8 Frigidaire Refrigerator Temperature Control Problems Solved!
Frigidaire refrigerators are known for their reliability, but like any appliance, they can experience temperature control issues.
These problems can manifest in various ways, such as the refrigerator not cooling but the freezer working fine, the refrigerator not freezing but cooling, or both compartments failing to maintain their respective temperatures.
Other related issues can include a malfunctioning ice maker, water dispenser, or defrost system, or the unit might leak water or freeze food. Fortunately, many of these issues can be addressed through DIY fixes.
Quick Troubleshooting Guide
| Problem | Commonest Cause | DIY Fix |
| Not Cooling But Freezing | Faulty thermistor or defrost thermostat | Test the thermistor and defrost thermostat with a multimeter and replace if necessary |
| Not Freezing But Cooling | Faulty thermistor | Replace the thermistor if it fails to show continuity on a multimeter |
| Not Cooling Or Freezing | Faulty temperature control thermostat | Replace the thermostat if it fails to show continuity on a multimeter |
| Ice Maker Not Working | Warmer freezer | Lower the freezer temperature to 0-10°F |
| Not Dispensing Water | Frozen water supply tube | Defrost the supply tube using hot water |
| Not Defrosting | Defective defrost thermostat | Replace the defrost thermostat if it fails to show continuity on a multimeter |
| Leaking Water | Frozen defrost drain | Defrost the defrost drain using hot water |
| Refrigerator Freezing Food | Faulty thermistor or temperature control thermostat | Replace the faulty thermistor or thermostat if they fail to show continuity on a multimeter |
Common Frigidaire Refrigerator Temperature Control Problems and Their Solutions
Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Cooling But Freezer Is Fine
When the Frigidaire refrigerator is not cooling but the freezer is functioning properly, it can be attributed to the following:
Most Common Cause:
- Faulty Thermistor or Defrost Thermostat: A defective thermistor fails to send signals to the control board, resulting in the evaporator fan and compressor not running. Additionally, a faulty defrost thermostat fails to activate the defrost heater, causing ice to accumulate on the condenser coils and impede cooling.
Solution:
- Test the thermistor and defrost thermostat using a multimeter. Replace any component that does not show continuity.
Other Potential Causes:
- Frosted Evaporator Coils
- Faulty Evaporator Fan Motor
- Defective Temperature Control Board
- Defective Defrost Control Board
- Malfunctioning Defrost Timer
Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Freezing but Cooling
If the Frigidaire refrigerator is not freezing but still cooling, it could be due to the following:
Most Common Cause:
- Faulty Thermistor: A malfunctioning thermistor fails to communicate with the main control, preventing the fans and compressor from lowering the freezing temperature, resulting in increased freezer temperature.
Solution:
- Test the thermistor using a multimeter. If it does not show continuity, replace it.
Other Possible Reasons:
- Faulty Evaporator Fan Motor
- Faulty Condenser Fan Motor
- Clogged Filter
- Failed Compressor
- Defective Main Control
Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Cooling or Freezing
If both the refrigerator and freezer compartments are not cooling, possible causes include:
Most Common Cause:
- Faulty Temperature Control Thermostat: A defective temperature control thermostat fails to send the proper signal to the control board for cooling and freezing operations.
Solution:
- Use a multimeter to check the continuity of the thermostat. If it fails the test, replace it.
Other Reasons:
- Dirty Condenser Coils
- Food Overload
- Faulty Compressor
- Defective Main Control
Frigidaire Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Working
The most common cause of a malfunctioning ice maker in a Frigidaire refrigerator is a higher freezer temperature.
Most Common Cause:
- Warmer Freezer: If the freezer temperature exceeds 10°F, the evaporator coils may become covered in ice, resulting in the ice maker’s failure. This can be caused by a faulty defrost unit or overloading the freezer with food.
Solution:
- Adjust the freezer temperature to the recommended range of 0-10°F. Defrost the evaporator coils if frosty and organize the food to avoid overloading.
Other Possible Causes:
- Faulty Water Inlet Valve
- Low Water Pressure (less than 20 psi)
- Broken Ice Maker or Door Switch
- Clogged Filter
Frigidaire Refrigerator Temperature Too Cold
Having excessively low temperatures in your Frigidaire refrigerator and freezer can lead to problems. If the fridge temperature falls below 37°F and the freezer temperature drops below 0°F, the following issues may arise:
Frigidaire Refrigerator Water Dispenser Not Working
When the freezer temperature is too cold, it can cause the water dispenser in the Frigidaire refrigerator to malfunction. This problem often occurs when the water supply tube freezes due to extremely low temperatures.
Common Cause: Frozen Supply Tube: If the freezer temperature falls below 0°F, the water supply tube can freeze, blocking the water flow to the dispenser.
Solution: Thaw the water supply tube by running hot water through it or by unplugging the unit. Adjust the freezer temperature to a range of 0-10°F.
Other Possible Causes:
- Faulty water inlet valve
- Insufficient water pressure (below 20 psi)
- Malfunctioning door/dispenser switch
- Clogged water filter
- Failing dispenser control board
Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Defrosting
Over time, frost accumulates on the evaporator coils in the refrigerator, and the defrost system is responsible for melting it. However, if the refrigerator’s temperature is set too low, excessive frost can form on the evaporator coils.
Most Common Cause: Defective Defrost Thermostat: A faulty defrost thermostat fails to activate the defrost heater, resulting in continued icing of the evaporator coils.
Other Possible Causes:
- Malfunctioning defrost heater, timer, or control board
Solution: Replace the faulty component to restore proper defrosting.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Leaking Water
Temperature issues, particularly when the refrigerator temperature is set too low, can cause water leakage from the bottom compartment.
Most Common Cause: Frozen Defrost Drain: Low temperatures can cause the defrost drain to freeze, leading to water overflow and leakage from the bottom compartment.
Solution: Flush hot water down the defrost drain to remove the blockage and restore proper drainage.
Other Possible Causes:
- Damaged water filter
- Faulty/damaged water inlet valve
- Leaky water tank
- Broken drain pan
Frigidaire Refrigerator Freezing Food
The refrigerator should cool food, not freeze it. However, if the fridge temperature is colder than the recommended range of 37-42°F, food can freeze.
Most Common Cause: Faulty Thermistor or Temperature Control Thermostat: A defective thermistor or temperature control thermostat can cause the compressor, condenser, and evaporator fan to malfunction. This results in extended refrigerant circulation and excessively low temperatures, causing food to freeze.
Solution: Replace the faulty thermistor or temperature control thermostat if they do not show continuity when tested with a multimeter.
Other Possible Causes:
- Faulty temperature control board
- Stuck damper control
- Failed control board
Resetting the Temperature on a Frigidaire Refrigerator
There are several ways to reset the temperature on a Frigidaire refrigerator:
- Control Panel Reset: Press the power freeze and power cool buttons simultaneously and hold them until the refrigerator resets.
- Filter Reset: Press and hold the filter button for 3 seconds.
- High-Temperature Reset: Press the temperature alarm switch to mute the alarm or press the fridge set button after closing the refrigerator’s door.
- A/V Indicator Reset: Press the indicator switch and wait for about 5 seconds for the fridge to reset.
People Also Ask
Why Is My Frigidaire Refrigerator Temperature Rising?
If the temperature in your Frigidaire refrigerator is rising, it may be due to a malfunctioning temperature control thermostat or filter. To resolve this issue, test these components using a multimeter and replace any faulty temperature regulators.
How Do I Reset the Thermostat On My Frigidaire Refrigerator?
To reset the thermostat on your Frigidaire refrigerator, simply press the filter button for approximately 3 seconds. If this method does not work, try pressing Power Freeze + Power Cool for a similar duration.
Why Is My Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Staying Cold?
If your Frigidaire refrigerator is not maintaining a cold temperature, several factors could be at play. Possible causes include a malfunctioning thermostat or temperature control thermostat, dirty condenser coils, frozen evaporator coils, or an overloaded fridge.
Conclusion
While Frigidaire refrigerators are generally reliable, they can occasionally experience temperature control problems. However, many of these issues can be resolved through simple DIY fixes.
Before reaching out to a professional, consider trying these troubleshooting tips. You might save both time and money in the process.
