My refrigerator runs all the time and holds steady at -20 no matter what setting I adjust temp control knob. Is this the temperature control that has gone bad or could it be something else?
Here are your parts
http://www.appliancepartspros.com/partsearch/modelsearch.aspx?model=FRS26ZRF
This should help with the repair.
http://frigidaireservicetips.com/pdfs/546_5995318606_Line_5_SxS_SM.pdf
It could be something else but odds are very high that it is the cold control (Item 21 in Section 5).
To check it unplug the machine, disconnect one wire from the cold control.
Tape it if you have to to prevent it from shorting to something else.
Plug the unit in, if it does not start up then replace the cold control.
It’s internal contacts are probably welded together.
My GE Profile does the same thing! Also when I turn temp control to 0, compressor keeps running. New temp control is around $50, could be an easy fix, or not. Trouble shot the temp control (removing one wire) plugged back in and compressor kept running. Model TFX25PP.
I don’t know what to do? Time for a service man?
Georepair
I cannot find any tech info/wiring diagram on this unit.
You may want to start a new thread using "Post New Topic" and perhaps someone else has a wiring diagram.
If this is a 3 connector thermostat it could be you just removed the wrong wire.
If it is a 2 wire thermostat then it is an uncommon problem and a wiring diagram would help.
It could be that the start contacts on the compressor have welded together.
Though I would think that the thermostat still should have killed power to the compressor but it depends how it is wired.
Perhaps the following will help.
http://www.acmehowto.com/howto/appliance/refrigerator/refrigerator.php
Denman
Thank you for your help! Thermostat is two prong. I take it the relay is ok, or compressor would not run. Checked temp today and freezer is -20 at 5 setting and refrige has never got below 32F at #3 setting. What do you think, play it safe and call tech. or wait till it shuts down? Payed $1500 12 years ago
I am pretty well stumped on this one so I am going to ask for help from other techs in the tech section.
Just does not make sense.
Even if I could explain why it will not shut off.
Since the unit never shuts down I would have thought that you would have a defrost problem.
Hopefully someone else has seen this problem or can take a look at a wiring diagram and come up with a possible cause.
Georepair said:
…Trouble shot the temp control (removing one wire) plugged back in and compressor kept running…
You saying that the compressor was running even with one wire removed from the temperature control (424 on the diagram)?
Just want to make sure I got it clear.
Gene.
Gene,
Yes removed one wire from 424, plugged refrige back in and compressor still ran.
Original problem was both refrige and freezer not cooling. Freezer frosting on back wall (inside). Replaced Defrost timer, defrost heaters and defrost thermostat.
Freezer temp -20, refrige 32F. Compressor never stops. Defrost heaters seem to be working, no frost on back wall. Thanks for your help!
What is the part number of the defrost timer you installed?
Double check if the timer is wired properly.
Turn the temperature control off. Remove the both wires from the temperature control and check it for continuity.
Gene.
Part # WR9X489 for defrost timer.
Will ck continuity on temp control and get back to you with results.
Remove both wires from the temperature control and check the refrigerator wires for a short, only thing that makes sense. If there are shorted contacts in the defrost timer, the unit would not defrost. I assume it stops a few times to defrost, if not the timer is the problem.
Replaced temp control, plugged back in and breaker tripped. Reset breaker and still -20 freezer, compressor always running. Defrost cycle working well, just cannot regulate temp. New Defrost heaters, thermostat and temp control. What’s next, relay or service tech?
Have you checked the temperature control wires for a possible short and the defrost timer for a proper wiring?
Replacing the temperature control in such situation does not make any sense because there is a short somewhere.
Gene.
Internal wiring shorts are usually impossible to fix unless you can see problems at a connector or wire.
I would use an ohm meter and alligator clips ad clip them to the cold control wires, then pull and move wires till the problem area was found. You could do the same at the compressor area with a voltmeter to the compressor input wires.
Another thing you can do is remove the control panel connector, thus isolating the control panel and see if the short goes away.