Hi all-

I have a Frigidaire side-by-side, model FRS26R4AW5, almost 6 years old. About 1 week ago, it started making a loud noise while running. Next the water started dispensing intermittently, and I noticed an ice build up below the ice maker. By pulling the freezer out from the wall, I was able to determine the noise was loudest 3' up from the bottom of the freezer, on the left side as you face the rear. I unloaded the freezer, removed the back panels, and saw ice accumulation on the condenser.

I believe all the problems are being caused by a failure of the automatic defrost cycle. The noise I believe was caused by ice build up on the fan, and the door water failed because the line froze. I need help in determining the cause of the failure (if that is, in fact, the problem).

I have read in other forums where you can check the heater elements with a multimeter, but I don't know what the resistance values should be normally. Apparently the timer is integrated into a circuit board in this model, so I assume you replace that module if nothing else works. Is there any test for the thermostat? I believe on my model the thermostat is clamped to the rear refrigerant lines, just above the condenser. I read about various tests for other Frigidaire models, but my model doesn't appear to have the same configuration.

I'd like to have to only replace the defective parts, instead of all of them, so any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Pat

PS: I also read about the common problem of piercing valves on the water inlet, and it doesn't apply. I have a fairly new house, and it was pre-plumbed correctly when we bought it. As far as my technical expertise, I know virtually nothing about refrigeration, but I am a licensed aircraft mechanic.

Hi Pat,

Your defrost heater should ohm out at about 30 ohms, if it does, then your heater element is good.

Then the defrost thermostat thats attached to your evaporator coil in your freezer should have continuity while its frosty.

Here's the defrost thermostat for your model:
Manufacturer's Number: 5303918214

5303918214

Jake

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