Tip & How-To about GE (PSS26MSRSS) Side by Side Refrigerator

Does my refrigerator/freezer need freon?

Often when a refrigerator or freezer no longer cools properly, the first thing that is thought of is "it must be low on freon or refrigerant".

And over 95% of the time, the problem is not caused by lack of refrigerant. It is always assumed, that if the compressor is running, then there must be a leak. On older units (20 years old or more), this is a better possibility than unit's built since, de to the design of the condensors and door mullion warming techniques using refrigerant tubing routing.

But the last thing that you want a technician to do to a sealed system such as units on units like this is to break in to check the refrigerant. For the following reasons -

1) They contaminate the system , regardless how careful they are
2) They disrupt a very, very critical refrigerant charge that is hard to duplicate in the field.
3) It is unlikely that low refrigerant is the problem.

Many techs believe that a unit that is icing is low on refrigerant, when in fact, they are either overcharged, or, in the case of refrigerators or freezers, there is a problem with the defrost controls/circuit, or air flow through the freezer cabinet, or failed door gasket/air leakage into the refrigerator/freezer.

But a unit cannot get overcharged if no one can connect to it to charge it without special tools. So make sure your tech knows what he's doing, and has exhausted all other possibilities of failure before breaking into the refrigerant/freon systems.

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Roper side by side mod #RS25AGXNQ00 not cooling properly, freezer cools between 22 and 25 degrees, frig 42 to 50 degrees no ice on evaporator, no dust on condenser, just not cooling enough could it be thermostat? I can hear compressor click on but don't know if it is cycling. it's not clicking on and off. HELP!

Hi,

If your refrigerator cooling doesn't seem to be working well, and you have no idea what to look for in troubleshooting your problem, there are some things you can do to try to figure out your problem without paying a serviceman to come into your home.
Freezing

Most new refrigerators come with automatic defrosters. Although this is a standard feature the drain hole in the defrosting assembly can get clogged with debris, lime, or even ice. If this happens the defrost will not work and there will be a build-up of ice in your freezer that begins to block the freon from flowing properly and causing heat to react improperly and cause your refrigerator to stop cooling.
Freon

Freon systems in a refrigerator are closed systems but on occasion you may need a recharge. Refrigerators use R-134a freon, just like in an automobile. The old R-12 freon is no longer available, so if you have an older model of refrigerator you will not be able to obtain the freon, and it will be recommended that you replace that refrigerator.
Seals

The seals that are on the door of the refrigerator and freezer can dry rot with time. When you begin to see the seals cracking or warping, if your refrigerator opens more easily than before, or if you see the the door does not close fully without pushing on the door then the gaskets around the doors will need to be replaced. They are held in place by clips and the replacement is an easy fix.
Holes in Lines

Let's face it, many people find ice in their freezer or the back of their refrigerator and will try some self-help without knowledge. They will grab a knife or fork and start chipping away at the ice. This is extremely dangerous. There is a great risk of puncturing a hole in the freon lines by stabbing at the ice. Since freon has the purpose of cooling most ice collects the thickest on the inside of the walls with the freon lines right behind the plastics. A better method of removing the ice is to empty your refrigerator, turn it off and leave the door open. If you want to speed up the process you can turn on a blow dryer and aim it at the edges of the ice. If you aim at the edges you will warm up the ice and create warm water which will flow down and help to separate the ice panel from the wall.
Uneven Refrigerator

If a refrigerator is not even on the floor it may not close properly. Rock your refrigerator and see if it seems to topple from one foot to another. The feet on a refrigerator can be adjusted by screwing in or out and leveling each foot individually until they are all even.
Non-Problem Warming

If your home is hot your refrigerator will work harder. If you put a lot of food in your refrigerator and freezer, your coolant will have to work harder, and it will seem to take longer to cool. It is just that there is a lot of food that is trying to freeze or maintain cool temperatures.
i hope this helpout in solving the problem....
0helpful
1answer

Maytag MTF2155GRW Refrigerator Both freezer and refrigerator are not cold. Fans are blowing warm air in both freezer and refrigerator. Any ideas what is wrong?

Hi,

If your refrigerator cooling doesn't seem to be working well, and you have no idea what to look for in troubleshooting your problem, there are some things you can do to try to figure out your problem without paying a serviceman to come into your home.
Freezing

Most new refrigerators come with automatic defrosters. Although this is a standard feature the drain hole in the defrosting assembly can get clogged with debris, lime, or even ice. If this happens the defrost will not work and there will be a build-up of ice in your freezer that begins to block the freon from flowing properly and causing heat to react improperly and cause your refrigerator to stop cooling.
Freon

Freon systems in a refrigerator are closed systems but on occasion you may need a recharge. Refrigerators use R-134a freon, just like in an automobile. The old R-12 freon is no longer available, so if you have an older model of refrigerator you will not be able to obtain the freon, and it will be recommended that you replace that refrigerator.
Seals

The seals that are on the door of the refrigerator and freezer can dry rot with time. When you begin to see the seals cracking or warping, if your refrigerator opens more easily than before, or if you see the the door does not close fully without pushing on the door then the gaskets around the doors will need to be replaced. They are held in place by clips and the replacement is an easy fix.
Holes in Lines

Let's face it, many people find ice in their freezer or the back of their refrigerator and will try some self-help without knowledge. They will grab a knife or fork and start chipping away at the ice. This is extremely dangerous. There is a great risk of puncturing a hole in the freon lines by stabbing at the ice. Since freon has the purpose of cooling most ice collects the thickest on the inside of the walls with the freon lines right behind the plastics. A better method of removing the ice is to empty your refrigerator, turn it off and leave the door open. If you want to speed up the process you can turn on a blow dryer and aim it at the edges of the ice. If you aim at the edges you will warm up the ice and create warm water which will flow down and help to separate the ice panel from the wall.
Uneven Refrigerator

If a refrigerator is not even on the floor it may not close properly. Rock your refrigerator and see if it seems to topple from one foot to another. The feet on a refrigerator can be adjusted by screwing in or out and leveling each foot individually until they are all even.
Non-Problem Warming

If your home is hot your refrigerator will work harder. If you put a lot of food in your refrigerator and freezer, your coolant will have to work harder, and it will seem to take longer to cool. It is just that there is a lot of food that is trying to freeze or maintain cool temperatures.


Hope this will help in solving the problem......
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1answer

what are the problemswhen the refrigerating machine frost on the suction line?

Hi, It could be low on freon or the unit may not be defrosting properly...
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heatman101

0helpful
1answer

Hotpiont side/side HSS251FMB not cooling

Compressor might be working but you may have lost some freon. Continued operation with low freon can lead to other problems. This may require a service call since recharging freon can only be done by a service professional.
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