Electrolux Refrigerator: not freezing

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Electrolux refrigerator not freezing? If the freezer compartment isn't reaching about 0°F, while the fridge seems cold, your frozen food may be softening. This issue can stem from several common problems, including fan motor failures or airflow blockages.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Electrolux Models

  • Electrolux troubleshooting emphasizes checking start relay, evaporator fan motor, condenser fan motor, and control boards as common causes for freezer not freezing.

Possible Causes

Faulty evaporator fan motor

How to Identify: No airflow or fan noise in freezer when door open; freezer remains warm while fridge may stay cool.

Part: Evaporator fan motor

Condenser fan motor failure

How to Identify: Fan not running at back of fridge, compressor may overheat and freezer fails to maintain cold.

Part: Condenser fan motor

Faulty start relay / start device

How to Identify: Compressor not starting or humming/clicking; tests with multimeter show no continuity; burnt odor from relay.

Part: Start relay or start device

Defective compressor or inverter/main control board

How to Identify: Compressor does not run at all after relay tests pass; fridge and freezer both fail to cool properly.

Part: Compressor or control boards

Airflow blockage inside freezer

How to Identify: Items blocking internal vents prevent cold air circulation; reducing load improves cooling.

Part: Internal air vents

Dirty or blocked condenser coils

How to Identify: Coils dirty with dust/debris, unit overheats or works inefficiently, reduced cooling capacity.

Part: Condenser coils

Door gasket or seal issues

How to Identify: Warm air entering freezer; gasket visibly worn or does not seal when tested with paper/dollar bill.

Part: Freezer door gasket

DIY Solutions

Clear internal airflow obstructions

Easy 10-15 minutes
  1. Remove items blocking internal air vents and rearrange freezer contents.
  2. Ensure vents between freezer and fridge sections are unobstructed for proper cold air circulation.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is not needed to be disconnected as this is a simple interior rearrangement.

Clean condenser coils

Moderate 20-30 minutes
Tools Needed: vacuum with brush attachment, coil cleaning brush
  1. Unplug the refrigerator.
  2. Locate condenser coils (usually at the back or under front toe kick).
  3. Use the vacuum brush to remove dust and debris from coils.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before working on coils.

Check and test evaporator/condenser fans

Moderate 30-45 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, multimeter
  1. Unplug refrigerator and remove access panel to locate fan motors.
  2. Check if fan blades spin freely and test motor continuity with multimeter.
  3. Replace fan motor if continuity fails.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power, handle fans carefully.

Professional Repairs

Replace start relay/start device

Estimated Cost: $30 - $80

Compressor/inverter/main control board replacement

Estimated Cost: $200 - $800+ depending on part

Replace evaporator or condenser fan motors

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150 per motor

When to Call a Professional

Compressor fails to run even after start relay/device confirmed good
Refrigerant leak suspected (hissing noises or lack of cooling with normal fan operation)
Defrost system or main control board suspected to be malfunctioning
Evaporator or condenser fan motor replacement is needed but DIY testing shows complex wiring issues

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean condenser coils: Reduced cooling efficiency due to dust buildup
    Frequency: every 6 months
  • Check door gasket seal: Warm air entering freezer reducing freeze capacity
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Electrolux Refrigerator not freezing?
Common causes include a faulty evaporator fan, condenser fan failure, or airflow blockages.
How do I fix Electrolux Refrigerator not freezing myself?
Clear airflow blockages, clean condenser coils, and test the fan motors.
How much does it cost to fix not freezing?
Costs range from $30-$80 for a start relay to $200-$800+ for compressor repairs.
When should I call a technician for not freezing?
Call a technician if DIY fixes don't work or if the issue involves the compressor or control board.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty thermostat preventing the compressor from functioning properly
  • Dirty condenser coils leading to inadequate cooling
  • Malfunctioning defrost timer or heater causing ice buildup

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check and replace the thermostat if faulty. First, unplug the refrigerator. Locate the thermostat, typically near the temperature control. Use a multimeter to test for continuity. If it shows no continuity, replace it with a new one.

  2. Clean the condenser coils. Unplug the refrigerator and locate the coils, usually at the back or beneath the unit. Use a vacuum or brush to remove dust and debris. Plug the refrigerator back in and monitor for improvement.

  3. Inspect and test the defrost timer and heater. Unplug the refrigerator and locate the defrost timer, often found near the compressor. Use a multimeter to check the timer for proper function. If it's defective, replace it. Also, check the defrost heater for continuity and replace if necessary.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Electrolux icon side by side not freezing

Community Discussions

freezer not freezing

Check for iced-up coils and test defrost components.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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