A Frigidaire refrigerator that keeps running is a cause for concern. It means one or more components are malfunctioning. Let’s discuss possible solutions in this article.
Table of Contents
Frigidaire Refrigerator Water Dispenser Keeps Running – Solved
If the water dispenser on a Frigidaire refrigerator keeps running, check the water inlet valve. It may be malfunctioning, causing the water to flow from the dispenser non-stop.
Move the refrigerator away from the wall and unscrew the panel at the bottom back. You will see the valve on the right side.
If it is leaking, you will know by a pool of water or moisture around and on the valve. Try turning it off and on to see if there is any change. If the leak continues, disconnect the refrigerator from power to see if the water keeps coming out from the dispenser. And if water keeps dispensing, replace the valve.
However, the more likely cause of this problem is a bad main control board. It may not look like it has any issue to the naked eye but it is malfunctioning, causing the constant flow of water from the dispenser.
Since it is an affordable and easy fix, replace the board and see if the problem stops. More likely than not, it will. However, if it does not, report the issue to any Frigidaire service center close to you and request service.
Here is how to replace the main control board on a typical frigidaire refrigerator…
Why Does My Frigidaire Refrigerator Keep Running?
Your Frigidaire refrigerator keeps running for one or more of the following reasons:
- Defrost system is malfunctioning
- The condenser fan is faulty
- Temperature is high
- The door seal is weak
- Condenser coils are dusty
- The evaporator fan is defective
- The main control board is damaged
If any of the components or factors are not working for the refrigerator, you will find it running non-stop. And if this trend continues, the refrigerator will eventually stop running as the compressor will fail.
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Frigidaire Refrigerator Keeps Running – Solutions
The following are possible solutions to a Frigidaire refrigerator that keeps running:
1. Troubleshoot the Defrost System
The system is made up of the defrost timer, defrost thermostat, defrost heater, and defrost control board.
If any of these components malfunctions, the entire system fails. And if this happens, the refrigerator’s defrost cycle will not run smoothly. As a result, you will find that the refrigerator keeps running in an effort to keep a cool temperature.
Therefore, take a small screwdriver and go to the temperature control housing inside the unit. You will see the defrost timer there. The location may also depend on the model you own.
Turn the timer counterclockwise and wait to see if the defrost cycle kicks into action. If it does, give it about 35 minutes for the timer to automatically advance out of the cycle.
If this does not happen, the timer is defective and should be replaced. Otherwise, it won’t activate the heater which, in turn, won’t warm the evaporator coils.
Consequently, the refrigerator will stop cooling and the compressor will start running constantly to lower the rising temperature.
Next, check the defrost heater. You will find it at the base of the evaporator coils. With a multimeter, test the heater to see if you will find continuity.
If it doesn’t show continuity, replace the heater. It has the important duty of warming the coils when they become too cold to avoid freezing.
After this, run a continuity test on the defrost thermostat. It is attached to the top of the coils. If you don’t find continuity, replace the thermostat. It must close its contacts to allow power flow to the heater before the heater can function.
Lastly, check the defrost control board. While it does not get damaged easily, replace it if all the other components check out fine.
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2. Change the Condenser Fan
Start by cleaning the blades to remove any dirt and obstruction. Then, turn them to check how well they turn. If they are free and smooth while turning, it is likely the fan is working fine.
But if the blades show any sign of stiffness, the motor bearing may be weak or worn. To be sure, check the motor for continuity using a multimeter. If there is no continuity, replace the motor.
The fan reduces the amount of heat that goes into the refrigerator by blowing air over the condenser coils and compressor. So if the motor or fan assembly fails, there will be an increase in heat. The refrigerator will start running continuously to keep the internal temperature from rising.
3. Lower the Temperature
You may accidentally change the temperature setting inside the unit. Check to see if the original settings have changed and adjust them accordingly if they have.
But if the freezer and refrigerator temperature settings are correct yet the temperature is high, consider the location of the refrigerator.
If it is in a room with the wrong ambient temperature, it will affect how well it cools. And if it does not cool as it should, it will pick up running constantly.
Use a humidifier or air conditioner to make the room cooler if it is too hot. But use a heater to make it a little warmer if it is too cold.
Another factor to check is heat hitting it directly. Is it in the path of direct sunlight? Is there a radiator, stove, cooker, or oven close to it? These easily radiate heat and undermine the cooling capacity of the refrigerator close to them.
If you can, move the unit to another part of the house that is conducive. Otherwise, you may have to lower the temperature setting to accommodate the heat.
4. Fix the Door Seal
Open the door of the refrigerator and close it on a dollar bill. Now, try to pull the bill out. If you easily pull it out, the seal is weak and should be replaced. But first, check to see if it is simply loose or dirty.
Looseness can be fixed. Just gently push it into the door frame with a small screwdriver. And if it is dirty, clean it by rubbing it firmly with a rag soaked in soapy warm water.
The internal temperature is compromised when the seal on the door is dirty, weak, or loose. Warm air, laden with moisture, easily seeps into the unit and causes a temperature rise. In a bid to maintain the right temperature, the refrigerator begins to run continuously.
5. Dust the Condenser Coils
Take a vacuum cleaner with a brush attached to it and dust the coils. You can also use a condenser coil cleaning brush. Make sure to remove all the dust. Then, wipe the coils with a rag to remove any remaining dust and dirt.
The coils play a role in determining how much heat goes into the refrigerator. As the refrigerant passes through them during the compression process, they remove the heat so the refrigerator does not carry it.
But when the coils become noticeably dirty, they cannot remove the heat efficiently. As a result, the heat builds up in the refrigerator, compromising its temperature. It keeps running to lower the temperature.
6. Replace the Evaporator Fan
Begin the test by opening the door of the freezer. As you do this, the motor of the fan behind the back panel in the freezer stops running. Next, press the door switch. This activates it and gets the motor up and running again.
If the motor does not start running again after you activate the switch, something is wrong. Remove the fan and check the blades. Clean and spin them. If they don’t spin well, the motor is likely defective.
Take a multimeter and check for continuity in the motor. If there is no visible continuity or infinite resistance, replace the motor.
The refrigerator won’t cool properly or at all if the motor of the fan is defective. This is because the fan spreads cold air in the unit after passing the air over the cooling coils. Because of this, the compressor starts running round the clock to keep the refrigerator cold. So you find the refrigerator keeps running.
7. Get a New Main Control Board
Due to the fact that the board controls how the refrigerator functions, it is important to check it. But do this after making sure the other components are in good working condition.
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Frigidaire Refrigerator Fan Keeps Running – What to Do
Check the temperature in the refrigerator if you find that the condenser fan keeps running. More likely than not, the compressor is also running constantly. This means the temperature is rising and the cooling system is trying to lower it.
Be sure that the door gasket is sealing tightly and there is proper leveling to help the suction of the door. A properly leveled refrigerator helps the door pull shut by itself and hold the suction so it doesn’t open easily.
Also, check for any heat source around the unit. Adjust the temperature inside the refrigerator, avoid storing hot food, and keep it away from direct sunlight. These contribute to making the unit’s internal temperature warm.
Keep from frequently opening the refrigerator door and holding it open for extended periods. It loses cold air fast and warm air enters freely. Therefore, it will have a hard time maintaining a cool temperature.
Recap
It is important to fix a Frigidaire refrigerator that keeps running in order to preserve the compressor and other parts. Following the troubleshooting steps in this article will help you solve this problem.
However, contact Frigidaire to report the issue of constant running if none of the fixes works. You can opt to use our appliance technicians to find the origin of the problem and fix it permanently. Chat with them using the chatbox to your right.
Remember to disconnect the refrigerator from electric power before taking any troubleshooting steps. This is the first step in preventing accidental electrocution.
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