Frigidaire Refrigerator: not freezing

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Frigidaire refrigerator not freezing? If the freezer section is warm and food is thawing, it could be due to a faulty condenser fan, dirty coils, or other issues. Understanding the common causes can help you find the right solution.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Frigidaire Models

  • Frigidaire support recommends checking installation, door seal, airflow and allowing 24 hours for stabilization before service.

Possible Causes

Faulty condenser fan motor

How to Identify: Fridge runs but condenser fan doesn’t spin or spins obstructed; warm back panel, poor heat dissipation.

Part: Condenser fan motor

Dirty or clogged condenser coils

How to Identify: Coils dusty or covered in debris; reduced cooling efficiency; fridge hard working.

Part: Condenser coils

Door gasket seal failure

How to Identify: Cold air escaping; dollar bill test fails seal; frost buildup around edges.

Part: Door gasket

Refrigerant leak or compressor failure

How to Identify: No cooling throughout freezer and fridge; compressor runs hot or not at all; possible oil spots around lines.

Part: Compressor / sealed system

DIY Solutions

Clean condenser coils

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: vacuum with brush attachment, coil brush
  1. Unplug refrigerator and pull away from wall
  2. Locate condenser coils and remove dust/debris with brush and vacuum
  3. Replace panels/guards and plug fridge back in
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before cleaning

Check and test evaporator and condenser fans

Moderate 45–90 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdrivers, multimeter
  1. Unplug fridge and remove access panels
  2. Locate fans (evaporator inside, condenser at back)
  3. Check blades spin freely and test motor continuity; replace if failed
⚠️ Safety First: Power off before component access

Test and replace start relay/device

Advanced 60–120 minutes
Tools Needed: multimeter, screwdriver
  1. Unplug fridge and locate start relay near compressor
  2. Remove and test relay for continuity
  3. Replace relay if defective, reassemble and test operation
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure correct wiring on reinstallation

Inspect and replace temperature control thermostat

Advanced 60 minutes
Tools Needed: multimeter, screwdrivers
  1. Unplug fridge and access thermostat
  2. Test for continuity across settings
  3. Replace thermostat if open and not clicking
⚠️ Safety First: Label wiring positions before removal

Professional Repairs

Control board replacement

Estimated Cost: $150–$400

Compressor/sealed system repair

Estimated Cost: $300–$800+

Door gasket replacement

Estimated Cost: $50–$150

When to Call a Professional

Compressor doesn’t start or runs hot with no freezing
Suspected refrigerant leak (oil residue, no cooling)
Electrical control board failures or erratic behavior

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean condenser coils: Reduced cooling efficiency and freezing issues
    Frequency: every 6 months
  • Inspect door gasket: Cold air leakage
    Frequency: quarterly
  • Check airflow vents inside fridge: Air circulation blockage
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Frigidaire Refrigerator not freezing?
Common causes include a faulty condenser fan, dirty coils, or a door gasket seal failure.
How do I fix Frigidaire Refrigerator not freezing myself?
You can clean condenser coils, check fan operation, or test the start relay.
How much does it cost to fix not freezing?
Professional repairs range from $150 for control board replacement to over $800 for compressor repairs.
When should I call a technician for not freezing?
If DIY solutions don't work or if complex repairs like compressor issues are needed, call a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Timer issue (1 mentions)
  • Freon issue (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Call a local appliance repair company to check it out

    Success rate: 50.0%
  2. Timer replacement

    Success rate: 50.0%
Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Refrigerator Issue
  2. Repair or replace fridge?

Community Discussions

no longer freezing, gets cold but not cold enough

Timer issue identified, parts ordered for repair.

freezer stopped keeping food frozen

Consider calling a local appliance repair company to check it out; parts for Frigidaire are usually easy to find.

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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