KitchenAid Refrigerator KRMF706EBS01 - Freezer temp swings to +20

[Spin]

Model Number

KRMF706EBS01

Brand

KitchenAid

Age

1-5 years

Kitchenaid refrigerator freezer temp swings between +20 and - 4. Doesn't seem to be related to door opening. It's a French door on top with two drawers below and freezer on the bottom. I have a remote thermometer probe in one of the freezer trays. It does this at least once a day. Anyone know if the defrost cycle could be causing this?
MODEL KRMF706EBS01
SERIAL K60905318
Coils are clean.

 

[Jake]

Hi,

Do you hear the freezer(evaporator) fan running when you open the freezer door?

Also do you notice any frost build-up on the back panel inside the freezer? If so, its best to remove that back panel inside the freezer and take a photo of it.

I'm attaching your tech. data sheet below, Do Service Test - 77 Defrost Thermistor--->The board will check the resistance value of the thermistor and display (01 = PASS, 02 = OPEN, 03 = SHORT)

This video should give you the general idea of how to remove the back panel inside the freezer:

KitchenAid 5 Door Refrigerator Freezer Evaporator Fan Motor Repla | Repair Clinic

This video provides step-by-step repair instructions for replacing the freezer evaporator fan motor on a KitchenAid 5 Door Refrigerator (Model KRMF706ESS01. Learn more from the experts at Repair Clinic.

www.anrdoezrs.net

Here's the FC fan motor assembly for your model below, See the brass looking thermistor bulb with the clip on it in the photo below? That's your defrost thermistor.



On this model the defrost thermistor comes only with the FC evaporator fan motor assembly. Its in-stock here: W11249952

Jake

 

[Xlr8]

Hey Jake,
Been reading a lot of your comments and I must say you certainly know you stuff. Not trying to hijack this thread but I have the same model and a similiar issue. Freezer has been icing up and warming up as a result.
I replaced the main board, didn’t help,
moved position of the thermostat, didn’t help.
Checked heating element and have continuity,
I just installed an hour ago the freezer evaporator motor.

Is there a way to check sooner if it’s working? Should the fan be turning when I open the door? This is what my coils looked like after 2 days (I let it go for a couple weeks and it was solid!) It’s not defrosting but all the tests were passing. My fingers are all crossed right now that the evap motor assembly solves my issue.

 

[Jake]

Hi,

You will need to completely defrost your evaporator coil, then YOU MUST put the evaporator cover back in place for it to cool properly and defrost properly.

Yes, on some models the door needs to be closed for the evaporator fan motor to run.

Then give it 24 hours and let us know how it goes.

Jake

 

[Xlr8]

Thanks I never had put the styrofoam cover back on. I’ll defrost it again with the space heater then apply the cover and put it back on.

Should I remove the cover and check the evaporator for frost after a day or certain period of time and expect it to be 100% frost free? This image here is 15 hours WITHOUT the cover.

Thanks so much!

 

[Jake]

Should I remove the cover and check the evaporator for frost after a day or certain period of time and expect it to be 100% frost free?

No, because normal is always a thin layer of frost on the entire evaporator coil.

Look at the very bottom photo below where it says NORMAL FROST PATTERN.

Jake

 

[Spin]

Hi Jake:

Thanks for your reply.
Had a medical issue and just getting back to it.
The board passes the thermistor with 77. I hear the fan running and do not have ice building up. I believe that it is defrosting. Is it possible that it stays in defrost too long or when it comes out of defrost the fan should wait longer to begin circulating air?


Thanks for your help.

 

[Jake]

Is it possible that it stays in defrost too long or when it comes out of defrost the fan should wait longer to begin circulating air?

Normal defrost time ranges between 20 to 40 minutes. After that the compressor and fans come on and run.

How's it doing now?

Jake