Troubleshooting a Frigidaire Defrost Timer
Frigidaire equips most of its refrigerator models with automatic defrosting capabilities. This means that owners don't have to set a calendar reminder to manually defrost. The internal automatic defrost control and timing mechanism is placed at the bottom of most Frigidaire refrigerators, next to the stationary pan that captures water — even the defrosted meltwater is automatically evaporated. You might be confused about how the defrost timer works, thinking it is broken. Frigidaire understood this might be an issue for some owners and suggests double-checking the defroster for normal operation because it may not be malfunctioning at all. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Close all doors on the Frigidaire refrigerator. Leaving the doors open might reduce the effectiveness of the defroster. Kneel and listen for a ticking or clicking sound coming from the bottom of the unit. This is an auditory indicator that the refrigerator has entered its automatic defrost mode. The compressor will not run. Instead, heaters will turn on to melt the frost buildup. In some models, you can see the infrared glow in the freezer compartment.
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Note the current time, while letting the defrosting procedures continue. Time the full defrosting cycle, though the defrosting timer may have begun minutes before you noticed. Time the bottom-freezer and side-by-side refrigerators for 30 minutes. Time top-freezer refrigerators for 20 minutes. This hands-off troubleshooting step confirms that the timer is functioning to specifications.
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Kneel again to hear if the defrost timer has stopped, after the full 20 to 30 minutes. If it has, that means automatic defrosting procedures have concluded and the timer is working to specifications. Your Frigidaire will turn back on and begin cooling.
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Contact a service technician, per Frigidaire's suggestion, if the defrost timer appears to have never operated properly.
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Tips & Warnings
Troubleshoot temperature and power issues, if you never heard the defrost timer ticking and the refrigerator is still not running. Check the freezer controls setting to make sure it is set to "OFF" or "0." Also, make sure the refrigerator's power cord is securely in the electrical outlet and that a fuse is not blown or circuit breaker is not tripped. (see References #1, Page 33, "Compressor does not run" )
Navigate to Frigidaire's Appliance Manuals Online website to find and download the user's manual specific to your refrigerator's model number.
The telephone contact number for Frigidaire is 800-374-4432, Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern time.
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