Solution #1
posted on Nov 04, 2009
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HI, you will need to inspect the compressor to make sure it is cycling
in intervals. if the compressor is not cycling, this will confirm
compressor failure. The evaporator fan blows cold air into the freezer
and from there it vents into the refrigerator. Occasionally the vents
between the freezer and refrigerator can become clogged with ice, food
or other debris. In most refrigerators the cold control for the
refrigerator opens and closes these vents. That mechanism may become
inoperative resulting in the vents becoming stuck open or closed.
Inspect the vents to determine what is preventing the free flow of air.
An overcrowded refrigerator or freezer may be the cause. In other cases
the vents may need to be cleaned or ice melted away. To remove a build
up of ice, use a hair dryer set to "low". Using a higher setting may
damage the freezer. CAUTION: Do not let melting ice drip onto the hair
dryer. In some models, the vent is located under the temperature
control console. The housing either snaps into place or is held in
place with screws. Remove the screws, or gently depress the retaining
clips with a small screwdriver. Allow the housing to hang by its
wiring. A freezer vent control may also have to be removed to access
the vent. In some freezer-on-top models, it may be necessary to remove
the floor of the freezer to inspect for obstructions.
The condenser coils dissipate heat. If dust and debris accumulate
around the coils, your refrigerator may not be able to cool properly,
it may run continuously or it may stop completely as a result of an
overheated compressor. You should clean rear-mounted coils once a year.
Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning. Refrigerators are heavy, never
tip one forward or backward. Never attempt to move a refrigerator
without an assistant. Vacuum or brush the coils. If coils have a filmy
build-up, use warm soapy water to clean them. Take care not to spill or
drip water onto the components of the refrigerator.You should clean
floor level coils at least twice a year. Unplug the refrigerator before
cleaning. Vacuum or brush the coils. Remove the grill from the front of
the refrigerator and use a vacuum with a wand attachment to remove any
dust and debris. The grill should snap off and on. Pull firmly toward
you and possibly upward to remove the grill. If it does not come off
with a modest effort, check for screws or retaining clips that may hold
it in place.
Another inspection point will be the door seals. This is a easy way for
the cold air to escape from your unit as well. thsi will cause the
temperature to rise. The seal should make smooth continuous contact
with the refrigerator case. When the seal does not seal completely,
warm air enters the appliance. This results in more frequently
compressor operation and possibly the inability of the appliance to
maintain proper temperature. To test the seal, use the dollar bill
test. Place a a dollar bill or a piece of paper between the seal and
the refrigerator and close the door. Now pull the paper out. You should
feel tension as you pull. Retest along the entire door seal. Replace
the seal if the test was unsuccessful.
Next will be the door switch. The interior light in most refrigerators,
and the fan in some, is controlled by a door switch. When the door is
closed, the switch is depressed and the interior light goes off and the
fan resumes normal operation. If the door is misaligned or the switch
malfunctions, the refrigerator may become warm as a result of the
non-operation of the evaporator fan and the heat generated by the
interior light. Test the switch for continuity using a multimeter. Set
the multimeter to the ohms setting X1. Place a probe on each terminal.
The multimeter should change from a reading of infinity to zero when
the probes touch the terminals. With the probes still touching the
terminals depress the switch, the reading should change back to
infinity. If it does not pass both of these tests, the switch should be
replaced.
Be sure to confirm evaporator fan function as well. if the fan is defective, it will prevent proper cooling as well.
This will conclude the most common issue with a under preforming unit.
I would advise to check all the above and, if the unit continues to not
cool after all the above adjustments are made, i will recommend
replacing the cold control device,thermostat and main circuit board.
Concerning the order issue
The door seals form an airtight seal in the refrigerator.Mildew can
form on the door seals, which can cause an unpleasant odor and can
cause the seals to become brittle and crack. Periodically clean the
door seals with a toothbrush and a solution of warm water and baking
soda or water and bleach. Gently pull the seal to expose the folds. Be
careful not to pull too hard or you might tear the seal. This will
prevent the seal from forming correctly, when the unit door is closed.
If they are torn or warped, they cannot form a tight seal with the refrigerator and should be replaced.
Ok, The next order causing area will be the Breaker Strips.
The breaker strips are located just inside the front of the
refrigerator case, near where the door seal makes contact. If the
breaker strips are warped or cracked, they may allow moisture to get
into the insulation between the inner and outer walls of the
refrigerator. This will cause internal mildew, and mold to form, in
return producing a foul order. To remove the breaker strips it is
important to bring them up to room temperature first. If they are too
cold they will be brittle and may crack. To warm the strips you can
open the freezer and allow it to come up to room temperature (wait 2 to
4 hours) or you can soak a towel in warm water and hold it against the
strips to warm them. Determine whether anything must be removed (such
as the control console, or damper), before the breaker strips can be
removed. Attempt to remove the strip by pulling it away from the
refrigerator case(GENTLY). If that does not work, softly, slide a
putty(Or equivalent) knife under the strip. Instead of prying the
strip, slide the knife along the seam, rocking it where necessary to
separate the strip. Some breaker strips are held in place with a
sealant, which will have to be cut with a utility blade.
If the insulation is damp or has an unpleasant odor(Once exposed),
leave the strip off to allow the insulation to dry. (I do Not recommend
using any alternative drying method. Air dry is the best action). You
can Replace the breaker strip, by using a food grade sealant if
necessary.