Frigidaire refrigerators claim about 12% of the refrigerator consumer market. As high-performing as these refrigerators are, it is not uncommon to have certain issues after long use. And what the customers often face is the Frigidaire refrigerator temperature control problems. But why does it happen?
Frigidaire refrigerator’s temperature control system can fail for various reasons, especially if the evaporator fan motor is faulty. It can also happen if the temperature control board is having an issue. Another reason why the problem occurs is when the condenser coil or thermostat temperature fails.
You know your Frigidaire refrigerator temperature control system is failing when the refrigerator is not cooling. If not fixed as soon as possible, the food will not stay safe. That’s why today I will talk about the possible reasons that lead to such issues and how to solve them.
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9 Frigidaire Refrigerator Temperature Control Problems And Solutions
Generally, it takes 24 hours for a newly installed refrigerator to reach the temperature you have set. If you have kept your refrigerator plugged out for a long time and replugged it, it can take pretty much the same amount of time to get cool.
But if you notice that the refrigerator is not cooling even after time passes or its regular temperature has dropped, the issue lies elsewhere. So let’s look at the most common Frigidaire refrigerator temperature control problems and the quickest ways to solve them.
1. Dirty Condenser Coils
When the refrigerator temperature control system starts showing trouble, you need to check the condenser coils. The refrigerant process starts with low-pressure gas, and it gradually turns into a high-pressure liquid. And the condenser coil requires air to complete this process.
Thus, dirt, debris, and other particles keep building up outside the coils, clogging them over time. That’s when it starts becoming difficult for the refrigerator to cool as before.
Solution
- Luckily, fixing this issue is very simple and quick. All you have to do is to clean the condenser coils. You will find the coils on the back of your Frigidaire refrigerator or beneath it. It might be covered with a grille.
- Remove the grille and use a brush to clean off the dirt from the condenser coils. You can find condenser cleaning brushes in hardware stores. Besides, you can also use a vacuum for a quick fix. And don’t forget to unplug the refrigerator before you start the cleaning process.
2. Faulty Condenser Fan Motor
How do you think the condenser intakes air to cool the refrigerator? Of course, it needs a little help from the condenser fan. It helps the refrigerator cool pretty quickly.
And this condenser fan comes with an electric motor that helps it run effectively. But this fan can wear off over time or suffer from corrosion problems. If for any reason, the fan’s motor fails, the refrigerator temperature issues begin.
Solution
- If it looks like the fan’s blade is jammed, try turning them with your hand. If the motor seems locked up, you need to replace it.
- But if the blades move easily but the fan fails, test the motor with a multimeter to check for its continuity. If the test fails, it is time to replace the condenser fan motor.
3. Faulty Evaporator Fan Motor
Do you know where the refrigerant goes after it goes through the condenser and turns from a gas into liquid? It goes straight to the evaporator. That’s how it cools your refrigerator.
Once the process is complete, the refrigerant turns into gas once again due to evaporation. This evaporator fan is what ensures a cool refrigerator interior all the time.
Like the condenser fan, the evaporator fan also runs on a motor. So when the motor wears out or gets dirty, the cool air distribution inside the refrigerator gets interrupted.
Solution
- Well, there is no easy way to fix this one. As described previously, a motor like that needs replacement. But you always need to test it before replacing it.
- So just like the condenser fan, test the fan blades by turning them with your hand. If the blades are clogged, turning them will help. If not, you have to use a multimeter for the evaporator fan motor’s continuity.
4. Broken Temperature Thermostat
The thermostat is another essential part that ensures temperature control. Based on the temperature, its job is to inform the compressor and other such components when to turn things on or off.
The Frigidaire refrigerator temperature problems can occur if there is an issue with the thermostat’s wirings or if any of its part breaks. There is also a tube with gas that rises and falls based on the refrigerator temperature as it changes and creates pressures. The tube can suffer from damage or leak, and the thermostat will show an inaccurate temperature.
Solution
- The first thing you must do is to turn the thermostat to its lowest point. Then you need to turn it to its highest point. If you hear a click, the thermostat does not have any issue.
- However, if there is no clicking sound, it means the thermostat has a problem. Check for its continuity with a multimeter, and replace it if it does not show any.
5. Broken Thermistor Or Temperature Sensor
The thermistor works as a thermal resistor, which explains why it has such a name. It is sensitive to temperature change and ensures the refrigerator always stays at an accurate temperature. Unfortunately, if the thermistor’s internal parts malfunction or separates, it can end up overheating everything.
Solution
- Use a multimeter to test the thermistor.
- If there is no change in continuity, you need to replace it.
6. Broken Compressor
The compressor is your refrigerator’s heart because it works like a pump. And just as the heart pumps blood all over a body, the compressor helps the refrigerant move throughout the entire cooling system.
Compressor failure does not happen very often, but it can happen over time for several reasons. One, if there are any air, moisture, dirt buildups. Two, if it lacks enough refrigerant in the system.
Solution
- Test the compressor with a multimeter and check for an open circuit. If there isn’t any, the compressor needs replacement.
- But you need a professional technician to do that.
7. Broken Start Relay
A refrigerator compressor cannot start without a start relay. It powers the compressor when you power on a refrigerator. This start relay can get burned out because of voltage surge exposure.
Solution
- The first thing to check is if there is any burnt smell coming from the start relay.
- If not, taste it with a multimeter. If there is no continuity, you need to replace it anyway.
8. Broken Start Relay Capacitor
The start relay’s capacitor is also responsible for the refrigerator temperature control issue. The refrigerator gets warm if the capacitor fails, which happens due to overheating.
Solution
- First, check if the capacitor is broken. A broken capacitor is of no use and needs to be replaced.
- Another way to detect a faulty capacitor is by testing it with a multimeter.
9. Faulty Control Board
The control board of your Frigidaire refrigerator keeps all the components connected. But excessive heat, moisture, or even malfunction can cause it to fail.
Solution
- The only way to fix a faulty control board is to replace it.
- Make sure you check the other possible issues before coming to the control board, as it does not often go through such problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What Is The Recommended Temperature For My Frigidaire Refrigerator?
If you have just installed the refrigerator or plugged an unplugged refrigerator after a long time, let it cool for 24 hours based on the recommended temperature. But as you start filling it in with food, you need to adjust the temperature.
It is best to keep the fridge temperature around 36°-37° Fahrenheits (2° Celsius). And the freezer temperature should be 0° Fahrenheits.
Q. Where Is The Control Panel On A Frigidaire Refrigerator?
You can easily spot the control panel on the right-side door. There will be a small screen to help you get all the essential details. You can control the refrigerator temperature using a button.
Q. How Do I Reset My Frigidaire Refrigerator Temperature?
Two temperature control buttons will be on the control panel display to adjust the temperature. You can choose to increase and decrease it based on your requirements.
The indicator will blink once you touch it. Then wait for five seconds, and the inactivity will help you set a new temperature.
Q. How Do I Reset My Frigidaire Refrigerator To Factory Settings?
Resetting the Frigidaire refrigerator to its factory settings is pretty simple. There is a default button on the refrigerator’s display panel. Press the button, and all your customized settings will be gone.
Final Words
The Frigidaire refrigerator temperature control problems can occur at any time. It can start with the temperature going up or down or stopping entirely.
And this is no fun when there is a risk of losing food. Not to mention the money it can cost to get a professional to fix it.
So, knowing the causes or what triggers such issues come in handy for quick diagnosis and fix. However, it would be best if you refrained from fixing anything that seems confusing to you or needs a more experienced pair of hands.
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