, indicated by popping or cracking sounds.
- If the defrost heater activates, replace the defrost timer.
- If the heater does not activate, replace the bi-metal thermostat or heater as needed.
When to Call a Professional
While many Frigidaire freezer problems can be fixed on your own, certain issues may require professional help. Consider calling a technician if:
- The Compressor is Faulty: A defective compressor requires professional repair or replacement, as it involves handling refrigerant and specialized equipment.
- Refrigerant Leak: If you suspect your freezer has a refrigerant leak, this is a job for a trained technician. Leaks can prevent the freezer from reaching low temperatures and require proper handling to repair.
- Electrical Issues: If you’re dealing with electrical issues, such as a malfunctioning control board or wiring problems, it’s safest to consult a professional to avoid any risk of electric shock or further damage.
- Persistent Malfunctions: If you’ve replaced parts like the thermostat or fan and the freezer still doesn’t freeze, it might be time to call a technician for a more in-depth diagnosis and repair.
Read more: Chest Freezer Organization: Maximize Space & Reduce Waste
Closing Thoughts
With a little troubleshooting, you can get your Frigidaire freezer back to working like it should. Start by checking things like the door seal and air vents to make sure they’re not blocking airflow. If you’re comfortable with basic repairs, test the motor, thermostat, or heater. These are common issues that can often be fixed without calling in a technician.
However, if you’ve replaced parts and the problem persists, it’s time to bring in a professional. Problems like a faulty compressor or refrigerant leaks need expert attention. If electrical issues arise, don’t hesitate to reach out to a technician to avoid causing more damage.
In the end, a bit of effort and some simple repairs can save you from costly service calls. So, before you panic, try these steps.