Are you stuck with a Frigidaire refrigerator that is not working? It can be frustrating but this article shows you the possible causes and how to fix them.
Table of Contents
Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Working After Power Outage
If your refrigerator is not working after a power outage, the following are possible causes:
1. Tripped Circuit Breaker
This usually happens as a result of a power outage. Locate the circuit breaker box in the house and see if the breaker that controls power to the refrigerator tripped off. If it did, flip it on.
2. Power Outlet Reset
Some power outlets, popularly known as GFCI outlets, are built to need resetting once there is a power outage. If that is the type that dispenses power to your refrigerator, reset it.
3. Damaged Power Cord
A regular power outage could cause a refrigerator’s power cord to be damaged. Unplug the power cord and carefully examine to see if there is any breakage on it. If there is, replace it.
4. Non – Operational Control Panel
Some refrigerators do not come on when power is restored unless you reset the ON/OFF button(s) on the control panel. Consult your refrigerator manual for how to turn on the refrigerator after a power outage.
For some refrigerators, it will take up to 15 minutes to start cooling after you turn it on.
5. Restarting Period
Some refrigerators take as long as 15 or more minutes to start cooling after being powered on. You may have to give the unit some time to start cooling again to see if that is the problem.
6. Faulty Refrigerator Component
One or more components of the refrigerator may fail due to the outage, causing the unit to not work. Troubleshoot the refrigerator to find the faulty component and replace it.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Water Dispenser Not Working After Replacing Filter
The following are possible causes why your Frigidaire refrigerator water dispenser is not working after you replaced the water filter:
1. Wrong Filter Type
Most refrigerator water dispensers work only with the water filters manufactured by their original equipment manufacturers (OEM). If the newly installed water filter isn’t an OEM, try using that of the refrigerator’s brand.
Also, there’s a possibility that the newly installed filter is faulty.
2. Improper Installation
If the filter isn’t well-positioned or screwed in accordance with the guidance of the existing filter house exit thread, it can cause the water dispenser to malfunction.
There is also a chance that you either made the filter too tight or too loose during installation. Much like poor positioning, either of these can affect how the water dispenser works.
To correct this, unscrew the filter and carefully but tightly re-screw to the filter house, following the guidance of the exit thread.
3. Trapped Air
To fix this, dispense water for about 30 seconds. Doing this clears the air trapped in the lines. This is standard procedure whenever you install a new filter, even if everything works fine.
If your dispenser makes a hammering sound when you try to use it, it’s an indication that there is air trapped in the lines during the installation of the filter. The trapped air reduces the water pressure, thereby making it impossible for water to flow out from the dispenser.
4. Loose Filter Housing Gasket
The filter on the water housing may have shifted when you were installing the filter. Simply check it to be sure it is not loose and fix it properly if it is. For the filter to work well, the gasket needs to be tight.
Removing One of The O-Rings At The End of The Water Filter…
While this solution isn’t recommended by the manufacturers, some users have reported that removing one of the O-rings at the tip of the water filters has solved their water dispenser issues.
Additionally, it is difficult for the insides of some new filters to soak after you install them. And if this happens, they won’t work optimally, if at all. You may have to uninstall and manually soak yours if suspect this.
Check out these other articles…
Frigidaire Refrigerator Keeps Running [How to Fix]
Frigidaire Refrigerator Has Low Water Pressure [How to Fix]
Frigidaire Refrigerator Making Noise [How to Fix]
Frigidaire Refrigerator Problems [Quick Solutions]
Frigidaire Refrigerator Only Making Crushed Ice [Quick Fix]
Frigidaire Refrigerator Auger Not Working
If your auger isn’t working, the motor could be the problem. To check if this is the case, open the freezer door, remove the ice bucket from the ice chamber, and press ‘ICE’ on the display panel.
Press and hold the switch that controls the freezer light to allow the ice maker to dispense ice. Observe the auger motor as you push the ice dispensing lever behind the default position of the ice bucket to see if jumps and turns well.
But if it doesn’t, it’s likely the motor is frozen. To fix it, unscrew the bolts holding the auger motor assembly with a quarter-inch screwdriver. The auger motor assembly is located behind the ice maker.
Place the assembly on a cloth and allow it to thaw. You may use a dryer to hasten it. Once it melts and is at room temperature, try to turn the auger’s motor shaft. If it doesn’t turn, the auger needs a replacement.
How to Replace the Auger Motor
To replace the auger motor, take the following steps;
Step 1
Switch off or unplug the refrigerator.
Step 2
Open the freezer door, pull out the ice bucket, remove the ice maker, and remove the nearest freezer shelf.
Step 3
Unscrew the bolts holding the auger motor assembly with a quarter-inch screwdriver. The auger motor assembly is located behind the default position of the ice bin.
Step 4
Lift the auger motor assembly a little to take it off the mounting brackets and carefully detach the wire connector.
Step 5
Use a screwdriver to carefully loosen the drive coupling (a U-curved metal on the flat surface of the assembly) from the assembly by turning it clockwise. When it is loosened, you may use your hand to loosen the remaining part that is still attached to the assembly.
Step 6
Disconnect the wires from the terminals on the auger motor and unscrew the bolts holding the motor to the assembly with your quarter-inch screwdriver.
Step 7
Pull out the old motor from its plastic container and replace it with the new one. Make sure to position it accurately. Then, screw the bolts into place.
Step 8
Reconnect the wires to the terminals on the new motor and hand-screw the drive coupling to the assembly, going counterclockwise. Make sure the retaining screw is well positioned on it. Use your screwdriver to tighten it.
Step 9
Re-install the auger motor assembly by re-attaching the wire connector first and placing the assembly on top of the mounting brackets. Screw the bolts into position.
Step 10
Put the ice maker back into the freezer. Then, reinsert the shelf and ice bucket into their default positions. Shut the freezer door and reconnect the refrigerator.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Water and Ice Not Working
The following are possible causes why your Frigidaire refrigerator water and ice dispensers are not working:
1. Frozen Water Line
Setting your Frigidaire’s freezer temperature too low causes the water line to the dispenser to freeze. To ascertain if this actually is the problem, try to blow air through the tube located at the base of the refrigerator door.
If the air does not pass through it, it’s a confirmation of a frozen waterline. Thaw it by pouring some warm water through the tube or switching off the appliance for some time.
Also, reset your freezer’s temperature to the correct point in order to prevent a future occurrence.
2. Damaged Door Switch
The door switch keeps water and ice from dispensing whenever the refrigerator door is open. So, if it becomes faulty or fails, the dispenser also fails.
To resolve this issue, check the valves and switches of your water dispenser for continuity. Use a multimeter to check them. If there is no continuity in any of them, replace the faulty ones.
3. Clogged Water Filter
It is normal for a water filter that is constantly in use to become clogged with debris. However, when this happens, it hampers the efficacy of the dispenser.
If you have been using the filter for longer than six months, then it is overdue for a change. Replace it with the manufacturer’s sanctioned brand for your refrigerator.
The recommendation is to replace the water filter once every six months.
4. Faulty Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve supplies water to the dispenser. If there is a low water pressure or low electric power supply to the valve, it will definitely malfunction.
To resolve this matter, use a multimeter to check the power or continuity on the water inlet valve. If it is not getting enough power or it has no continuity, replace it.
5. Damaged Dispenser Switch
If one of your Frigidaire’s dispenser switches is damaged or broken, your refrigerator will definitely not dispense water or ice because it is the switch that sends power to the dispenser.
To fix this, use a multimeter to test for continuity on the switches. And if there’s none, replace the damaged switch.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Water Not Dispensing But Ice Is
If your Frigidaire refrigerator is not dispensing water but dispenses ice, the inlet valve may be faulty. And if the water pressure is lower than 20psi, it might affect the valve.
To resolve this, use a multimeter to check for continuity on the inlet valve. If there is none, replace it. A faulty inlet valve will not allow enough water to flow through to the dispenser.
If, on the other hand, the inlet valve is in good condition, check to see that the water pressure to the valve is up to at least 20 pounds per inch (psi).
Frigidaire Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Working But Water Does
If your Frigidaire refrigerator ice maker is not working but dispenses water, the following are possible solutions to the problems:
1. Lower Freezer Temperature
If you have set your freezer temperature too high, above 10 degrees Fahrenheit, the ice maker won’t work.
To fix it, lower the temperature and set it between 0 degrees and 5 degrees Fahrenheit. However, make sure the condenser coils and fan are clean and in good working condition.
In addition, check to confirm that the evaporator coils are not choked with frost. If they are, defrost the unit manually and troubleshoot the defrost system if the refrigerator is a self-defrost type.
2. Change Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve supplies water to the dispenser and ice maker. If there is a low water pressure or low electric power supply to the valve, it will malfunction and won’t supply water to the ice maker.
The water pressure to the water inlet valve should be at least 20 psi.
Using a multimeter, check the continuity of the water inlet valve. If you find no continuity, replace the valve.
3. Check Water Filter
Be sure that the water filter is working, is the right type for your Frigidaire refrigerator, and is installed properly. In addition, ensure it is properly sealed.
Replace it if it is not sealed properly or not working. And if it is not the right type, get a new compatible one and replace it.
4. Inspect Ice Maker
If there is a gap between the ice bucket and the rear of the refrigerator, it could prevent the signal arm from freely and effectively moving up or down. As a result, the production of ice reduces or stops altogether. This is usually the case with Frigidaire refrigerator models with dual ice makers.
Additionally, a faulty component of the ice maker can stop the ice maker from working. To fix this, replace the entire ice maker assembly as almost none of its parts is sold separately.
But if you have a newer Frigidaire refrigerator model, you may find individual parts for the ice maker.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Buttons Not Working
If your Frigidaire refrigerator buttons are not working, check the following:
1. Control Panel
Check to see if the small red LED light on your control panel is on. If it is, your control panel has been locked. To resolve this issue, press and hold the ‘CONTROL LOCK’ button on your control panel for 3 seconds or until the small red light disappears.
Operate a button on the display to prevent it from re-locking.
2. Power
Cut off the power supply to the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. On reconnecting it, the refrigerator should automatically reset. But if it doesn’t, try to reset the display panel.
3. Reset Control Panel
To reset the control panel, try any of the following options:
Option 1
Press and hold at the same time, the TOP RIGHT and TOP LEFT buttons (some models named them LIGHTING and ENERGY SAVING) for 10 seconds.
Option 2
Press and hold at the same time, the FREEZER and REF buttons for about 8 seconds.
Option 3
Press and hold at the same time, the POWER FREEZE and VACATION buttons for about 8 to 10 seconds.
Option 4
Press and hold at the same time, the POWER FREEZE and POWER COOL buttons for 10 seconds.
Option 5
Press and hold at the same time, the QUICK FREEZE and VACATION buttons for 8 seconds.
Option 6
Press and hold at the same time, the ICE TYPE and FILTER RESET buttons for 10 seconds.
Option 7
Press and hold at the same time, the ENERGY SAVE and LIGHTING buttons for 10 seconds.
Option 8
Press and hold at the same time, the ENERGY SAVE and LIGHTING buttons for 10 seconds.
If the panel is still not working after you try these options, you may have to check the wire connections and the wire harness. If the connections are firm, consider checking the working condition of the display control board.
Finally, check the main control board if all the other components check out well.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Bulb Not Working
If your Frigidaire refrigerator bulb stops working, replace the bulb. But if it still does not work, check the following:
1. Door Switch
Test the door switch with a multimeter for continuity. If you find none when the switch has been activated, then it has gone bad and should be replaced.
2. Light Switch
With a multimeter, test the light switch for continuity. If you don’t find any continuity on the switch, it is due for replacement.
3. Light Socket
Using a multimeter, check to see if the light socket still receives voltage. If it still does and yet, does not transfer to the bulb, it means it is faulty and should be replaced.
4. Light Board
Check the light board with a multimeter to see whether or not it still gets the required voltage to operate. If it does and yet, the refrigerator bulb wouldn’t function, get a new one.
5. Light Assembly
Some components of the light assembly may have gone bad. Test with a multimeter to find out which of them is bad and replace it or them where possible. If it’s not possible to replace a particular component, replace the entire light assembly.
Frigidaire Bottom Freezer Not Working
The following are possible causes for a Frigidaire freezer not working:
Freon Issue
Freon issue is a situation where the cold air produced by the freezer isn’t enough to freeze its contents but enough to cool the refrigerator compartment.
To confirm this issue, follow the steps below:
Step 1
Unscrew the inside rear panel of the freezer.
Step 2
Locate the coils in there. If only a small part of them are covered with frost and there is a large cluster of ice at one of the upper corners, then it’s a clear case of Freon issue.
Hire a licensed technician to check the freon and refill it if necessary. The technician will also detect any leak causing the issue and fix it.
Faulty Compressor
If your compressor isn’t running long enough, it will affect the efficacy of the freezer. This could be because the compressor overheats and stops working or a non-functional compressor fan.
And if this is the case, the compressor will only run long enough to cool the refrigerator but not the freezer. Therefore, fix or change the compressor fan. Additionally, clean the condenser coils.
Faulty Compressor Relay
The compressor’s relay could be bad. The relay boosts the functioning of the refrigerator’s compressor. If it is bad, the compressor will malfunction. You will hear a clicking noise from the compressor if the relay is bad.
To fix it, remove the relay and shake it lightly. If there is a rattle, consider replacing it. But to be sure, use a multimeter to test it for continuity between its two terminals. If there’s none on it, replace the relay. If the relay also smells as if it is burnt, replace it.
Rarely-used Ice Maker
If you do not regularly use your ice maker, make sure to turn it off. The heating coil under the ice maker functions, whether or not there is water or ice in the ice maker. This makes it difficult for anything close to the ice maker to freeze.
Damaged Door Gasket
It’s necessary to check the freezer door gasket to make sure it is not damaged or broken. If it is, replace it. Gaps between the freezer door and the cabinet will allow warm air into the freezer, thereby making it difficult for the freezer to function at its optimum.
High-Temperature Setting
Also, check to confirm that the set temperature of your freezer isn’t too high. If it is, set it to a lower temperature.
Dirty Condenser Coils
If you’ve not cleaned your refrigerator condenser coils in more than the past six months, then it could be a cause of your freezer not freezing.
Dirty condenser coils reduce the cooling efficacy of the refrigerator. Therefore, use a vacuum cleaner to clean the condenser coils located behind the refrigerator.
Frigidaire Fridge Not Working But Freezer Is
If your Frigidaire fridge is not working while the freezer is, the first ideal thing to do is to check the vents between the freezer and the fridge. There are vents between the two compartments through which cold air passes from the freezer to the fridge to keep it cool.
If the items in the freezer section block the vents, it’ll reduce the amount of air that passes from the freezer to the fridge. As a result, the section will become warm.
Also, make sure the vents open well. Otherwise, the cold air won’t pass through easily.
Faulty Defrost System
If ice builds up on the evaporator coils or even inside the freezer, it indicates a faulty defrost system.
Troubleshoot the defrost timer, defrost heater, defrost thermostat, and defrost control board. Replace any component that is faulty.
Faulty Evaporator Fan
The evaporator fan circulates cold air and moves it from the freezer compartment to that of the fridge. If the fan is in poor working condition, it will malfunction and will not be able to move air to the fridge section.
To fix this, check the condition of the evaporator fan which is located behind the interior rear panel of the refrigerator. Test the fan and its components for continuity with a multimeter. If there is none, replace the faulty part(s).
Damaged Gasket
Check the fridge door gasket to make sure it is not damaged or broken. If it is, replace it. Gaps between the fridge door and the cabinet will allow warm air into the freezer, thereby making it difficult for the fridge to function at its optimum.
Faulty Thermistor
The thermistor checks the temperature of the refrigerator and feeds the control board with readings. Subsequently, the control board determines the power regulation to the fan motor and compressor. A faulty thermistor will make the evaporator fan and compressor either overwork or not function at all.
To fix this, use a multimeter to test the thermistor for continuity. A functional thermistor fluctuates in accordance with the refrigerator’s temperature. If you find none of these on the thermistor, replace it.
Faulty Control Board
If none of the above is the cause of the problem, you may consider checking the control board. But do not replace it until you are sure it is damaged.
Important Notes…
Cut off or switch off the electric power to the refrigerator before starting any troubleshooting or repairs.
Also, make sure to consult your manufacturer’s manual for guidance before purchasing and replacing any part of your refrigerator.
You may need to take pictures of the default position of a part before loosening it. This is to guide you during re-installation.
Additionally, always start with the easiest task when troubleshooting a suspected problem on your refrigerator.
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