Frigidaire Refrigerator Temperature Control Problems

Frigidaire stands as a prominent player in the refrigerator manufacturing and sales industry within the United States. Nevertheless, they encounter their fair share of challenges.

Their refrigeration units frequently encounter issues, necessitating occasional repairs. Our team of specialists has conducted comprehensive investigations into the prevalent problems associated with Frigidaire refrigerators, along with effective solutions.

How to Troubleshoot Common Frigidaire Refrigerator Temperature Control Problems

Typically, Frigidaire refrigerators perform optimally when the refrigerator compartment maintains a cooling temperature within the range of 37 to 42 degrees Fahrenheit, while the freezer compartment remains at a freezing temperature between 0 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Deviations from these temperature ranges may lead to the emergence of the issues outlined below.

Frigidaire Refrigerator Temperature Too High

When the temperature in a Kenmore refrigerator becomes excessively high, with the freezer exceeding 10 degrees Fahrenheit or the fridge surpassing 42 degrees Fahrenheit, you may encounter any of the following problems:

1. Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Cooling But the Freezer Is Fine

It's not unusual for a Frigidaire refrigerator to experience a lack of cooling in the fridge compartment while the freezer continues to operate correctly. This typically occurs when the refrigerator's temperature rises above the recommended limit of 42 degrees Fahrenheit, while the freezer maintains a temperature within the acceptable range of 0 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

Most Common Cause

A faulty thermistor or defrost thermostat

A malfunctioning thermistor can disrupt the communication with the fridge control board, leading to a failure to activate the evaporator fan and compressor. As a result, the refrigerator does not cool properly.

Conversely, a defective defrost thermostat may not trigger the defrost heater to melt the ice accumulating on the condenser coils. Consequently, the condenser coils become coated with ice, impairing their ability to cool the fridge effectively.

Fix 

You can use a multimeter to examine the thermistor and defrost the thermostat. If either of these temperature control devices doesn't display continuity, it should be replaced.

These factors encompass:

1. Accumulated frost on the evaporator coils.
2. Malfunctioning evaporator fan motor.
3. A malfunctioning temperature control board.
4. A faulty defrost control board.
5. A malfunctioning defrost timer.

2. Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Freezing but Cooling

At times, a Frigidaire refrigerator may experience freezing in the freezer compartment while failing to maintain proper cooling. This situation occurs when the freezer remains warm (above 10 degrees Fahrenheit) while the refrigerator maintains a cold temperature within the range of 37 to 42 degrees Fahrenheit.

Most Common Causes

Faulty thermistor

When a thermistor is malfunctioning, it fails to send the necessary signals to the main control unit, which in turn, cannot command the fans and compressor to lower the freezer's temperature. Consequently, the freezer temperature rises as a result of this malfunction.

Fix 

You can assess the thermistor's functionality by using a multimeter. If it doesn't display continuity (an unbroken electrical path), it's likely defective and should be replaced.

Pros and Cons of frigidaire refrigerator temperature

Pros

• Solid, consistent temperatures
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Bare bones
• No dispensers
• Limited storage options

Differences Between Frigidaire Refrigerators and GE Refrigerators

Frigidaire

Frigidaire refrigerators typically focus on essential features like adjustable shelves, humidity-controlled crisper drawers, and basic temperature controls.

GE

GE offers a broader range of features, including advanced temperature management systems, water and ice dispensers, customizable storage options, and smart technology in some models.

Alternative to frigidaire refrigerator

Haier

Haier offers a variety of compact and budget-friendly refrigerators, making them a suitable choice for smaller spaces or as secondary units.

Other potential causes of the issue include:

1. A malfunctioning evaporator fan motor.
2. A faulty condenser fan motor.
3. A clogged filter.
4. A failed compressor.
5. A defective main control unit.

3. Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Cooling or Freezing

There are several possible explanations when both the refrigerator and the freezer in a fridge warm up simultaneously. These include:

Commonest Cause

Faulty temperature control thermostat

Indeed, a malfunctioning temperature control thermostat has the potential to fail in transmitting the correct signal to the control board, which is essential for regulating the cooling and freezing functions.

Fix 

You can utilize a multimeter to examine the continuity of the thermostat. If it does not indicate continuity, it is likely faulty and should be replaced.

Other Reasons

They include:

1. Accumulated dirt on the condenser coils.
2. Overloading the appliance with food.
3. A malfunctioning compressor.
4. A defective main control unit.

4. Frigidaire Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Working

While there can be various reasons for an ice maker not functioning correctly, an elevated freezer temperature is frequently the most common culprit.

Commonest Cause

Warmer freezer

When the freezer temperature surpasses 10 degrees Fahrenheit (100F), it can lead to the formation of ice on the evaporator coils, which in turn can disrupt the operation of the ice maker. This issue may be attributed to a malfunctioning defrost unit or simply overloading the freezer with food.

Fix 

Modify the freezer's temperature to fall within the range of 0-10 degrees Fahrenheit. Simultaneously, if you find frost on the evaporator coils, perform defrosting, and rearrange the food items to prevent excessive loading.

Other Causes

They include:

1. A malfunctioning water inlet valve.
2. Low water pressure, typically less than 20 psi.
3. A broken ice maker unit or door switch.
4. A clogged water filter.

Frigidaire Refrigerator Temperature Too Cold

Excessively low temperatures, just like excessively high ones, are detrimental to the proper functioning of your Frigidaire refrigerator and freezer. Issues are likely to occur if the fridge and freezer temperatures drop below 37 degrees Fahrenheit and 0 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively.

5. Frigidaire Refrigerator Water Dispenser Not Working

A very cold freezer temperature can lead to the failure of the water dispenser in a Frigidaire refrigerator. Sometimes, the issue of the water dispenser not working occurs independently of any problems with the ice maker and is often associated with excessively low temperatures in the freezer.

Common Cause

Frozen supply tube 

When the freezer temperature drops below 0 degrees Fahrenheit, it can lead to the freezing of the water supply tube. This ice formation can block the water supply, causing the dispenser to stop functioning.

Fix 

Thaw the water supply tube by either flushing it with hot water or disconnecting the appliance. Following this, set the freezer temperature to a range between 0 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit (0-100F).

Other possible causes include:

1. A malfunctioning water inlet valve.
2. Clogged or frozen water lines.
3. A defective water filter.
4. A problem with the dispenser switch or solenoid.
5. Insufficient water pressure.
6. Electrical or wiring issues.
7. Faulty control board or sensor.

6. Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Defrosting

Over time, frost tends to build up on the evaporator coils, and the purpose of the defrost system is to melt this frost. In general, the colder the refrigerator's temperature, the more frost accumulates on the evaporator coils. Regrettably, the defrost system can fail due to any of the following reasons:

Defective defrost thermostat 

When the defrost thermostat is faulty, it fails to activate the defrost heater. Consequently, the evaporator coils will remain covered in ice and frost.

If any of these defrost components, namely the defrost heater, timer, or control board, become defective, the refrigerator unit will not undergo the necessary defrosting process.

Fix 

In the event of a faulty component, it is advisable to replace the defective part to restore proper functionality.

How to Reset Temperature On Frigidaire Refrigerator?

Option 1 – Control Panel Reset

To reset the refrigerator's control panel, including its temperature settings, follow these steps:

1. Identify the "Power Freeze" and "Power Cool" buttons on the control panel.
2. Simultaneously press and hold both of these buttons until the refrigerator resets.

This process will help you reset both the control panel and the temperature settings.

Option 2 – Filter Reset

To perform a filter reset on your refrigerator, follow these steps:

1. Locate the "Filter" button on your refrigerator's control panel.
2. Press and hold the "Filter" button for approximately 3 seconds.

Option 3 – High-Temperature Reset

To silence the temperature alarm in your refrigerator, you can use either of these methods:

1. Press the Temperature Alarm Switch: Locate the temperature alarm switch, typically on the control panel, and press it to mute the alarm.
2. Close the Refrigerator Door and Use the Fridge Set Button: Close the refrigerator door, then press the "Fridge Set" button. This action should also mute the temperature alarm.

Option 3 – A/V Indicator Reset

If your Frigidaire refrigerator is equipped with a V or an indicator, you can reset it by following these steps:

1. Locate the indicator switch on the refrigerator.
2. Press the indicator switch.
3. Allow the refrigerator to approximately 5 seconds to reset.

Conclusion

In conclusion, addressing Frigidaire refrigerator temperature control problems is essential for ensuring the optimal performance and longevity of these appliances. When faced with issues such as incorrect temperature settings, inconsistent cooling, or malfunctioning components, it's crucial to diagnose the root causes and take appropriate corrective actions. This may involve resetting the control panel, checking and replacing faulty components like thermistors or defrost elements, and maintaining proper freezer temperatures to avoid ice buildup.