Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    elbee's Avatar
    elbee Posts: 17, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Jun 22, 2006, 03:42 AM
    Another Refrigerator Question
    Our refrigerator had been collecting water on the top shelf and not cooling well. In reading answers on this site, I found the blocked drain in the top of the fridge and cleared it. After turning it back on, everything seemed fine. It's a Kenmore, top freezer, 6 years old.

    Two days later, and the refrigerator is not as cold as it should be. Changing the setting after 24 hours has not helped. My food isn't spoiling, but it doesn't have the "cold" feeling when you pick up containers. The freezer is at the right temperature on the normal setting.

    Also, the ice maker worked for 3 or 4 cycles after turning the frig/freezer back on. It now has stopped. There is ice in it, but it's not pushing it out to the bin. I've read the information about the water line being frozen, but I'm not clear where this is. Do I need to take the ice maker out to see it?

    Finally, there are two square openings under the false floor of the freezer at the back. These had two pieces of styrofoam in them--blocking 3/4 of the opening. The remaining 1/4 was blocked with ice. Are these supposed to be there?
    shunned's Avatar
    shunned Posts: 268, Reputation: 20
    Full Member
     
    #2

    Jun 22, 2006, 07:08 PM
    From what you describe it sounds like your defrost thermostat is bad and your evaporator in your freezer compartment has iced up. It is a "frost free", right?
    elbee's Avatar
    elbee Posts: 17, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #3

    Jun 23, 2006, 10:54 AM
    Yes, it's a frost-free. Is replacing this part something a wannabe DIYer could do?
    shunned's Avatar
    shunned Posts: 268, Reputation: 20
    Full Member
     
    #4

    Jun 23, 2006, 06:05 PM
    Yes, it's doable. You have to remove all contents and defrost the freezer naturally.
    Be prepared for about a half gallon of water at the bottom of the fridge. You have to remove the inner panels of the freezer to access the evaporator coil, where the defrost thermostat resides.
    If you take your make and model number info to a parts store and buy a thermostat, you'll know what it looks like when you take off the panels. (Sometimes the insulation under the panels are styrofoam and might need replacing also.)

    If you provide make and model number here I could be more detailed.
    elbee's Avatar
    elbee Posts: 17, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #5

    Jun 24, 2006, 03:25 PM
    It's a:

    Kenmore "Cold Spot"
    Model 70102000
    Series EK3134305
    shunned's Avatar
    shunned Posts: 268, Reputation: 20
    Full Member
     
    #6

    Jun 24, 2006, 03:34 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by elbee
    It's a:

    Kenmore "Cold Spot"
    model 70102000
    series EK3134305
    I am not able to find a schematic of your fridge on the web.
    You may just have a clogged defrost drain.
    This link may help:
    http://www.applianceblog.com/mainfor...php/t-308.html

    If you find a schematic drawing of your freezer compartment, post the link here.
    elbee's Avatar
    elbee Posts: 17, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #7

    Jun 26, 2006, 08:03 PM
    I tried finding a picture before without any luck, and I unfortunately can't really tell from the book that came with it. I think I can figure it out without breaking it.

    The link you posted is the same problem, with it seeming to work fine and then the water dripping/drain freezing all over again. I've thawed it and used air from an electric tire inflater we own. I should probably try a real compressor.

    Thanks for your help.
    elbee's Avatar
    elbee Posts: 17, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #8

    Jul 17, 2006, 01:40 PM
    Just wanted to do a final follow up. I couldn't find a problem with the thermostat, and finally called in a technician because I got spooked that I was going to break the whole thing. The problem was actually the evaporator fan, which wasn't running. So, the compressor was cooling the air but there was no fan pushing it around. According to the tech, this would explain the frozen drain, the ice-maker not working, and the lack of cool in the fridge while the freezer was staying pretty cold.

    The fan started running as soon as it was open to the air and touched lightly. I ended up deciding to just put it all back together and see. If the fan stops again, I'll know what to do to check it, and am confident I can replace the motor if needed. I'll save money even with paying the service call fee by buying the part myself if it does stop running--and the tech was great, showed me where I'd need to unscrew another piece of plastic to get the fan out, etc.
    shunned's Avatar
    shunned Posts: 268, Reputation: 20
    Full Member
     
    #9

    Jul 17, 2006, 05:03 PM
    Good deal! It's rare, but those fans can go bad.

Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions

 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Water in refrigerator [ 1 Answers ]

You have answered this question for several models. Can you tell me how to inspect, clean whatever the freezer drain on magic chef refrigerator model # cbt2123AR Thanks.

Refrigerator [ 1 Answers ]

Hello I have a haier refigerator that the fan don't work model #is HTE10WNAWW. SERIAL# IS K2001000326. IS THAT A SOMETHING I COULD DO MYSELF OR HIRED A PRO. THANKS

Refrigerator [ 9 Answers ]

Is there a way to degrade/destroy a refrigerator to the point of replacement without any truly visible signs of sabotage? I know this sounds crazy, but I need a new refrigerator from the landlord.

Ant spray in the refrigerator [ 1 Answers ]

Hi, During the last influx of ants I sprayed clove herbal non-toxic sray in the freezer to kill the ants that had crept in there. Well, the ants died and have stayed away, but the noxious taste of clove spray is on everything in the fridge and freezer. The stuff obviously got into the vent...

Refrigerator [ 2 Answers ]

What actually happens to a refrigerator if it is laid on its side or back ? Is that a myth or does it ruin it?


View more questions Search