A refrigerator, like most electrical appliances, could develop different problems. In this article, we discuss Frigidaire refrigerator problems and how to solve them quickly.
Table of Contents
Frigidaire Refrigerator Condensation Problems – How to Fix
If you notice a lot of condensation in your Frigidaire refrigerator, the following are possible fixes:
1. Close the Door Tightly
Whenever you use the refrigerator, always check to be sure you close it tightly. Sometimes, you may nudge the door and expect it to close by itself. But it ends up remaining slightly ajar.
Through that small crack in the door, warm air seeps into the unit. If it continues to happen, the moisture in the air will build up and form condensation. Moreover, it will compromise the cold internal temperature.
2. Adjust the Temperature Settings
Apart from not closing the refrigerator door properly, the improperly set temperature is one of the commonest causes of condensation problems. Take a look at the settings to be sure they are at the correct point.
To help keep condensation away, it is important to set the freezer temperature at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or -12 degrees Celsius. If you must take it higher, it should not exceed 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the temperature of the fresh food section between 37 degrees and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
A high temperature inside the refrigerator causes frost to turn to condensation. Therefore, it is important to keep the refrigerator cold as much as you can.
3. Fix the Door Gasket
The door gasket does not weaken or get damaged easily unless through a deliberate attempt. But it can eventually wear out and when it does, warm air enters the refrigerator easily.
Take a look at the gasket. You can tell if it has loosened by just looking at it. The gasket may be sticking out of shape, meaning you need to adjust it. With a small screwdriver, push the gasket back into place.
For weakness, close the door on a piece of paper or a dollar bill. Now, try to pull the paper or bill out without opening the door. If you can pull it out, replace the gasket. It is letting cold air out, warm air in compromising the temperature and causing condensation.
4. Level the Refrigerator
If the refrigerator is not properly leveled, it would cause some problems, including poor draining. And when the unit does not drain as it should, condensation occurs.
The water stores, freezes, melts to form condensation, refreezes, and keeps repeating the cycle. Therefore, consult the user manual for the refrigerator to see how to level the unit.
Usually, though, you can turn the refrigerator legs or feet to the left or right using a pair of pliers.
5. Replace the Drain Pan
If the refrigerator is leveled yet water does not drain fully, consider the drain pan. It may be clogged with debris, causing water to flow back up the drain tube and pool in the refrigerator. It may also be old and unable to perform its duty anymore.
Therefore, find the location of the pan; it is usually under the unit in most models. Empty and clean it with warm water and bleach. Replace it and make sure the drain is clear of debris.
However, if the pan is old and cracked, you have to replace it.
In the event of being unable to find and clean the pan, contact a qualified refrigerator service agent to do the job for you.
6. Allow Food to Cool
Storing hot food is one sure way to cause condensation in the refrigerator. The same is true when you store water-rich foods without waiting for them to drip dry or packing them in proper containers.
The heat from the food melts frost which forms condensation. And if this is a habit for you, you will always have condensation problems in your Frigidaire refrigerator.
Leave the food out to cool completely before storing it. For water-rich foods, use containers to store them or put them in vegetable drawers inside the unit. This way, the water from them does not flood the refrigerator and contribute to the problem.
You may also want to check the defrost system of the refrigerator if it defrosts automatically. Not all excess water pooling at the refrigerator’s bottom is a result of condensation.
Note: Even if the refrigerator is frost-free, it can develop condensation problems if the gasket is weak, you open it frequently, or store hot food regularly.
Check out these other articles…
Frigidaire Refrigerator Keeps Running [How to Fix]
Frigidaire Fridge Keeps Turning Off [Quick Fix]
Frigidaire Refrigerator Has Low Water Pressure [How to Fix]
Frigidaire Refrigerator Making Noise [How to Fix]
Frigidaire Refrigerator Is Not Working [How To Fix It]
Frigidaire Refrigerator Problems – Not Cooling
There are few components of the refrigerator to check if you find that it is not cooling:
- Evaporator fan motor – circulates cold air in the refrigerator.
2. Condenser fan motor – cools the compressor and coils to prevent overheating.
3. Condenser coils – dissipate heat to prevent transference to the refrigerator.
4. Start relay – helps the compressor to run and cool the refrigerator.
5. Thermistor – senses the internal temperature and triggers the control board to send power to the cooling system.
6. Temperature control thermostat – directs voltage to the compressor and fan motors.
To learn how to troubleshoot and fix each component, check out this article that explains the problem.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Temperature Control Problems – Solutions
If there are problems with the temperature controls of your Frigidaire refrigerator, it could mean that the controls need to be replaced.
But before replacing them, determine whether or not the problem is from the controls. It could be that other components are causing the control problems.
Clean the compressor and condenser coils. Be sure to clean them at least once every year. If this does not solve the problem, adjust the temperature to a colder setting.
Set the freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit and the fresh food at 37 degrees Fahrenheit. Give it about 24 hours and check to see if there is an improvement.
Another factor to consider is the door seal. It may be compromising the temperature and making the controls seem ineffective. Poor door alignment also affects the temperature.
Additionally, ensure the air vents are not obstructed and the refrigerator is not too full. These factors affect the cooling capacity of the unit.
When all else fails, you may have to replace the temperature controls. If you are going to do it yourself and you can access the controls, do the following:
Step 1
Disconnect the refrigerator from power.
Step 2
Lift the control panel’s front cover off its base. When you d so, you are likely to find a little cylindrical tube made of copper. There should be a sensor bulb attached to one of its ends.
If all the tube is visible to you, then you know the control is easy to replace. Otherwise, find a reliable refrigerator technician to fix it.
Step 3
Note where all the wires go before disconnecting anything. Take photos; they help a lot during reconnection.
Step 4
Remove the tube and switch. Then, take them to the nearest reliable refrigerator parts store and buy replacements using the serial and model numbers of the refrigerator.
Note: Don’t fold or bend the new tube because it contains some liquid. If you do, you damage it irreparably.
Step 5
Fix the tube and switch you just bought into place using the photos you took. Replace the control panel’s front cover.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Door Problems – Solutions
The following are common door problems in a Frigidaire refrigerator and how to fix them:
1. Door Not Shutting Properly
Ensure the gasket is clean and tight. If it is dirty, it will keep the door from sealing tightly. Clean it using warm water, soap, and a soft cloth. Scrub it thoroughly without being forceful.
If the gasket is loose, tighten it by pushing it in with a screwdriver. Be careful while doing this so you don’t puncture the gasket.
Check the door alignment. It may be out of place, especially if you recently bought the unit or removed and replaced the door. If you need to realign it, use the manual for the unit.
Inspect the feet of the refrigerator for proper leveling if the door is aligned but isn’t closing tightly. If they need to be leveled, use a pair of pliers to turn them counterclockwise or clockwise to lower or raise them.
Do this until the leveling is correct, with the front of the refrigerator being a little higher than the back.
Make sure there are not contents sticking out and keeping the door from closing properly. Rearrange the items inside, away from the door, and try closing it fully.
2. Door Making Popping Noise
Turn off the temperature controls of the refrigerator inside the refrigerator. Then, disconnect the unit from electric power. If there is any item in the refrigerator door, remove it and store it elsewhere.
Close the door and go to the top of the door. You will see the hinge there, with a cover on it. The cover keeps the hinge from plain sight. One screw usually holds it in place. Unthread the screw and remove the cover.
Take a socket wrench and fix a ⅜ inch socket to it. Using this tool, take the two ⅜ inch bolts holding the hinge in place out of the way and remove the hinge.
Hold the handle and side of the door and lift it off the hinge at the bottom. Lay it on a strong and flat surface. Next, look at the bottom hinge for the closing cam, a component that looks like a plastic ring.
Check to see if it is broken or damaged in any way. If it is, you need to replace it. There are 3 tiny slots at the top of the cam. Fix a flat-blade screwdriver into them and loosen the cam to remove it.
Get a new cam and fix it in place of the damaged one. Fit the door back into position on the refrigerator and replace the top hinge with its cover.
The popping noise you hear is the broken closing cam. It may not affect the cooling of the refrigerator adversely but it may affect the door in the long run.
3. Door Sagging
Remove the single screw holding the hinge cover in place and unthread the screws on the hinge. Now, move the door to align it with the other door or the refrigerator top. Replace the hinge and cover when you are sure the door is no longer sagging.
If the problem is on the bottom door, go to the middle hinge and adjust it. Never touch the bottom hinge if you are trying to align a side-by-side door or a top door.
This problem is common with side-by-side models. Constantly opening and closing one side usually causes the other one to sag and go out of alignment.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Defrost Problems – Quick Fix
If your Frigidaire refrigerator has defrost problems, troubleshoot the following components to fix it:
1. Defrost Timer
Turn the dial of the timer slowly to take it into the defrost cycle. When you do this, the defrost heater comes on and the compressor goes off. That is if the timer is working well.
After 30 to 35 minutes, the timer should advance out of the defrost cycle automatically. If this does not happen, replace the timer.
The defrost timer has the job of sending power to the components of the defrost system. The heater comes on to warm the evaporator coils, melting any frost accumulated on them. If the timer fails, the defrost cycle won’t happen. And as a result, the refrigerator may have cooling problems.
2. Defrost Control Board
A faulty board is another top reason why a refrigerator develops defrost problems. If there is any damage to it, the defrost cycle becomes warped. This is because it controls how the cycle runs and how often.
However, it is important to point out that the board rarely fails. Therefore, if there is a problem with the defrost cycle, check other components first before checking the board.
3. Defrost Thermostat
With a multimeter, test the thermostat to check whether or not it has continuity or infinite resistance. It is usually attached to the top of the evaporator coils. If there is no continuity even at its lowest temperature range, replace it.
This defrost system component keeps an eye on the evaporator coils to check the temperature. When they become too cold, the thermostat allows enough power to flow to the heater by closing its contacts.
However, if it is malfunctioning, the thermostat won’t be able to close its contacts. Consequently, the heater won’t receive the needed power to work, thereby creating problems with the defrost cycle.
4. Defrost Heater
Using a multimeter, check the defrost heater to see whether or not it has continuity. If you find no continuity, replace the heater. This is probably the easiest component to test.
Power flows to the heater from the control board through the thermostat. It turns on to melt the frost off of the cooling coils so they don’t freeze. But if the heater is defective, frost piles on the coils and there would be no cold air in the refrigerator.
5. Defrost Sensor
This component has the same job as the thermostat. But it comes with a backup fuse in the event it fails.
Check both the fuse and sensor for continuity with a multimeter. If you don’t find continuity, replace the sensor.
If the sensor fails, the fuse blows in order to stop the operation of the heater. And if the fuse blows, the system stops working.
6. Main Control Board
The control board supplies and regulates electric power to all components of the refrigerator. So, if the board malfunctions, the defrost won’t work.
Be sure to check all the other components before checking the board. It is so easy to misdiagnose it and many good controls boards have been discarded due to poor diagnosis.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Ice Dispenser Problems – Solved
Check the following parts if the ice dispenser in your Frigidaire refrigerator has problems:
- Dispenser control board – controls how the entire dispenser works.
2. Auger motor – controls the blade to push ice out of the mold into the ice bucket.
3. Ice bucket auger – rotates ice to move it to the dispenser chute for dispensing.
4. Dispenser solenoid – operates the door flap through which ice passes to the chute.
5. Dispenser actuator – powers the motor of the auger.
6. Dispenser switch – controls the operation of the ice dispenser
Check out this article to learn more about these components, troubleshoot and fix them.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Ice Maker Problems – How to Fix
If there are problems with your Frigidaire refrigerator ice maker, the following are ways to fix them:
1. Ice Maker Not Working
The following are possible causes why the ice maker is not working:
- Switch is off
2. Temperature is too high
3. Door seal is faulty
4. Water filter is clogged
5. Water pressure is too low
6. Door switch is defective
7. Water inlet valve is malfunctioning
8. Ice maker is bad
This article is a detailed explanation of each component’s responsibility and how to fix a faulty one.
2. Ice Maker Not Getting Water
The following are possible causes why the ice maker in your Frigidaire refrigerator is not getting water:
- Water supply valve is closed
2. Water filter is old
3. Water line is frozen
Read this article to learn how to solve these problems.
3. Ice Maker Making Small Cubes
Check the water filter. It is either old or not properly installed. If you have been using the filter for over 6 months, replace it. But if you recently changed it, remove it and check for any damage or dirt on the head. Replace it if you find any.
The problem could also stem from low water pressure. The water valve is unable to deliver enough water to the ice maker, thereby cutting down the number and size of ice produced. Check the pressure and increase it if it is lower than 20psi.
You can also check the water supply line for kinks or creases. Straighten it if it is necessary. In addition, turn the supply valve to be sure it is open all the way. Otherwise, it will inhibit how much water flows to the ice maker.
4. Ice Clumping Together
Use the ice from the ice bucket more often if you find that your refrigerator dispenses clumped ice. The problem is not from the ice maker; it is from infrequent ice use.
When ice stays in the bucket for too long, it melts and refreezes, fusing together in the process. The same applies if there is a power outage for an extended period.
Note: Using dispensed ice twice every week keeps it from clumping together.
5. Ice Maker Making Dirty or Cloudy Ice
Change the water filter and clean the ice bucket. Mineral deposits in the filter with constant use contaminate the water, especially if the filter is overdue for a change.
And if the ice bucket has not been cleaned in a long time or never, it is time to do so. Remove it from under the ice maker and empty it. Pour hot water into it and add mild soap. Wash it thoroughly.
Rinse it under running water and dry it completely. It helps to leave it out for a little while so it can air-dry. If you insert it while it is still wet, the moisture will freeze and form frost or ice, causing problems.
However, cloudy ice is normal unless it is slightly brown or yellow. If the color is white, there is nothing wrong with it. The force of the water and the mineral deposits, which are healthy, cause the cloudiness you see.
6. Ice Maker Freezing
Check the compartment of the ice maker for cracks or openings. Shine a flashlight under the compartment and check whether or not the light is bright within the compartment.
If it is, you need to seal it. Get Epoxy, which is a food-grade sealant, and run it along the left side and back of the interior of the compartment. That means you have to remove the ice maker and fan assembly.
But if the compartment has no crack, check the gasket of the ice bucket. It may be weak or loose. Replace it if it is weak and push it into place if it is simply loose.
You can also check the door flap of the ice or dispenser chute. It should lie flush to the chute housing. If it does not, check for any piece of ice or debris that might be holding it open.
Remove it and flush the shute with warm water to remove any other object. Then, make sure the flap closes properly.
When all else fails, you may have to replace the ice maker. A defective ice maker can cause different problems, including undue freezing.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Leaking Water Problems – Solutions
The following are solutions to a Frigidaire refrigerator leaking water:
- Unclog the drain hole
2. Level the refrigerator
3. Empty the drain pan
4. Check the water inlet valve
5. Inspect the water tank
Here is an article that explains the solutions in detail.
If the leakage is from the water dispenser, check the water supply line and vinyl tubing. It is important to find the origin and fix it immediately. This article discusses how to solve the problem.
And if the water is leaking from the water filter, here are things to do:
- Check the water filter housing for cracks
2. Inspect the water filter head for dirt or damage
3. Uninstall and reinstall the water filter
4. The water filter seal is torn or missing
5. Use the right type of water filter
The steps for each solution are discussed in more detail in this article, including how to replace the filter housing.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Noise Problems – What to Do
The following are different noises a frigidaire refrigerator can make and what to do about them:
Knocking noise – level the refrigerator or create enough space around it.
Buzzing noise – usually normal unless it is loud. If it is, check the ice maker, water inlet valve, water supply valve, and water line to the ice maker.
Clicking noise – this comes from the compressor but is caused by a faulty start relay or overload device, dirty coils, or defective condenser fan motor.
Beeping Noise – check the door alarm and temperature alarm.
Loud noise – the culprits are usually a loose drain pan, faulty evaporator fan motor or condenser fan motor, water inlet valve, and the compressor.
Noise from the freezer section – check the motor of the evaporator fan or its blades. There may be ice accumulation.
Compressor noise – it may be loose springs or a faulty start relay causing the compressor to click. It may also be due to a failing compressor.
Noise from water dispenser – check water filter, water filter housing, and water inlet valve.
Gurgling noise – usually normal but check the water line for leaks.
Grinding noise – take a look at the evaporator fan.
Groaning noise – a malfunctioning ice maker makes this noise as it tries to push out ice from the mold.
Humming noise – normal unless it is excessively loud.
Noise from ice maker – check the water supply valve and the water line.
Popping noise – the closing cam on the door hinge may be broken. However, sometimes, this noise is normal when it comes from other parts of the refrigerator.
Rattling noise – usually comes from a loose drain pan.
Squeaking noise – usually comes from the motor of the evaporator fan.
Sizzling noise – comes from water dripping onto the defrost heater. It is normal.
Ticking noise – comes from the defrost timer.
Vibrating noise – check the compressor for looseness on its holding plate. Also, check spacing around the refrigerator.
Whistling noise – normal noise from the compressor as it works to cool the freezer.
Read this in-depth article to learn how to fix each noise from the refrigerator.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Seal Problem – Quick Fix
A seal can be worn, loose or dirty. If a door seal in a Frigidaire refrigerator or freezer is worn, it needs a replacement. But to accurately determine whether or not it is worn, open the door and close it on a sheet of paper.
See if you can pull the paper out with the door closed. If you can, it is a confirmation that you need to replace the seal.
If the seal is loose but not worn, you can tell by using the same trick. And f it works, simply push the seal into its place with a small screwdriver. Usually, it sticks out and looks disjointed.
However, if it is dirty, clean it with soap and warm water. Scrub it as dirt on the seal tends to be stubborn. Wipe it clean and repeat the process if there is still dirt on it.
All the above can cause the door of the refrigerator to not create a tight seal. If this happens, the internal temperature becomes compromised and this can lead to other problems with the refrigerator.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Water Filter Problems – Solved
A water filter gets old from constant use. Every six months, the filter should be replaced if the water is to remain clean enough for consumption.
But a clogged filter constricts the flow of water to the water dispenser and ice maker. This can cause hollow or small cubes. It can even contaminate water, causing ice to have dirt in it.
Replace the filter if it is older than six months. And if you live in an area that sees regular construction, replace the filter more often.
Another possible problem with a water filter is using the wrong type for your refrigerator model. You may see water leaking, or the filter just won’t work at all.
There is also damage to the head of the filter, which is yet another problem. Water will leak from the filter, or it won’t fit at all.
Additionally, the filter housing may need to be replaced as it is unable to hold the filter anymore. Consider checking it for cracks.
Recap
There are a number of Frigidaire refrigerator problems, the same with any other refrigerator. But it is important to find a solution to any of these problems.
Fortunately, many of them are easy to fix, and following this article helps you fix them faster. So if you have DIY skills, you save yourself some money.
However, if you’d rather have a professional eye on it, contact Frigidaire to report the issue and request service.
Alternatively, use any of our appliance technicians.
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