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Default Fridge running warm, help troubleshooting?

Hi all,
I have no prior experience with anything to do with heating/cooling, so
please bear with my ignorance.

I have a Hotpoint refrigerator, Model #CSX22GRBGWWC.
It came with the house I bought 4 years back no I'm not sure how old it
is, but it looks "modern".

Recently noticed my ice cream was not as firm as it should be, so I
checked the fridge thermometer and the fridge is up to 50*F. Cranked
the cold levers all the way to cold, but no change. I vacuumed the huge
amount of dust out from the bottom, but after two days the fridge is
still 50*F. Freezer is about 20*F.

Looked around in the back and I see that there is a fan blowing on the
compressor. I have checked this a variety of random times over the last
few days, and the fan is always running. The compressor is always hot
to the touch, with one tube to it always quite hot and the other tube
always quite cold. This all seems good.
I'm assuming that this combined with the fact that the fridge *looks*
relatively new should mean that I'm probably not leaking/low on freon.

I'm not sure if it is continuous, but I definitely noticed that at
least some of the time there is cold air blowing at the top of the
freezer compartment, and it feels very cold to my hand. Probably it is
still only 20*F though, since this is right where I stuck the
thermometer. The thermometer suggested a max temp of 0*F for the
freezer, and I believe it since my ice cream is still soft

It wasn't obvious to me how to get the back panel off when I glanced,
but I think this is the next step I need to pursue. After searching
around, my best guess is that perhaps the defrosting electronics are
constantly heating, which the fridge is then not able to overcome to
bring the temp down.

I guess my questions are this:
(1) Do you expect that the back of the fridge should definitely have a
panel that I can open? Or could it be I need to empty out the fridge
and look for access from within the freezer compartment?

(2)Does my guess of a defrosting issue sound likely at all?

Thanks much!
Adrian

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Gideon
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Adrian,

You should be able to locate the small defrost timer on your fridge.
If it sticks in the "on" position, then your fridge is stuck in defrost
mode. My first suggestion is to observe the timer and check it
periodically to see if it is moving. If it isn't moving, then you can
usually move it manually to get it into a position in which the defrost
mode is off. That buys you some time to go purchase a new timer
and install it (or remove and repair the old timer if you are so inclined).

Good luck,
Gideon

=========

wrote in message
.com...
Hi all,
I have no prior experience with anything to do with heating/cooling, so
please bear with my ignorance.

I have a Hotpoint refrigerator, Model #CSX22GRBGWWC.
It came with the house I bought 4 years back no I'm not sure how old it
is, but it looks "modern".

Recently noticed my ice cream was not as firm as it should be, so I
checked the fridge thermometer and the fridge is up to 50*F. Cranked
the cold levers all the way to cold, but no change. I vacuumed the huge
amount of dust out from the bottom, but after two days the fridge is
still 50*F. Freezer is about 20*F.

Looked around in the back and I see that there is a fan blowing on the
compressor. I have checked this a variety of random times over the last
few days, and the fan is always running. The compressor is always hot
to the touch, with one tube to it always quite hot and the other tube
always quite cold. This all seems good.
I'm assuming that this combined with the fact that the fridge *looks*
relatively new should mean that I'm probably not leaking/low on freon.

I'm not sure if it is continuous, but I definitely noticed that at
least some of the time there is cold air blowing at the top of the
freezer compartment, and it feels very cold to my hand. Probably it is
still only 20*F though, since this is right where I stuck the
thermometer. The thermometer suggested a max temp of 0*F for the
freezer, and I believe it since my ice cream is still soft

It wasn't obvious to me how to get the back panel off when I glanced,
but I think this is the next step I need to pursue. After searching
around, my best guess is that perhaps the defrosting electronics are
constantly heating, which the fridge is then not able to overcome to
bring the temp down.

I guess my questions are this:
(1) Do you expect that the back of the fridge should definitely have a
panel that I can open? Or could it be I need to empty out the fridge
and look for access from within the freezer compartment?

(2)Does my guess of a defrosting issue sound likely at all?

Thanks much!
Adrian



  #3   Report Post  
Appliance Repair Aid
 
Posts: n/a
Default



wrote:
Hi all,
I have no prior experience with anything to do with heating/cooling, so
please bear with my ignorance.

I have a Hotpoint refrigerator, Model #CSX22GRBGWWC.
It came with the house I bought 4 years back no I'm not sure how old it
is, but it looks "modern".

Recently noticed my ice cream was not as firm as it should be, so I
checked the fridge thermometer and the fridge is up to 50*F. Cranked
the cold levers all the way to cold, but no change. I vacuumed the huge
amount of dust out from the bottom, but after two days the fridge is
still 50*F. Freezer is about 20*F.

Looked around in the back and I see that there is a fan blowing on the
compressor. I have checked this a variety of random times over the last
few days, and the fan is always running. The compressor is always hot
to the touch, with one tube to it always quite hot and the other tube
always quite cold. This all seems good.
I'm assuming that this combined with the fact that the fridge *looks*
relatively new should mean that I'm probably not leaking/low on freon.

I'm not sure if it is continuous, but I definitely noticed that at
least some of the time there is cold air blowing at the top of the
freezer compartment, and it feels very cold to my hand. Probably it is
still only 20*F though, since this is right where I stuck the
thermometer. The thermometer suggested a max temp of 0*F for the
freezer, and I believe it since my ice cream is still soft

It wasn't obvious to me how to get the back panel off when I glanced,
but I think this is the next step I need to pursue. After searching
around, my best guess is that perhaps the defrosting electronics are
constantly heating, which the fridge is then not able to overcome to
bring the temp down.

I guess my questions are this:
(1) Do you expect that the back of the fridge should definitely have a
panel that I can open? Or could it be I need to empty out the fridge
and look for access from within the freezer compartment?

(2)Does my guess of a defrosting issue sound likely at all?

Thanks much!
Adrian


Hi,
(1) Do you expect that the back of the fridge should definitely have a
panel that I can open?


Nope.

Or could it be I need to empty out the fridge
and look for access from within the freezer compartment?


Empty out the freezer and the back wall inside the freezer covers the
evaporator/cooling coils.

2)Does my guess of a defrosting issue sound likely at all?


Nope....rare to have that!

*Some* common trouble makers....
http://www.applianceaid.com/frig_notcold.html

jeff.
Appliance Repair Aid
http://www.applianceaid.com/

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Default

I did some exploratory surgery last night and found this to be the
case, everything was behind the false wall of the freezer section.
The problem was then readily apparent that the defrost is not working
properly - the evaporator stuff was completely buried in frost. I let
it defrost overnight, and I now see the defroster heater and the
defroster thermostat. Looking at my wiring diagram, I see where the
defroster control should be (top of fresh food section), so I'll start
doing the defrost troubleshooting outlined at the site you referenced.

Thanks for the tips, I think I may have proper refridgeration before
long!

-Adrian

Appliance Repair Aid wrote:
Hi,
(1) Do you expect that the back of the fridge should definitely have a
panel that I can open?


Nope.

Or could it be I need to empty out the fridge
and look for access from within the freezer compartment?


Empty out the freezer and the back wall inside the freezer covers the
evaporator/cooling coils.

2)Does my guess of a defrosting issue sound likely at all?


Nope....rare to have that!

*Some* common trouble makers....
http://www.applianceaid.com/frig_notcold.html

jeff.
Appliance Repair Aid
http://www.applianceaid.com/


  #5   Report Post  
Stormin Mormon
 
Posts: n/a
Default

wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi all,
I have no prior experience with anything to do with heating/cooling, so
please bear with my ignorance.
CY: OK, I'll be gentle.


I have a Hotpoint refrigerator, Model #CSX22GRBGWWC.
It came with the house I bought 4 years back no I'm not sure how old it
is, but it looks "modern".

Recently noticed my ice cream was not as firm as it should be, so I
checked the fridge thermometer and the fridge is up to 50*F. Cranked
the cold levers all the way to cold, but no change.
CY: Turning up the thermostat only helps if the rest of the fridge is
working.

I vacuumed the huge
amount of dust out from the bottom, but after two days the fridge is
still 50*F. Freezer is about 20*F.
CY: Vacuum is always the first step. Well done!

Looked around in the back and I see that there is a fan blowing on the
compressor. I have checked this a variety of random times over the last
few days, and the fan is always running. The compressor is always hot
to the touch, with one tube to it always quite hot and the other tube
always quite cold. This all seems good.
CY: The fan running all the time means that the cold control (thermostat) is
always calling for cold. So, the compressor is running full time.


I'm assuming that this combined with the fact that the fridge *looks*
relatively new should mean that I'm probably not leaking/low on freon.
CY: Who can tell?

I'm not sure if it is continuous, but I definitely noticed that at
least some of the time there is cold air blowing at the top of the
freezer compartment, and it feels very cold to my hand.
CY: Cold air blowing is good. If the freezer is frosted over (defrost
problems) there won't be any air blowing.

Probably it is
still only 20*F though, since this is right where I stuck the
thermometer. The thermometer suggested a max temp of 0*F for the
freezer, and I believe it since my ice cream is still soft
CY: Sounds right.

It wasn't obvious to me how to get the back panel off when I glanced,
but I think this is the next step I need to pursue. After searching
around, my best guess is that perhaps the defrosting electronics are
constantly heating, which the fridge is then not able to overcome to
bring the temp down.
CY: I can think of a few other possible problems.


I guess my questions are this:
(1) Do you expect that the back of the fridge should definitely have a
panel that I can open? Or could it be I need to empty out the fridge
and look for access from within the freezer compartment?
CY: Depends what you want to get to. What part do you want to service?


(2)Does my guess of a defrosting issue sound likely at all?
CY: Defrost problem will result in low air flow in the freezer and refrig.
It's very possible. Sounds very likely, as one tube off the compressor is
"always cold". The smaller tube off the compressor should be hot, and the
larger one should be room temp or slightly warm (conducted heat from the
warm compressor).

Thanks much!
Adrian






  #6   Report Post  
Stormin Mormon
 
Posts: n/a
Default

"Gideon" wrote in message
.. .
Adrian,

You should be able to locate the small defrost timer on your fridge.
CY: Lets give the guy some clues. Please tell him what one looks l ike, and
where it's likely to be.

If it sticks in the "on" position, then your fridge is stuck in defrost
mode.
CY: Not the problem here. Condensor fan running, remember.....

My first suggestion is to observe the timer and check it
periodically to see if it is moving. If it isn't moving, then you can
usually move it manually to get it into a position in which the defrost
mode is off. That buys you some time to go purchase a new timer
and install it (or remove and repair the old timer if you are so inclined).
CY: Not an issue here. Compressor running, remember? Might be stuck in "run"
mode.

Good luck,
Gideon

=========

wrote in message
.com...
Hi all,
I have no prior experience with anything to do with heating/cooling, so
please bear with my ignorance.

I have a Hotpoint refrigerator, Model #CSX22GRBGWWC.
It came with the house I bought 4 years back no I'm not sure how old it
is, but it looks "modern".

Recently noticed my ice cream was not as firm as it should be, so I
checked the fridge thermometer and the fridge is up to 50*F. Cranked
the cold levers all the way to cold, but no change. I vacuumed the huge
amount of dust out from the bottom, but after two days the fridge is
still 50*F. Freezer is about 20*F.

Looked around in the back and I see that there is a fan blowing on the
compressor. I have checked this a variety of random times over the last
few days, and the fan is always running. The compressor is always hot
to the touch, with one tube to it always quite hot and the other tube
always quite cold. This all seems good.
I'm assuming that this combined with the fact that the fridge *looks*
relatively new should mean that I'm probably not leaking/low on freon.

I'm not sure if it is continuous, but I definitely noticed that at
least some of the time there is cold air blowing at the top of the
freezer compartment, and it feels very cold to my hand. Probably it is
still only 20*F though, since this is right where I stuck the
thermometer. The thermometer suggested a max temp of 0*F for the
freezer, and I believe it since my ice cream is still soft

It wasn't obvious to me how to get the back panel off when I glanced,
but I think this is the next step I need to pursue. After searching
around, my best guess is that perhaps the defrosting electronics are
constantly heating, which the fridge is then not able to overcome to
bring the temp down.

I guess my questions are this:
(1) Do you expect that the back of the fridge should definitely have a
panel that I can open? Or could it be I need to empty out the fridge
and look for access from within the freezer compartment?

(2)Does my guess of a defrosting issue sound likely at all?

Thanks much!
Adrian




  #7   Report Post  
Gideon
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Wasted a lot of bandwidth there, Stormy.
You could have shrunk your entire message down to,
"Oops, looks as if you forgot that the condenser
fan is still running."






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