Frigidaire Refrigerator: fan cycling on and off

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing intermittent fan cycling in your Frigidaire refrigerator? This common issue may lead to rapid on-and-off fan operation, even without the compressor running. It's crucial to identify the underlying cause for optimal cooling performance.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Frigidaire Models

Some reports on Frigidaire models indicate that control board (Adaptive Defrost Control) issues can cause evaporator fan to surge and cycle rapidly even when compressor is off.

Possible Causes

Normal thermostat-driven cycling

How to Identify: Fan cycles on/off in normal intervals coinciding with temperature reaching set point and cooling demand; no abnormal noises, temperatures within range.

Part: Thermostat / temperature control

Improper temperature settings or thermostat misreading

How to Identify: Refrigerator cycles unusually often after recent adjustments to temperature settings or if set too cold; interior temperatures donâ€™t match setting.

Part: Thermostat / user temperature control

Restricted airflow due to internal blockages

How to Identify: Fan runs in short bursts with interior air movement but limited cooling effect; vents blocked by items or frost buildup.

Part: Evaporator vents / internal airflow paths

Dirty condenser coils or poor heat dissipation

How to Identify: Refrigerator cycles often with heat build-up around the back or base of the unit; increased energy use or warm exterior.

Part: Condenser coils

Faulty fan motor starting or electrical signal

How to Identify: Fan attempts to start repeatedly, clicking or struggling to spin before shutting off; may be accompanied by noise or resistance when manually spun.

Part: Evaporator fan motor / wiring

DIY Solutions

Check and adjust thermostat or temperature settings

Easy 5-10 minutes

Locate the temperature control panel.
Verify the current settings are within the recommended range.
Adjust to a slightly less cold setting and monitor fan cycling behavior over a day.

Ensure internal airflow is unblocked

Easy 10-15 minutes

Remove items blocking vents inside the refrigerator and freezer.
Clear heavy frost from vents by allowing defrost or repositioning items.
Ensure shelves arenâ€™t obstructing airflow paths.

Clean condenser coils

Moderate 20-30 minutes

Tools Needed: vacuum with brush attachment, coil brush

Unplug the refrigerator.
Locate the condenser coils (rear or beneath the unit).
Carefully vacuum and brush dust and debris from the coils.

⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before working near coils

Professional Repairs

Replace Adaptive Defrost Control or main control board

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350+

Replace evaporator fan motor

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200+

When to Call a Professional

Persistent rapid cycling despite basic troubleshooting

Fan makes unusual noises or fails mechanical checks

Other cooling performance issues accompany cycling

Preventive Maintenance

Clean condenser coils: Poor heat dissipation and excessive cycling
Frequency: every 6 months
Check door seals: Warm air ingress leading to increased cycle frequency
Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Frigidaire Refrigerator fan cycling on and off?

The fan cycling can be due to normal thermostat operation, temperature misreading, blocked airflow, dirty coils, or a faulty fan motor.

How do I fix Frigidaire Refrigerator fan cycling on and off myself?

Check and adjust the thermostat settings, ensure airflow is clear, and clean the condenser coils to help resolve the issue.

How much does it cost to fix fan cycling on and off?

Professional repairs can range from $150 to $350+ for control board replacements, or $80 to $200+ for an evaporator fan motor.

When should I call a technician for fan cycling on and off?

Call a technician if DIY solutions don't work, especially if the fan cycling is persistent or if you suspect faulty components.

References & Sources

Stop the On-Off Cycle: Fridge Troubleshooting Community

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 evaporator fan motor
Temperature control thermostat malfunction
Dirty condenser coils

User Suggested Solutions

Inspect and replace the evaporator fan motor if faulty. Unplug the refrigerator, remove the back panel inside the freezer, and test the motor for continuity. If it fails, replace it with a compatible motor.
Test the temperature control thermostat. Use a multimeter to check for continuity. If it shows no continuity at the correct temperature setting, replace the thermostat.
Clean the condenser coils. Unplug the refrigerator, locate the coils (usually at the back or bottom), and use a vacuum or brush to remove dust and debris. This can help improve airflow and efficiency.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

Fan between fridge and freezer turns on and off constantly

Community Discussions

Fan between fridge and freezer turns on and off constantly

The evaporator fan motor was faulty and was replaced with a compatible motor from an older unit.