There are a couple of reasons why a Frigidaire refrigerator does not turn on. This article explains these issues and how to fix them easily.
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Frigidaire Refrigerator Does Not Turn On – Solutions
The following are possible solutions to the problem of a Frigidaire refrigerator that does not turn on:
1. Get a New Power Cord
A damaged or non-functional power cord won’t send power to the refrigerator. So, pull the power cord out and check it.
See if it is fraying at any point. If it is, replace it. But if it is not, then it is possible there is a wiring problem inside it. If there was a recent power surge or outage, that could be the origin of the fault.
However, try plugging it in again but this time, make sure it fits fully into the electrical wall outlet. Push it in firmly but not roughly. If it still does not work, replace it.
2. Check the Wall Outlet
The outlet into which the power cord goes could be faulty. To determine this, plug another appliance into it. You can opt to use a table lamp. If it powers, the outlet is in good working condition. But if the appliance or lamp does not come on, the outlet is malfunctioning.
Before replacing it, try to reset it if yours is a GFCI outlet. Go to the outlet and press the reset pad. Then, try the outlet again.
However, if this does not work, hire a qualified electrician to check the outlet and advice you on the next step accordingly.
The outlet’s wiring may be worn or there could be short somewhere. There could also be a disconnection in the wiring, causing the problem with the outlet.
3. Check the Circuit Breaker
Using a multimeter, test the power that is going to different components of the refrigerator. It is possible that one or more of the components are pulling way more power than necessary. As a result, the breaker keeps tripping off. And when it trips off, the refrigerator won’t turn on.
To be precise, test the defrost heater, condenser fan, thermostat, and compressor. These components are more likely to pull electric power than others. If one of them is pulling extra power than it needs, replace that part.
4. Replace the Start Relay
Find the relay where it is fixed into the side of the compressor. Pull it out and run a continuity or resistance test on it between the start and run terminals using a multimeter. If you find no continuity, replace the relay.
The compressor needs the relay to start and run smoothly. The relay provides the compressor with a power boost so it can start. If the relay fails, the compressor won’t have the needed power to run. And if the compressor does not run, the refrigerator won’t turn on.
5. Change the Temperature Control Thermostat
The wiring from the unit to the thermostat may be worn or damaged. The connectors or even the contact assembly may also be disconnected or broken.
Turn the thermostat from low to high and wait for a click. If there is no click as the refrigerator kicks into action, the thermostat is no longer working. But to be sure, test it with a multimeter to check for continuity. If there is no continuity, replace it.
The thermostat senses when the internal temperature of the unit rises. Then, it alerts the compressor so it can run and cool the unit. However, if it becomes defective, the compressor won’t get the needed signal so it won’t run. Consequently, the refrigerator will stay off.
6. Test the Compressor
Pull out the start relay, take a multimeter, and test the resistance in the compressor on the 3 pins by the side. If the resistance does not correspond with what your refrigerator’s tech sheet says, replace the compressor.
You don’t have to carry out this test yourself. In fact, under the law, only a licensed technician should check and replace the compressor. Therefore, it is important to contact Frigidaire if you suspect the compressor has failed.
7. Replace the Main Control Board
If all the other parts check out, consider replacing the main control board. Too much heat and even moisture can damage the board because of its location. Sudden power surges can also cause burns on the solder points, irreparably damaging the board.
Note: These steps apply to all types of Frigidaire refrigerators. So if your Frigidaire refrigerator does not turn on, even if it is a Frigidaire Gallery refrigerator, follow the steps.
Check out these other articles…
Frigidaire Refrigerator Making Noise [How to Fix]
Frigidaire Refrigerator Is Hot [How to Fix]
How to Clean a Frigidaire Refrigerator [Quick Guide]
Frigidaire Refrigerator Frost Buildup [How to Fix]
How to Replace Frigidaire Defrost Heater [Quick Guide]
Frigidaire Refrigerator Does Not Shut Off – Solved
If your Frigidaire refrigerator runs constantly and does not shut off, check the following:
1. Temperature Setting
The setting of the freezer may be higher than 10 degrees Fahrenheit and that of the refrigerator may be higher than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the settings to be sure.
If they are, then the refrigerator does not shut off because the compressor is trying to lower the rising temperature.
Set the temperature of both compartments to the correct points and observe the compressor. Also, make sure nothing is causing the temperature to rise.
You may have to lower the freezer temperature below 0 and the refrigerator’s below 37 to help the compressor.
2. Defrost System
An error or malfunction in the defrost system can cause the refrigerator not to shut off. This is because the unit may be stuck in defrost mode, making it impossible for it to cool and causing the compressor to run non-stop.
To determine if the defrost system is the origin of this problem, test each part of the defrost system. Begin with the defrost timer.
Turn the dial of the timer counterclockwise to advance it into the defrost cycle. Give it about 30 minutes and see if it advances out of the cycle automatically. If it does not, replace it because it is likely causing the heater to remain in defrost cycle.
Next, check the defrost heater if the timer is in good working condition. See if it has continuity using a multimeter, if it does not, replace the heater.
The heater may not turn on due to the timer. And if it does not turn on, the evaporator coils will freeze and there will be no cold air in the unit. Consequently, the unit runs without shutting off in a bid to maintain a cool temperature.
Now, check the defrost thermostat. There should be continuity when it gets to the lowest temperature within its operating range. If you find no continuity, replace it.
The thermostat closes contacts and allows the heater to turn on and melt the frost off the coils. If it is defective, it won’t send power to the heater. As a result, frost accumulates on the coils and this reduces the coolness within the refrigerator.
Check the defrost control board. It controls the defrost cycle so if the refrigerator does not shut off, the board may not be able to control the system anymore.
But before replacing it, make sure the other parts are in good condition. Controls boards are so easy to misdiagnose and many a good one has been thrown out.
3. Condenser Coils
Inspect the coils to see if there is a good amount of dirt and debris on them. If there is, clean them with a vacuum cleaner brush attachment or a condenser coil cleaning brush. But if the coils are hard to reach, hire a professional to clean them.
Dirty coils build heat in the refrigerator. As the heat builds, the temperature rises and the compressor begins to work extra to lower it. This is one of the reasons why you find your Frigidaire refrigerator not shutting off.
4. Door Seal
Shut the door of the refrigerator on a sheet. Pull the sheet without tearing to see if you can draw it out without opening the door. If you can, replace the seal.
In addition, ensure the seal is clean. A dirty one makes it difficult for the seal to work as it should. Clean it with warm soapy water and a cloth if it is dirty.
A weak door seal lets humid or warm air into the refrigerator easily. The moisture in the air settles on the coils behind the freezer’s interior wall, condenses before freezing.
A good defrost system should take care of the frost. But if the defrost system is malfunctioning, frost will build. Even when the system is fully operational, it may not be able to keep up with the rate of condensation and freezing due to the weak seal.
5. Evaporator Fan
Spin the blades of the fan to ensure they turn well. If there is any friction or obstruction, clean the blades and check the motor of the fan.
With a multimeter, see if the windings of the motor show any resistance. If you don’t find any, the motor is likely defective so replace it.
The fan circulates the cold air from the evaporator coils inside the refrigerator. If the motor stops working, the fan cannot circulate the cold air. Eventually, the temperature rises and the compressor picks up to run constantly.
6. Condenser Fan
This fan cools the compressor and condenser coils to prevent overheating. While it does not play a direct role in cooling the refrigerator, if the motor fails, heat transfers to the refrigerator. This causes the temperature to rise and the compressor to run non-stop to lower it. What you will have is a refrigerator that does not shut off.
7. Main Control Board
When all else fails, replace the main control board. If you are not sure how to do this, hire a qualified technician to do the job.
Here is a video showing what to troubleshoot if your refrigerator does not stop running…
How to Turn On Frigidaire Upright Freezer – Quick Guide
Press the arrow up pad on the control panel until the number 4 displays on the panel. Press it repeatedly if it does not work the first time.
If this does not turn the freezer on, disconnect or unplug it from the electric wall outlet, wait about 30 seconds to 1 minute, and plug it back into the outlet.
If the freezer remains off, hold down the pad for alarm reset for about 3 seconds. Next, press the arrow up pad again.
However, if nothing changes, you may have pressed the Control Lockout pad and activated it accidentally. To fix this, press the same button and hold it for 5 seconds. The alarm for temperature should sound and the freezer should reset itself.
Finally, if this still doesn’t fix the problem, replace the main control board.
Contact Frigidaire for repairs and troubleshooting assistance if you are stumped on how to fix a Frigidaire refrigerator that does not turn on. This is especially true if you have an active warranty.
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