Frigidaire Refrigerator Freezing Up

When it comes to refrigerators, Frigidaire is among the best brands on the market.

It is well-known for its wide range of models that not only offer impressive performance but also look great in your kitchen or dining room.

However, like other appliances, technical problems can cause these refrigerators to malfunction, and freezing up is among the most common problems that you might come across.   

There are several causes why this problem can occur, depending upon the type of Frigidaire refrigerator you have, but thankfully we can offer solutions that can be helpful in such cases.

And that is what this guide is all about, as it will help you learn about the possible causes of your Frigidaire refrigerator freezing up while offering effective solutions. 

We’ve even included a section mentioning the causes of your refrigerator not freezing, so let’s get straight to it! 

Common Causes Of A Frigidaire Refrigerator Freezing Up

These are some of the factors that can cause your Frigidaire refrigerator to freeze up:

1. Defective Thermistor

The thermistor monitors the air temperature and transfers the readings to the board, which controls temperature and sends power to the compressor and evaporator fan. A faulty thermistor can result in incorrect readings, causing the compressor and fan to over-perform, resulting in the refrigerator freezing up. 

Test the thermistor using a multimeter, and if you find no change in the resistance corresponding to changes in the temperature, the thermistor is malfunctioning. 

2. Faulty Thermostat

The temperature control thermostat controls the voltage which powers the compressor, the motor of the evaporator fan, and, when required, the fan motor of the condenser. If it does not work properly, the refrigerant can cause the refrigerator to freeze up. 

To check this, turn the thermostat knob from the minimum to the maximum setting and listen for a clicking sound. If this doesn’t happen, check the thermostat for continuity. 

3. Damaged Air Damper

The air damper opens and closes to let a specific amount of air into the refrigerator for maintaining the correct temperature. If it is damaged and does not open or close properly, an excessive amount of cold air can enter the refrigerator, causing it to freeze. 

Check the freezer and the fresh food section to know whether the air damper is functioning properly or not.  

Causes Of Different Frigidaire Refrigerators Freezing Up

There are common issues among all types of refrigerators, but some are more prevalent than others. Let’s take a look at the problems that can occur among Frigidaire refrigerators.

1. Side by Side Refrigerator

A. Faulty Evaporator Unit

Open the rear panel of the freezer section to check the evaporator unit, which contains the evaporator fan, the motor, and the coils. First, check the fan by spinning the blades by hand because if the blades do not spin easily, there might be an issue with the fan. But if they do, then the motor might be malfunctioning.

Use a multimeter to test the motor and if you find that the motor is fine, check the coils. Frozen coils can lead to frost buildup and will need to be manually thawed by defrosting the refrigerator. It also indicates that there could be a problem with the defrost system of the refrigerator. 

B. Malfunctioning Defrost System

This system has a control board, defrost heater and timer. The heater is situated under the evaporator coils, and the freezing capacity of the evaporator unit depends upon the defrost system. And any faults here can cause the unit to freeze up.

In case the evaporator coils are freezing up and the defrost heater is not turning on, it may indicate that the defrost timer is stuck in the cooling mode. Additionally, the control board might be defective, so you will require professional help to check the defrost system. 

2. French Door Refrigerator Ice Maker

A. Clogged Water Filter

A water filter that is clogged can affect the pressure and cause a shortage of water in the ice maker. This can also result in the ice maker freezing up, and, in that case, you will need to get the filter changed.

B. Low Freezer Temperature

A low freezer temperature will cause the water to freeze quickly, so make sure to keep it at a moderate setting, such as 0 degrees Fahrenheit or -18 degrees Celsius. 

C. Malfunctioning Ice Generator

Check the motor of the circuit board or the ice generator, which could malfunction and cause the unit to freeze. You will need to hire a technician to get this issue investigated and resolved correctly.  

D. Clogged Ice Fill Tube Chute

The ice fill tube chute is located behind the ice generator, and if it clogs up, the ice generator will not have proper water supply. So, use hot water in a blaster to melt the ice. 

E. Improperly Positioned Water Line

If the waterline has been embedded deep into the valve, it can cause the water to spill out and freeze near the ice generator. Proper positioning of the waterline is essential to prevent this from happening. 

F. Faulty Inlet Valve

A defective valve can cause the ice cube section to get filled with water in excess of the requirement, freezing up the ice generator. So, make sure that the solenoid is working properly, and get it replaced if it is defective. 

Solutions To Prevent Your Frigidaire Refrigerator From Freezing Up

This section includes some methods you can use to prevent your Frigidaire refrigerator from freezing up.

1. Replacing The Evaporator Unit

A faulty evaporator fan can result in moisture freezing up in the area surrounding it. This can occur due to air leaks from screw holes or loose gaskets, meaning you will need to replace the evaporator unit.  

2. Unclogging The Defrost Drain

A clogged drain can prevent the water that is released during defrosting from reaching the pan, thereby causing it to freeze. 

3. Getting The Thermostat Repaired

A defective temperature control thermostat will be unable to defrost the ice, leading to frost buildup. You will need to get it repaired for optimal functioning. 

4. Getting Professional Help

As mentioned above, there can be various reasons why the coils can freeze, such as a malfunctioning heater or a damaged temperature control board. To get these problems fixed, you will need to hire professional technicians.

Frigidaire Upright Freezer Not Working Properly

Now, let’s look at some reasons why your Frigidaire upright freezer is not freezing.

1. Damaged Door Seal

If the seal of the door has holes or does not work properly, it can cause the cold air to leak out, causing improper cooling within the freezer. 

2. Defective Thermostat

A faulty thermostat can cause improper cooling and will need to be replaced for the freezer to function properly. 

3. Faulty Evaporator Fan Motor

A defective evaporator fan motor will prevent any cold air from entering the freezer, so make sure to check it properly, as explained above. 

4. Frozen Coils Of The Evaporator

If the coils of the evaporator are frozen, it will not be able to remove heat very effectively from the freezer. In this case, unplug the freezer for a few hours to remove the ice and check the defrosting heater for any faults.

5. Malfunctioning Relay

A bad relay can be another cause of the freezer not working properly as the compressor will not be able to run effectively. Test the start as well as the run terminals for continuity and get the relay replaced if it is damaged. 

Final Thoughts

With that, it is time to conclude this guide, but hopefully, it has helped you learn about the leading causes of your Frigidaire refrigerator freezing up. 

Most of these issues can easily be identified at home and do not require much technical expertise, but resolving them will require professional help. Plus, technicians can detect other issues that may be present and inform you about the best way to deal with them. 

It is now time to wrap things up. Until next time!