Frigidaire Freezer Not Freezing

Short answer: A non-freezing Frigidaire freezer may have dirty condenser coils, a faulty thermostat, a defective fan, or a bad compressor. Overloading or poor door seals can also be culprits. Seek professional help if unsure.

In today’s modern homes, appliances like freezers have become indispensable assets, offering convenience, efficiency, and enhancement to our daily lives. Among the leading brands, Frigidaire stands out for its quality and innovation in refrigeration technology. However, like all machines, these freezers aren’t immune to wear and tear or occasional hiccups in their operation. Recognizing and understanding potential issues can be the key to quick resolutions, minimal downtime, and even cost savings. This guide aims to delve into the common challenges faced by Frigidaire freezer owners, offering insights, troubleshooting tips, and the know-how to navigate these situations effectively.

Why Is Frigidaire Freezer Not Freezing?

Condenser Coil Blocking:

The condenser coils are responsible for dissipating the heat that is removed from the freezer. If these coils are blocked by dust, pet hair, or other debris, they cannot effectively release the heat, causing the freezer to work harder and potentially not cool effectively. Regularly cleaning these coils can prevent this problem.

Condenser Coils are Frozen Over:

Sometimes, the coils can become covered in a layer of frost or ice, which can inhibit their function. When this happens, the freezer might not cool efficiently. A defrosting issue usually causes this. Check the defrost system components such as the defrost heater, defrost thermostat, and defrost timer.

Temperature Control Thermostat Isn’t Working:

This thermostat is the component that regulates the temperature inside the freezer. If it’s faulty, it might not signal the compressor to turn on or off correctly, leading to temperature issues.

The Condenser Fan or Motor is Faulty:

The condenser fan helps in circulating air over the condenser coils to help cool them. If this fan or its motor is faulty, the coils won’t be cooled properly, which can lead to inefficient cooling or overworking of the freezer.

The Start Relay Isn’t Working:

The start relay helps the compressor to start up. If it’s faulty, the compressor might not start at all, and as a result, the freezer won’t freeze. A clicking noise coming from the freezer might indicate a faulty start relay.

The Compressor is Defective:

The compressor is the heart of the freezer, responsible for the refrigeration cycle. If it’s defective, the freezer won’t cool. It’s one of the most expensive components to replace, so it’s usually recommended to check other potential issues first.

An issue in the Main Control Board:

The main control board manages most of the functions in the freezer. While it’s not common, a faulty control board can lead to freezing issues. It’s typically checked after more common problems have been ruled out.

The Freezer is Overloaded:

If you put too much food inside the freezer at once, especially warm food, it can take a long time for the freezer to reach its set temperature. This can also prevent air from circulating properly, leading to uneven cooling.

Refrigerator Door Not Sealing Properly:

If the freezer door doesn’t seal properly, warm air can enter, and cold air can escape. This can lead to the freezer not maintaining the desired temperature. Check the door gaskets for any signs of wear, damage, or debris that might prevent a proper seal. A simple test is to close the door over a dollar bill; if you can pull the bill out easily, the seal might be weak.

How To Fix Frigidaire Freezer Not Freezing?

1. Clean The Condenser Coils:

If your frigidaire is not freezing clean the condenser coils.

Procedure:

Step 1: Disconnect Power: Always start by unplugging the freezer or turning off its circuit breaker. This ensures your safety while cleaning.

Step 2: Locate the Condenser Coils: For many Frigidaire models, the condenser coils are located at the bottom of the unit, either at the front behind a grille or at the back. If they’re at the back, you may need to move the freezer away from the wall for easier access.

Step 3: Remove the Grille or Back Cover: If the coils are at the front behind a grille, remove the grille by popping it off or unscrewing it, as the model dictates. If the coils are at the back, you might need to remove a back cover. This usually involves unscrewing a few screws.

Step 4: Vacuum Loose Dust and Debris: Using the soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner, gently vacuum the coils to remove loose dust, pet hair, and other debris. Be gentle, as you don’t want to damage the coils.

Step 5: Brush the Coils: Use a coil brush, which is specifically designed for this task, to gently brush away dirt and debris that’s stuck to the coils. Start at the top and work your way down, following the coils’ direction. This will help dislodge any stubborn dirt.

Step 6: Optional Deep Clean: If your coils are exceptionally dirty, you might consider using a cloth dampened with soapy water to gently wipe them down. Make sure to wring out the cloth well, so it’s not dripping wet. After using the soapy water, wipe the coils again with a cloth dampened with clean water to remove any soap residue.

Step 7: Reattach the Grille or Back Cover: Once you’re done cleaning, and the coils are dry, replace any covers or grilles you removed earlier.

Step 8: Reconnect Power: Plug the freezer back in or turn on its circuit breaker.

Step 9: Test: Turn the freezer on and listen for any unusual noises. The compressor should kick in, and the freezer should start cooling.

2. Fix The Temperature Control Button

The temperature control button (or thermostat control) is a vital component of your freezer or refrigerator. It regulates the internal temperature by cycling the compressor on and off. If your appliance isn’t maintaining the correct temperature, the thermostat control might be the culprit. Here’s how to check and potentially fix it:

Materials Needed:

• Multimeter
• Replacement temperature control (if found defective)

Procedure:

Step 1: Access the Control:

• • Open the fridge or freezer. The temperature control is usually located inside, often in the refrigerator compartment. It may be behind a control knob, dial, or digital panel.
  • Remove any necessary panels or covers to access the control. This might require unscrewing or gently prying off a cover.

Step 2: Identify Wires: Before disconnecting any wires, make a note or take a picture of where each wire connects. This will be crucial for reassembly or installing a replacement.

Step 3: Disconnect the Temperature Control: Carefully disconnect the wires connected to the temperature control.

Step 4: Test with a Multimeter:

• Set your multimeter to the Rx1 setting.
• Touch the probes to the thermostat terminals. With the temperature control set to the coldest setting, you should get a reading of zero (or close to zero). If not, the thermostat is likely defective and needs replacement.
• If the thermostat has more than two terminals, refer to the user manual or a wiring diagram for your specific model to know which terminals to test.

Step 5: Replacement:

• If the temperature control is found to be defective, you’ll need to replace it.
• Obtain a replacement part, preferably one designed for your specific model.
• Reconnect the wires to the new temperature control using your notes or photo as a reference.
• Secure the temperature control in its designated location.
• Replace any panels or covers you removed earlier.

Step 6: Power On and Test:

• Plug in the unit or turn on the circuit breaker.
• Set the temperature control to a middle setting and let the appliance run for several hours. Check to see if it’s maintaining the desired temperature.

3. Fix the Faulty Condenser Fan Motor of the frigidaire freezer

The condenser fan motor is essential for dissipating the heat generated by the condenser coils. If it’s faulty, your freezer may not cool efficiently. Here’s a step-by-step guide on diagnosing and replacing a faulty condenser fan motor for a Frigidaire freezer:

Materials Needed:

• Multimeter
• Screwdriver or nut driver set
• Replacement condenser fan motor (make sure it’s the right model for your freezer)

Procedure:

Step 1: Locate the Condenser Fan: The condenser fan is typically located at the bottom rear of the freezer, near the condenser coils. Depending on your model, you may need to pull the freezer away from the wall and remove a back access panel to reach it.

Step 2: Inspect the Fan and Fan Blades:

• Before concluding that the motor is the issue, check the fan blades for any obstruction. Sometimes debris or other objects can prevent the fan blades from spinning. Also, ensure the blades aren’t damaged.
• Manually spin the blades. They should move freely. If there’s resistance, it could indicate a motor issue.

Step 3: Check the Motor with a Multimeter:

• Disconnect the wires connected to the motor.
• Set your multimeter to the Rx1 setting. Touch the probes to the terminals of the motor. If the motor is functioning correctly, the multimeter should show a reading of zero or close to zero. If the multimeter doesn’t move or the reading is infinite, the motor is defective and needs replacement.

Step 4: Remove the Defective Motor:

• Use a screwdriver or nut driver to remove any screws or bolts holding the motor in place.
• Take note of the motor’s orientation and how it’s mounted. This will assist in installing the new motor.
• Remove the motor and fan blade assembly from the mounting bracket.

Step 5: Install the New Motor:

• Attach the fan blade to the new motor. Ensure it’s secure but not overly tight.
• Mount the new motor to the bracket, ensuring it’s oriented the same way the old motor was.
• Reconnect the wires to the new motor. Use your previous notes or pictures as a reference to ensure correct placement.

Step 6: Reassemble the Freezer:

• Replace any panels or covers you removed earlier.
• Move the freezer back to its original position, if you had moved it.

Step 6: Test the Fan and Freezer:

• Plug in the freezer or turn on the circuit breaker.
• The condenser fan should start running almost immediately or after a short delay. If it doesn’t, double-check your wiring connections.
• Allow the freezer to run for several hours to ensure it’s cooling efficiently.

4. Fix compressor issue

Fixing a compressor issue can be complex and may require a professional in many cases, as it involves working with the refrigeration system, which contains refrigerant.

Materials Needed:

• Multimeter
• New compressor (if replacement is needed)
• Refrigerant (and proper licenses to handle it)
• Refrigeration manifold gauges
• Vacuum pump

Procedure:

Step 1: Check Start Relay: Ensure the start relay is functional.

Step 2: Check Compressor Motor: Using a multimeter, you can check the compressor motor’s resistance. Disconnect the compressor’s wiring harness and measure the resistance across each pair of terminals. The readings should be consistent with the compressor’s specifications, and one terminal combination will have a higher resistance, which should roughly equal the sum of the other two readings.

Step 3: Compressor Replacement: If the compressor itself is defective, it’s a complex task to replace and will require you to:

• Recover the refrigerant from the system.
• Desolder the old compressor and solder in a new one.
• Establish a vacuum in the system using a vacuum pump.
• Recharge the refrigerant.
• This process requires specialized tools, knowledge, and appropriate licenses to handle refrigerants.

Step 4: Seek Professional Help: If you suspect the compressor is the issue but aren’t confident in your ability to replace it, hire a professional technician. They can properly diagnose and fix the compressor or other potential issues.

5. Install the new control board:

Installing a new control board for an appliance like a freezer is a straightforward task if approached methodically. However, always ensure you have the right replacement part for your specific appliance model. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install a new control board:

Materials Needed:

• Replacement control board (specific to your appliance model)
• Screwdriver or nut driver set
• Needle-nose pliers (sometimes)

Procedure:

Step 1: Safety First: Unplug the freezer or switch off its circuit breaker to ensure there’s no electrical power to the unit.

Step 2: Locate the Control Board: Depending on your freezer model, the control board might be located inside the freezer compartment, behind the unit, or beneath a panel at the top or back of the unit.

Step 3: Access the Control Board:

• Remove any covers, panels, or screws that secure the control board compartment.
• Some freezers may have an interface panel in front of the control board. Carefully detach this panel to reveal the control board behind it.

Step 4: Document and Disconnect:

• Before removing any wires or connectors, take a clear photo of the control board and its connections. This will serve as a reference when connecting the new board.
• Using your hands or the needle-nose pliers, gently disconnect the wire connectors from the control board. Some connectors may have locking tabs that you’ll need to press or release.

Step 5: Remove the Old Control Board: Unscrew or unclip the faulty control board from its mounting location.

Step 6: Install the New Control Board:

• Position the new control board in the same location and orientation as the old one.
• Secure it with the screws or clips that held the original board in place.

Step 7: Reconnect Wires: Referencing the photo you took earlier, reconnect all the wire connectors to the new control board. Ensure each connector is securely in place and matches its respective spot on the board.

Step 8: Reassemble the Freezer:

• Replace any panels, covers, or screws you initially removed to access the control board.
• If there was an interface panel, gently snap or screw it back into place.

Step 9: Power On and Test: Check to see if the freezer powers on and the control board operates correctly. You might need to set the desired temperature or run through any initial setup steps, depending on your freezer model.

FAQs

Why is my Frigidaire freezer running, but not getting cold enough?

Several reasons could be responsible. Potential culprits include a faulty thermostat, dirty condenser coils, or issues with the evaporator fan. Start by checking these components.

I’ve noticed frost buildup inside my freezer. Could this be related to the freezing problem?

Yes, excessive frost buildup can impede proper airflow, preventing the freezer from maintaining the desired temperature. A malfunctioning defrost system or a door seal issue might cause this.

The compressor is continuously running. Is this normal?

No, if the compressor is constantly running, it might be struggling to maintain the temperature due to a refrigerant leak, faulty thermostat, or other issues.

Are there easy checks I can do before calling a technician for my non-freezing Frigidaire freezer?

Yes. Ensure the freezer isn’t overloaded, blocking vents. Check if the door seals are in good condition and sealed properly. Also, ensure the temperature setting is appropriate.

The lights are on in my freezer, but it’s not cooling. What could be the cause?

While the lights indicate power to the unit, non-cooling can be attributed to a faulty control board, compressor issues, or problems with the thermostat or fans.

My freezer is making unusual noises and not freezing well. Is this related?

Potentially. If the freezer makes clicking sounds, it might be related to the start relay trying to initiate the compressor. Humming or buzzing noises can point to a compressor or fan motor issues.

Can overloading or underloading the freezer affect its freezing capability?

Yes. Overloading can restrict airflow, making the appliance work harder and potentially not freeze items properly. Underloading, especially in chest freezers, can also affect efficiency as the items help retain coldness.

Conclusion

When dealing with Frigidaire freezers or any household appliance, understanding the potential issues and troubleshooting methods can empower homeowners to make informed decisions. While some problems can be diagnosed and even fixed with a basic set of tools and a methodical approach, others may require professional expertise. It’s crucial to always prioritize safety, ensure the use of appropriate replacement parts, and consult user manuals or expert advice when in doubt. Ultimately, proper maintenance and timely intervention can enhance the longevity and efficiency of our appliances, leading to a smoother household operation and peace of mind.