Frigidaire Refrigerator: fan running continuously

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Frigidaire refrigerator's fan running continuously? This often indicates an issue such as dirty condenser coils, incorrect temperature settings, or a faulty thermistor. While it may keep your food cool, understanding the cause can save energy and prolong the appliance's life.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Frigidaire Models

  • Frigidaire acknowledges extended run times can be normal, especially in warm conditions or after frequent door openings

Possible Causes

Normal extended run due to ambient conditions or door use

How to Identify: Refrigerator runs longer after warm weather, frequent door openings, or recent large loads but still cycles normally over time

Part: Compressor & thermostat

Incorrect temperature settings

How to Identify: Settings too cold causing continuous cooling and fan operation

Part: Temperature controls/thermostat

Dirty condenser coils reducing efficiency

How to Identify: Coils covered in dust/debris, poor heat dissipation, hotter external surfaces

Part: Condenser coils

Door gasket seal failure causing warm air ingress

How to Identify: Visual gaps or torn gasket, cold air loss, humidity inside fridge/freezer

Part: Door gasket

Defrost system malfunction leading to frost buildup

How to Identify: Frost/ice visible on evaporator coils, fridge never enters defrost cycle

Part: Defrost heater, defrost thermostat, defrost control/timer

Faulty thermistor (temperature sensor) sending incorrect temps

How to Identify: Multimeter shows no resistance change with temperature, fridge overcools

Part: Thermistor

Control board defect preventing proper cycling

How to Identify: Other components verified good but continuous run persists

Part: Control board

DIY Solutions

Clean condenser coils

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: vacuum with brush attachment, coil cleaning brush
  1. Unplug refrigerator and pull it away from wall
  2. Remove access panel to condenser coils
  3. Use vacuum brush to clean coils thoroughly
  4. Reassemble and plug fridge back in
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug before servicing coils

Inspect and seal/replace door gasket

Easy To Moderate 15-45 minutes
Tools Needed: soapy water, replacement gasket if needed
  1. Close doors on a paper strip to check seal
  2. Inspect gasket for tears or gaps
  3. Clean gasket and frame
  4. Replace gasket if damaged

Adjust temperature settings

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Check fridge/freezer thermostat settings
  2. Adjust to manufacturer-recommended temperatures
  3. Monitor operation over next day

Manual defrost to detect frost buildup

Moderate 2–4 hours (unplug time)
  1. Unplug fridge and empty contents
  2. Leave doors open to thaw frost
  3. Clean water and restart fridge
  4. Monitor if continuous running reduces
⚠️ Safety First: Food safety when unplugged

Professional Repairs

Replace defrost system components

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

Replace thermistor (temperature sensor)

Estimated Cost: $50 - $120

Control board replacement

Estimated Cost: $200 - $500

When to Call a Professional

Visible frost buildup or defrost system failure
Thermistor or control board testing needed
Coils or gasket issues are ruled out but continuous run persists

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean condenser coils: Overworking compressor and continuous fan run
    Frequency: every 6 months
  • Inspect door gaskets: Warm air intrusion leading to extended runs
    Frequency: quarterly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Frigidaire Refrigerator fan running continuously?
Common causes include ambient conditions, dirty condenser coils, and faulty thermistors.
How do I fix Frigidaire Refrigerator fan running continuously myself?
Clean condenser coils, check temperature settings, and inspect door gaskets.
How much does it cost to fix fan running continuously?
Professional repairs range from $50 for a thermistor to $500 for a control board replacement.
When should I call a technician for fan running continuously?
If DIY solutions fail or if you suspect a control board issue, contact a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

65%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty temperature sensor causing incorrect readings
  • Malfunctioning control board not regulating fan speed
  • Blocked air vents preventing proper airflow

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check and replace the temperature sensor if faulty. Locate the sensor, disconnect it, and test with a multimeter. If readings are inconsistent, replace the sensor.

  2. Inspect the control board for damage or burnt components. If the board is malfunctioning and you have already replaced it, ensure all connections are secure. If issues persist, consider replacing the control board again.

  3. Check for blocked air vents inside the refrigerator. Clear any obstructions and ensure proper airflow is maintained. This may involve rearranging items in the fridge.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Frigidaire - replaced the evap fan and now it stays running ...

Community Discussions

stays running in diagnostic mode

Replaced the control board, but low speed is not working.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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