We just had (or noticed) this problems a few days ago. Freezer temp is OK around 10F, but refrig is like 45F.

I checked the vent on the top left corner of the refrig and didn't see any ice. And I can feel some cold air coming from the freezer side but not strong.

In the freezer section, I did find some ice has build up on the evaporator coils. Also there are noticeable dusts on the condenser coil. I am about to use the leaf blower to blow the dust off. But I am not sure how to manually force the defrost process to start. Or is it possible to force it?

I was reading the Jeff's troubleshooting guide. I was totally lost about the following description (I have to admit that I don't know nothing about the defrost process)

"Locating the defrost timer can be tricky....they are often hidden behind the back bottom corners of the fridge at the bottom, in the last few years the timers have been located in the ceiling of the fresh food section, and some behind the cold control cover. Once you locate the defrost timer, slowly turn the screw like wheel in the middle of the defrost timer with a straight screwdriver until the fridge shuts off. You are now in defrost. If the defrost heater(s) comes on now, replace the defrost timer and defrost thermostat. If the heater(s) does not come on, you can ohm test the defrost heater for continuity or volt test for 120 volts to the heater(s). If you have no power to the defrost heater(s) you can also bypass the defrost thermostat to see if the defrost heater will come on, join the 2 wires together to bypass the defrost thermostat..."

Here are my questions:

1. Where can I locate the defrost timer for the model I have? What does it look like?
2. Is it possible to force the defrost process or Do I have to use the hair dryer to melt the ice
3. After the ice melted, where does the water go? (I have the wood floor ...)
4. I has this refrig for about two years ... is it normal to have some ice build up?

Sorry for too many questions. Your comments are greatly appreciated!

I just noticed that my refrig is a frost free one and the cooling coils are behind the cover on the back wall ... more the half of the coils are frosted and the coils on the top are bare... I guess I should be able to find the defrost time inside the base grill ... Should I call service technician?

Just finished few things:
Blew the dusts off the condenser coil
dried off evaporator coils

ready to put everything back into the place and plug in again ... wish me luck

Called home during the lunch. Refrig is still around the 45 F. The cold air from the freezer side is not strong ...

What should I do next? Any comments? Thanks!!

Hi,

Your defrost timer is integrated into the main control board. Look behind your bottom grille/kickplate, there should be instructions on how to get it in defrost.

Is your freezer still keeping about 0-10 degrees?

All your evaporator coils inside your freezer should have a thin layer of frost on them.

Was the top of your coils even damp/wet like frost was their? or bone dry? and just the bottom coils have frost?

Jake

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Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
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Thanks Jake!

I had Sears service guy come to the house yesterday and I was told that the compressor has to be replaced. fortunately, he told me it will be free. Or it would cost me about $700 for parts and labor.

Bascially he talked about two things are unusal: First, the refrig doesn't cosume enough power. He plugged in a voltage meter ?? to the power outlet and then connect the refrig to the power line through that meter. He told me the number in the voltage meter is too low. Second, he was mentioning the air pressure was too high. The refrig was up to 200 compares what he considers that 130 is the normal level. And also one brass coil in the back was too hot and he couldn't even hold it. etc ..

Sorry, I have limited knowledge about the refig and how it works... I hope the description above does make sense to you.

The bottom coils had built up some ice and the top coil were kind of clean when I opened up the evaporator coils. I don't know if it was bone dry since it took me a while to open the cover and all frost have melt on the surface of the coil and they looked all wet.

Ok, well I'm glad your going to be getting a new compressor under warranty.

Voltage to the refrig. should be about 115-120 volts.

The air pressure which is called the high side depends on the ambient room temperature as well, so it can vary between 125-175, 200 is abit high.

Jake

__________________
Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

If you need more repair advice help on your appliance, click Here

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Thanks for the explanation, Jake!

The new compressor was installed on Wednesday. I am not sure whether I was too cautious. I still don't feel the temp is lower enough. Everytime when I stand in front of the refrig. I can tell that the motor is running. Will the motor ever stop running for a while when the pre-setting temp is reached?

Maybe I just worry too much?

Sorry I have to take this statement back "Everytime when I stand in front of the refrig. I can tell that the motor is running.". It sounds more like humming rather than motor running.

You will notice that your compressor will run about 80% of the time, this is normal.

Jake

__________________
Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

If you need more repair advice help on your appliance, click Here

Look-Up & Order Parts

Shop Home Appliances