Fridge problem

[mclasser]

I've got a refrigerator question for you folks. My 20 yr old Frigidaire double door gets cold on the freezer side, but is warm on the fridge side. I don't know much about fridges but I did some basic checks. I can hear the compressor running, coils underneath are clean, adjusting the temp dial doesn't do anything, and the the freezer fan is running.

Last night, I tried a classic "fix": Unplugged it for a few hours and plugged it back in. And now it's working again! Don't know how long this will last but what do you guys think is going on??

 

[Fitter30]

Defrost timer probably stop working normally there in the bottom panel below the doors freezer side should have a knob that turns. Google your fridge model # for part so you can see what itlooks like.

 

[Chris Meutsch]

The coil is frozen. I have a fridge I have to defrost every 3 weeks for this exact issue. I take off the freezer back, put a space heater in there for 3 hours, and melt the frozen coil.

 

[ctechbob]

Either the timer, or more likely the defrost element. They are a common failure point and not terribly expensive or hard to replace.

Couple different kinds depending on the fridge:


That's one of the more invasive to replace. There's another style that mounts at the bottom.

 

[doitmyself]

I had similar problem and discovered what Chris describes when removed back freezer panel to expose coils. Don't remember what part I replaced.

Google "refrigerator freezer works but refrigerator won't cool" will turn you on to diagnostic procedure and parts to replace.

Good start here: https://www.repairclinic.com/Repair...ator-Freezer-Is-Cold-But-Refrigerator-Is-Warm

 

[Nick1994]

Might be low on refrigerant, which causes the coils to freeze and makes it run warm. Unplugging makes it defrost and it can cool back down.

 

[JohnnyG]

The coil is frozen and getting plugged with ice/frost. This does not permit air flow to the refrigerator section.

Either the timer, or more likely the defrost element. They are a common failure point and not terribly expensive or hard to replace.

Couple different kinds depending on the fridge:

There is also the possibility of the disc thermostat being bad, in addition to the two above quoted items. I had that happen once too.

 

[mclasser]

Great info, fellas. Next time it stops working, I'll check out the things you all mentioned.