Frigidaire freezer not freezing: six things to check

A Frigidaire freezer that is cold but not cold enough to keep ice cream firm, or one that has stopped freezing entirely, usually has one of a handful of causes. Start with the simple checks, and keep the door closed as much as possible while you work.

Protect your food first

The USDA advises that a full freezer holds its temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if half full) with the door closed. Its guidance on keeping food safe during emergencies explains when thawed food can be refrozen.

1. Settings

Check that the freezer has not been turned up by accident and that the unit is not in a demo or showroom mode, which can run lights and displays without cooling. Aim for 0 °F.

2. Door seal and loading

A door held open by a tray or a sagging gasket lets warm air in constantly and builds frost. Check the gasket and make sure the door closes fully. Avoid blocking the air vents inside with food.

3. Condenser coils

On many Frigidaire uprights and refrigerators the coils are under the front, behind the kick plate. Dust and pet hair here reduce cooling. Unplug and vacuum them.

4. Condenser and evaporator fans

With the freezer running, listen for the evaporator fan inside (behind the back panel) and feel for warm air from the condenser fan near the bottom. A fan that is silent or noisy may be failing.

5. Defrost system

Heavy frost on the back panel of a frost-free freezer means the automatic defrost has stopped working. The heater, thermostat or control may be at fault. Manual defrosting helps temporarily.

6. Compressor and start relay

If the freezer is silent, the light is on but nothing runs, or you hear a click every few minutes, the compressor start relay or the compressor itself may be the problem. These need professional diagnosis.

Getting it fixed

Fan motors, defrost parts and relays are moderate repairs, and usually worthwhile on a freezer under about ten years old. A sealed-system leak or compressor failure on an older unit often is not. If the basic checks do not help, call a freezer repair technician before the food is lost. For a similar fault in the fridge section, see our guide to a refrigerator not cooling while the freezer works.