Having a small amount of frost in your refrigerator is normal, but excessive frosting or freezing is a cause for concern. This article explains how to solve the problem of an Electrolux refrigerator freezing up.
Table of Contents
Electrolux Refrigerator Ice Maker Freezing Up – What to Do
One of the easiest steps to take if your Electrolux ice maker is freezing in the refrigerator is to adjust the temperature. It may be too cold for the machine; sometimes, we accidentally lower the temperature setting, causing excessive freezing.
If your refrigerator has a digital temperature control feature, you can easily check the settings. Adjust the freezer and refrigerator temperatures and give the appliance time to adapt to the new settings. And if the ice maker is already frozen, turn off the refrigerator and allow the ice to melt. Alternatively, use a hairdryer, positioning it at some distance to prevent overheating.
1. Inspect the Shut-off Arm
However, if the temperature is not the source of the problem, you may want to check the shut-off arm. It is the wire arm by the side of the ice maker that typically moves up and down when the ice maker is on and running. When it moves up, the ice maker stops making ice, usually waiting for the already-made ice to dump into the ice storage bin.
But after that, the arm drops down, and the mache resumes making ice. However, if the arm is stuck in the down or On position, it may make ice without stopping, which may lead to freezing. This may happen if the arm is damaged, an item in the refrigerator traps it, or it is frozen in one place. Therefore, inspect the machine to determine whether this is the case. If the arm is stuck in one position while the ice maker runs, turn the machine and water off, and free the arm or replace it.
2. Test the Water Pressure
A few faults can affect the pressure of the water going into the ice maker. Chief among them is a clogged water filter. And the reason a water filter clogs is using it beyond the time recommended by the manufacturers. Dirt obstructs the flow of water, causing it to flow only in trickles or not at all.
Low water pressure can slow the speed of the ice-making process. If this happens, the water will freeze in batches and form ice clumps in the machine. If the pressure is too high, the water flowing into the ice maker may splash over and freeze around the ice maker or in the freezer.
The water pressure should not be below 20 psi or above 120 psi for the best results. Another possible reason for too high or too low water pressure is a fault from the main source. A third reason may be a connection to a reverse osmosis water filtration system.
So, use a pressure gauge to check the water pressure to determine its level. If it is too low or too high, consider replacing the water filter, especially if you have not replaced it in more than six months.
If the problem persists after replacing the filter, the pressure issue may be from the main source. Make a complaint to the municipal and request a resolution as quickly as possible. You can also have a plumber check how they can install a temporary fix until the municipal resolves the water issue.
However, you may need to connect your refrigerator to a separate water line and use a refrigerator water filter if you are connected to an in-house reverse osmosis water filtration system. It is known to affect the water pressure in a refrigerator, so if you have it and notice a pressure issue, consider using another water line for the appliance.
3. Thaw the Fill Tube
The primary reason the ice maker’s ill tube freezes is low freezer temperatures. When you set the temperature too low, the water left in the fill tube freezes between filling the ice maker. And if that happens, the ice maker will not get enough water to make ice.
However, the machine will keep running, even though there is no water, which eventually leads to freezing. Turn off the refrigerator by unplugging it from the wall outlet or turning off the circuit breaker. Give the tube time to thaw and test it by running water through it to see if it freely flows.
But if turning off the entire refrigerator is inconvenient, use a hairdryer or any other heat source except a heat gun to thaw the line. Do this carefully to avoid damaging the ice maker or fill tube. Afterward, turn on the refrigerator and adjust the temperature to a slightly warmer point to prevent future freezing.
4. Position the Water Line
Close on the heels of the ice maker fill tube is the water line. This is the line that connects the fill tube to the water from the inlet valve. Incorrect positioning may mean that the water line goes too far into the water inlet valve, causing a splashback that forms ice around the ice maker and inside the freezer.
It may also be that the line is kinked behind the refrigerator because of poor positioning and the appliance being pushed too close to the wall behind it. You can manually rearrange the water line to ensure it is not too far into the water inlet valve to prevent splashes.
And if the line is too long, loop and tape it to the back of the refrigerator to get it out of the way. Replace the line if it is damaged, but ensure you get a shorter length to avoid having to loop it if it is inconvenient.
Additionally, ensure no debris or ice is blocking the water flow. An obstructed water line can stop water from getting to the ice maker, causing the machine to run and freeze because of the lack of water. If that is the case, flush the debris out of the line. In the case of ice, use warm water or a cloth dipped in water to rub the line until the ice melts. Note that this may take some time.
5. Test the Water Inlet Valve
A defective water inlet valve can supply more water than the ice maker needs, causing an overflow and water freezing in and around the ice maker. The ice storage bin may also be affected as the constant supply of water may lead to excessive ice production, leaving the cubes to freeze and clump together in the bin.
However, it is not common for a failed inlet valve to cause an ice maker to freeze. So, it should not be your first stop. But if the parts more likely to fail are in good working order, you may want to test the valve. It is electrically controlled, so you will need a multimeter to check for continuity or power supply. Test the solenoid to see how it performs. Replace it if it shows signs of malfunction or change the entire water inlet valve if it seems to be getting power but is not working as it should.
6. Check the Ice Maker Components
A faulty ice maker part may trigger the machine to malfunction and produce more ice or freeze. If the other components and functions work well, the problem may be from the ice maker.
But there is usually no way to be sure unless you have the training to detect faulty ice maker parts. Besides, most refrigerator brands do not sell individual ice maker parts, so a faulty part may require replacing the entire ice maker assembly.
7. Inspect the Control Board
Lastly, the control board may be damaged. It is usually the last place to look because control boards are not easily damaged. However, if the problem persists even after replacing ice maker parts or the entire assembly, you may have a problem with the control board.
But before replacing it, have a professional technician test it to determine its fault and see whether or not you need a replacement board.
Electrolux Refrigerator Freezing Up – How to Fix
Seeing a bit of frost or condensation inside your Electrolux refrigerator is normal. This indicates that the appliance works well. When the refrigerator starts becoming cold, the condensation settles on the back wall because it is the coldest part inside any refrigerator. However, it should not be excessive, especially if you did not recently put hot food or a lot of room-temperature drinks and foods in the appliance.
If the unit is freezing too quickly or constantly, it indicates a fault somewhere. Check the following to determine the possible cause and fix it.
1. Door
If the door is not tightly shut and sealed, it allows warm air into the cold refrigerator. Condensation will build because of the moisture in the warm, leading to excessive freezing. One of the commonest reasons for this issue is a weak or damaged door gasket. Therefore, inspect the gasket to see how well it works.
If the seal is loose, you can try pushing it back into place using a small flat-head screwdriver. If dirty, clean it with warm soapy water and an old but soft toothbrush. This should reach into the folds and remove every stubborn stain. But replace the gasket if it is weak or damaged.
There is also a possibility that the door does not close well due to improper leveling or an obstruction. Leveling a refrigerator helps the door to close well and seal tightly. This means tilting it slightly to the back so that the front is raised a little. The lift should not be more than two or three inches.
If unsure, place a level on top of the appliance and check the balance; most refrigerators come equipped with a level. If the bubble is not at the center, adjust the leveling legs to fix it. The refrigerator’s user guide should have instructions on how to level the unit correctly. Afterward, you will notice that the door shuts and seals better.
You can also check to see if any of the items or shelves form an obstruction. This may happen if you have too many things inside the refrigerator or in the door bins. If this happens, the refrigerator stops cooling properly, and frost forms. Ensure you rearrange the items; reduce them if necessary. Push the shelves, racks, and bins into their proper places and shut the door well.
2. Temperature Setting
Selecting the right temperature is crucial to how well a refrigerator works. Set it too low, and the refrigerator freezes everything. Set it too high, and the refrigerator does not cool as it should. That is why manufacturers recommend the settings for their products for the best results.
The refrigerator may be set too low, causing excessive freezing. On the flip side, it may be too high, causing condensation to build and form frost. Sometimes, the displayed setting is not accurate, and you will need a thermometer to get an accurate reading. If you have frozen food in the freezer, put a thermometer between two and leave it there for about 24 hours.
If the temperature reading corresponds with the setting, the problem is not with the temperature. However, if the reading does not match the setting, something is causing the freezing issue. Dirty coils or a faulty thermostat may cause the compressor to run constantly, leading to freezing in the unit.
Clean the coils and ensure the condenser fan works. Also, check the start relay and replace it if damaged. You may professional assistance to determine the exact fault and fix it if necessary.
3. Content Arrangement
Poor arrangement of food items in the refrigerator is another possible cause of your Electrolux refrigerator freezing up. You may put food too close to the vents through which cold air comes into the freezer or refrigerator.
If you do this, the food will freeze and may lead to further freezing in other parts of the appliance. The same is true if items lean on the refrigerator or freezer back wall. Therefore, arrange items in such a way that they do not touch the back wall or sit too close to the vents.
This is especially true if they are water-rich foods; the water content will freeze too fast and lead to more freezing. Additionally, blocking the vents causes the compressor and other cooling system components to run constantly, which may lead to freezing. So, keep the vents as free as possible.
Lastly, put enough items – water and food – in the freezer and refrigerator. The sections need to be at least half full to work well and prevent freezing. If there are not enough items to absorb the cold air, there will be excessive freezing.
4. Ice Maker
If your Electrolux refrigerator has an ice maker, check to see if it is properly connected to water. The machine may be on and running without any water flowing into it.
If that is the case, the ice maker will keep making temperature demands on the refrigerator as if it wants to make ice. Consequently, the temperature drops and causes freezing. So, turn off the ice maker or connect it to a steady water supply to stop it from causing freezing.
5. Shopping Mode
Your Electrolux refrigerator may have cooling features called a Shopping mode. Check the control panel to see if you have the Fast Freeze, FastCool, Frostmatic, or Coolmatic features. Any of these features can make the refrigerator cool fast and freeze within a short period. Leaving them running for long periods can cause excessive freezing.
Therefore, turn the feature off if your refrigerator has it and you find it running. You can follow the instructions in the user manual to turn off the feature, depending on the model you own.
6. Run a Manual Defrost
If you suspect freezing inside the refrigerator, consider running a manual defrost. That means turning off the refrigerator and allowing it to sit without power for a few hours. It gives the evaporator coils time to thaw if they are frozen. The same applies to the evaporator fan if it is loaded with frost.
It is crucial to check the defrost system if your refrigerator model has an automatic system. Test the defrost timer first because it has the responsibility of advancing the system in and out of each cycle. If it is in good working order, check the defrost heater and thermostat. Additionally, check the control board to ensure it works well because it can interfere with the defrost function.
Electrolux Refrigerator Freezing on the Top Shelf – Solution
Check to see if water drips onto the shelf. The ice maker or one of the water tubes may leak water into the refrigerator. The same may be true about the water filter or housing. Trace the source of the water if that is the case and fix the leak.
If that does not solve the problem, you may have to check for a refrigerant leak. When a refrigerator leaks refrigerant, the compressor and fans run harder to make up for the loss of coolant. This leads to excessive freezing, and this will last until there is no longer any refrigerant for the appliance to use.
One of the tell-tale signs of the loss of refrigerant is when the top shelf starts freezing. Another one is when the evaporator coils freeze on only one section. If you notice one or more of these signs, turn off the refrigerator and call for professional assistance. Contact the Electrolux Service Center to report the issue and request service.
Electrolux Refrigerator Freezing on Back Panel – Fixed
If you notice ice or frost forming on the back panel or wall of a refrigerator, it may be normal. The first thing to check is the amount of ice on the panel. When the refrigerator begins to cool, probably after a defrost or power failure, moisture condenses on the coldest part of the appliance, which is the back wall.
The moisture freezes and forms ice, but this is a simple process and typical with refrigerators or freezers. However, if the ice formation or freezing is excessive, you may have an overheating problem on your hands. This article on condensation forming on the back of an Electrolux refrigerator explains how this could be a result of a dirty condenser, faulty fan, or overworking compressor.
Ensure you do not put hot food inside the refrigerator and do not overload it, as we have explained above. Avoid opening the door too often or holding it open for too long. In other words, keep the refrigerator door closed for long periods to encourage cooling. If all else fails, look for an appliance technician to determine the fault and fix it.
Electrolux Refrigerator Water Line Freezing – Quick Fix
If you find the water line for your Electrolux refrigerator freezing, turn off the water and disconnect the line. Use a hairdryer to melt the ice; channel it at a distance to avoid damaging it with the heat from the dryer.
Afterward, run water through the line to flush it and check how well the water flows. Then, increase the refrigerator and freezer temperatures by a few degrees to stop excessive freezing and protect the water line from premature damage.
Get Instant Help — Ask An Experienced Verified Appliance Technician
Need expert help? Click here to use the chat box on this page to speak with a verified appliance technician right away. No need for expensive in-home service calls. No appointments. No waiting.
