There are several different possible causes for a freezer that is not freezing but is still running. This problem can be caused by a malfunction in the temperature control thermostat. To fix the problem, simply reset the thermostat or replace the fan motor. If these remedies don’t work, you can call a repair technician to come fix your freezer. In the meantime, here are a few steps to try to resolve the problem:
Replace a condenser fan motor
If your freezer is not freezing, it could be a failing condenser fan motor. Overheating fan motors are caused by a number of issues, including low voltage, mechanical binding, excessive current draw, and airflow obstructions in the condenser unit. In heat pumps, an overheating fan motor may be caused by the compressor motor running during the defrost cycle.
If the condenser fan is not spinning, there may be a problem with the compressor. If the compressor is not working, you should replace it. In newer models, the compressor and condenser coil are both controlled by the same motor. A malfunctioning condenser fan motor will make your refrigerator cycle more frequently, causing it to become inefficient and unusable.
Another problem with a frozen freezer is a faulty thermostat. If the freezer cannot freeze perishables, this means that the thermostat is defective. You can test this by unplugging it from the power and checking for continuity. If there is no continuity, the start relay is probably broken. You can replace the start relay by swapping it out for a new one.
Check the coils
If you’ve noticed that your freezer has stopped freezing, you might need to defrost it. If the freezer isn’t freezing at all, you might need to unplug it to access the coils. It might be the fan motor, which circulates the refrigerant in your freezer. A faulty compressor can also cause this issue. Before you start defrosting your freezer, check the temperature settings.
You’ll want to make sure that the condenser coils in your freezer are clean. Dirt and debris can clog the coils and prevent the freezer from freezing properly. Clean the coils and then turn the freezer back on. If the problem persists, check the defrost timer. Sometimes the defrost timer will malfunction and cause the freezer to run continuously even though it’s not frosted.
Check the door gasket
If your freezer is not freezing at all, chances are that the door gasket is damaged or cracked. If you can see cracks or damage, you should replace it. If you are not sure how to replace it, you can simply use a soft dishcloth to clean the gasket’s surface. Usually, it is not too difficult to replace a refrigerator gasket.
The easiest way to test if the door seal is loose or damaged is to use a dollar bill. Place a piece of paper money inside the freezer and try to remove it. If it is resistant, the gasket is working properly. If not, it needs to be replaced. The dollar bill test will help you to check the gasket’s condition. To test whether the gasket is loose or cracked, insert a dollar bill into one side of the freezer and pull it out. If the dollar bill slides freely in and out of the freezer, the door seal is too loose or damaged.
Before replacing the door gasket, check the hinges of the freezer. The door might not close properly if the hinges are bent or warped. Alternatively, the door gasket may be demagnetized. If this is the case, you can try re-magnetizing the gasket using a strong magnet. If the gasket is still distorted, you can try repairing it by using a gasket repair kit.
Replace a compressor
A common reason for a freezer not freezing but running is a faulty compressor. A compressor is responsible for circulating refrigerant through the coils to keep the temperature at a stable level. Without a compressor, a freezer will not run as cool. Before checking the compressor, you must ensure that all other parts of the freezer are working properly. Before checking the compressor, test the continuity of the coils by using a multi-meter.
A faulty condenser fan can interfere with the compressor’s operation. Try blowing air over the condenser fan to see if it’s interfering with the compressor’s operation. If this is the culprit, you may have a faulty thermostat relay. The thermostat relay controls the compressor’s cooling cycle, so if the fan is not working or the compressor is running intermittently, the problem could be the compressor.
Within the Barrow County Community Service Area, we service the following cities:
Auburn, Statham, Russell, Bethlehem, Braselton, Winder, Carl