FFTR1821TD0 Frigidaire top freezer refrigerator works intermittently, compressor runs, light bulb goes out.

[martinvolk]

Model Number

FFTR1821TD0

Brand

Frigidaire

Age

1-5 years

I noticed that the fridge light occasionally didn't come on when opening the door. I replaced the bulb but the situation persisted. Yesterday, I noticed that my Diet Coke (TM) was not very cold, so I suspected that the light not working may be related to the fridge not cooling. I cleaned the dust off of the coils (not very much there) and checked the compressor relay, which seems to be working.

The condenser fan runs fine, the compressor seems to be on (vibrating/sound). After unplugging for 10 min, the compressor kicks in and cools for a while (ice cold lines coming off of the condenser). Then it stops cooling after a while. The freezer is still cold, but I don't know if this is residual from being insulated well and full of frozen stuff. I emptied all of it now and I'm running it to diagnose.

I ordered a new relay/capacitor just in case. I'd love to hear your ideas. Will update once I know more. Thanks!

 

[martinvolk]

After reinstalling the relay/capacitor and plugging it back in, it's been running for over an hour without issues. Freezer is very cold and fridge part is cooling down slowly. I checked the vent connection between freezer and fridge and made sure no ice was blocking. I did not notice a blend door valve...maybe my model does not have that or I simply didn't know where to look for this. The freezer metal coils in the back had some ice on them. Would defrosting it completely help? Thanks in advance for advice.

 

[Jake]

How is it doing now?

I did not notice a blend door valve...maybe my model does not have that or I simply didn't know where to look for this.

blend door valve? I'm not sure what your referring to.

Have you checked your door light switch?

Here's the door light switch for your model:
Light Switch 241554901


Jake