The freezer works fine, refrigerator section not cooling it is 6 yrs. old, should it need a refrigerant(freon) charge ?

The compressor is the part which cools the refrigerator.---------- First i will explain the working procedure of your sanyo refrigerator.---------- In the refrigerator, there is a part called compressor, the compressor is the part which cools the freezer section, When the freezer reaches its cooling level the defrost cycle starts functioning. In this cycle the fan in the freezer section starts running and the cool air in the freezer section is passed to the fridge section and the fridge section gets cold.--------- So the freezer section cooling/ freezing is must.If freezer is not getting properly cooled or not getting cooled, then fridge section will show the low or no cooling problem.--------------
In your refrigerator, its quite possible that compressor is got weak, nor complete faulty but little bit weak.So when you open and close the fridge or freezer door , the compressor is not that strong to maintain the required temperature.So its working hard to cool inside temperature, but its not doing it quickly as it should.---------.---------- In the compressor there is a refrigerant called FREON.With the help of this Freon the compressor cools the freezer section.Freon is a gaseous type cooling agent.The compressor will stop cooling when coolant gets leaked from its chamber.--------- Again recharging the Freon is possible, but the cost for that recharging is approx the cost of new compressor.So its always advisable to get compressor replaced.Because new compressor has warranty for few years.------------------ You can get required parts from from online sites like: --- www.repairclinic.com or from searspartsdirect online site. --------- ----------------
There is manual reset procedure, sometimes the ice gets frosted all over and blocks the ventilation's for cool air to pass from one section to another, and this also causes problem.So directly going for compressor inspection, before that you can try manual reset procedure and see if that helps.---------

The manual reset procedure is as follows : ----
First unplug the unit from main power outlet. Then empty whole unit completely. Then keep both the doors open. Wait for 24 hours. All the ice collected on the coils and in the freezer section will get melted. Clean the water from the sections. Then Connect the power cord of the unit to main power outlet after 24 hours/.Then set the temperature to normal in both fridge and freezer section. It will take approx 4 to 6 hours for your refrigerator to regain its regular cooling/ freezing .So after 4 to 6 hours check , Is the refrigerator cooling properly or is it taking time or temp is dropping once you open close door. If this problems are not noticed, then reset procedure has helped.------- But if same problem is noticed after reset procedure is followed, then you can get the compressor checked. -------- This should help. Thanks.Helpmech.

Hi,

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heatman101

Its the problem with compressor,The problem is weak compressor.The refrigerant ( R12) in the compressor is got low.The compressor is weak.The compressor needs to be replaced.-------------- The working procedure of this unit is as follows: --- The compressor starts then it cools the freezer section. When the freezer reaches its cooling level the defrost cycle starts functioning. In this cycle the fan in the freezer section starts running and the cool air in the freezer section is passed to the fridge section and the fridge section gets cold. The air from freezer to refrigerator passes from the section, in that section the damper is located.------------ But as you mentioned that freezer not cooling this indicates problem with compressor.When compressor cools the freezer section then fridge section gets cold.If freezer section is not getting properly cold then fridge section will not cool properly/.So the problem relates to compressor.---------- In the compressor there is a refrigerant called FREON.With the help of this Freon the compressor cools the freezer section.Freon is a gaseous type cooling agent.The compressor will stop cooling when coolant gets leaked from its chamber.--------- Again recharging the Freon is possible, but the cost for that recharging is approx the cost of new compressor.So its always advisable to get compressor replaced.Because new compressor has warranty for few years.------------------ You can get required parts from from online sites like: --- www.repairclinic.com or from searspartsdirect online site. --------- This should help.Thanks.Helpmech.

The temperature is not set to high cooling.First check the temperature setting.But if temperature is set right and still the ice cream is not cooling then .Problem relates to weak compressor. ------------- The problem is weak compressor.The refrigerant ( R12) in the compressor is got low.The compressor is weak.The compressor needs to be replaced.-------------- The working procedure of this unit is as follows: --- The compressor starts then it cools the freezer section. When the freezer reaches its cooling level the defrost cycle starts functioning. In this cycle the fan in the freezer section starts running and the cool air in the freezer section is passed to the fridge section and the fridge section gets cold. The air from freezer to refrigerator passes from the section, in that section the damper is located.------------ But as you mentioned that ice cream is not freezing, so that means freezer is not freezing to its required temperature.------- This indicates problem with compressor.When compressor cools the freezer section then fridge section gets cold.If freezer section is not getting properly cold then fridge section will not cool properly/.So the problem relates to compressor.---------- In the compressor there is a refrigerant called FREON.With the help of this Freon the compressor cools the freezer section.Freon is a gaseous type cooling agent.The compressor will stop cooling when coolant gets leaked from its chamber.--------- Again recharging the Freon is possible, but the cost for that recharging is approx the cost of new compressor.So its always advisable to get compressor replaced.Because new compressor has warranty for few years.------------------ You can get required parts from from online sites like: --- www.repairclinic.com or from searspartsdirect online site. --------- This should help.Thanks.Helpmech.

Check the defrost timer.

Hi,

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heatman101

If freezer is working the freon is fine. There is a air flow problem. Air has to circulate between the frig side and the freezer side to cool it.
Eric

1. If you are cutting the system open, like installing a new compressor, repairing a leak, or install a new filter drier, yes, the system would be pumped into a vacuum, but just to add refrigerant, no you can add some without pumping the system into a vacuum.
2. If the freezer side works, the sealed system should be fine. On most refrigerators, all the cooling takes place in the freezer, and the fan in the freezer blows some of that air into the refrigerator section to cool it. It sounds as if you have an air flow issue. I would check the air dampner at the very top back left side of the refrigerator section to see if it is stuck in the closed position, preventing air from entering the fresh foods section. (air exits back out the bottom left back into the freezer compartment)
3. If this unit is indeed under one year old, call GE to request they dispatch a different service tech to assess the situatiion. Try 1-800-386-1215.
4. Oh, almost forgot. The proper factory charge of refrigerant in the system is listed on the model / serial number tag. It will be listed as something like 3.2 or 4.15 Oz (or similar amount) of R-134A. Once extra refrigerant is added or removed, the only way to get an acurate charge is to evacuate the entire system (into a vacuum) and re-charge it with the exact amount of refrigerant.

you need to call out a repair man for the repairs on it it sounds like you may have a freon leak

Yes try to turn with a screw driver if possible. If it start working replace timer. If not it can be low on freon you would see frosting but no cooling.