Refrigerator problem ?

[mngundog]

I have a two year old fridge, the problem started about 3 months ago and what happens is that the 2 holes that go between the fridge and freezer ice shut about every two weeks. Besides that its seems to run fine so I hate to get rid of it. After it happened once I cleaned out the freezer so has just a couple items in allowing for circulation. When I deiced it I do unscrew the bottom floor of the freezer, the first time the whole thing was caked with ice, lately all the ice is just in the back 3" of the fridge. I don't believe it has a defrost feature, should I unplug it for a day?

 

[Milton Shaw]

Check to see if it is selfdefrosting. CHeck to see if you have a fan that is not running (could be not running due to ice build up in blade. Just need to defrost, drain and clean out the unit. What brand, type refig is it.

 

[mngundog]

Kenmore -coldspot-
model 61182100
Also after it happened last week I see my wife cranked both the freezer and fridge to their coldest setting, should I turn those back down?
I can feel the fan in the back of the freezer blowing. Is there drain hole the could be pluged?

 

[Milton Shaw]

Yes set them back to normal. There is a drain hole somewhere in the bottom of the freezer compartment. That line should come out at the bottom of the refig in the compressor drain pan. You should be able to blow out the pipe and make sure nothing is clogging the drain action. (maybe take a piece of hose and hand hold to pipe and blow through it).

 

[CrashTestDummy]

Turn both settings back down. If that doesn't fix the problem, check:

the fan(s),
defroster timer (usual problem),
defroster heater,
drains for obstructions.

Gene Beaird,
Pearland, Texas

 

[cwlo]

Gene's got it right. Sounds like the defrost system is not working if the fan checks out. The defrost timer is usually on the back of the fridge, or sometimes next to the thermostat. It can be turned manually with a screwdriver to put the fridge into defrost mode. You will know its in defrost mode, because the compressor will stop. Then you can check if the heating element is working, or whether its the defrost timer.

Good luck,

Chris

 

[mngundog]

Thanks for all the help guys, I got the freezer thawed out, the drain hose had been froze/plugged up not allowing it to drain, thus pluging up the vent holes. I set the temp setting back to normal. I'll see how it goes now, if it freezes up again I'll check out the defroster timer. Looks like you guys helped me save a bunch of $$. Thanks

 

[Greatbear]

Also check the door seals thoroughly. If there is any air leaks from tears or poor sealing, a small amount of room air will circulate through and will condense as frost in many areas.

 

[mngundog]

I'm back worked for 3 days and Iced up again.
The fan in the freezer is working.
The drain is unplugged, I blew some air into it and can feel it in the back pan.
I found a parts diagram and am posting it. Is the timer in the diagram the defrost timer? I'll have to remove some stuff to get at it.
Where do I start looking for the timer? Its not of the back, the back has no access except and the very bottom.
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/par...Model-10661182100/0582/0166000/P0110150/00002
http://c.searspartsdirect.com/lis_png/PLDM/P0110150-00002.png
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/par...00/0582/0166000?searchedModel=61182100&blt=11
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=121324&stc=1&d=1309493533
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=121325&stc=1&d=1309493533
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=121327&stc=1&d=1309493533

 

[hdshinn]

Our Whirlpool started icing up after only three years. Problem was the defrost heating element was burned out! Most current models have a heating element similar to a calrod element on an electric range. This one had a coil type element encased in a glass tube similar to the filament in an incandescent light bulb. Quite fragile. That's the first thing I'd check.

 

[brownbagg]

the defrost element is underneight the floor of the freezer compartment, can be check with an ohm meter

 

[mngundog]

the defrost element is underneight the floor of the freezer compartment, can be check with an ohm meter

are you sure? the floor is sealed, could it be accessed from underneath through the frig compartment. Also the back (inside) of the freezer compartment has an access panel, could that be where its at? I'm willing to disassemble panels but I just want to start at random.

 

[cwlo]

The Parts diag is not accessible right now, but there should only be one timer. Looks like it might be behind the temp setting dials. What you are looking for is a round hole where the shaft for the timer is . You can then use a screwdriver to turn the defrost timer shaft to put it into defrost mode. This will turn the compressor and fan off, and the defrost heater element on. You should soon hear the ice melting. If you do not, its probably a broken heating element, or bad thermostat. Taking the cover off will allow you to inspect the element and thermostat. The cover is usually removable by unscrewing the screws on the front area between the fridge and freezer door. The hinge screws are part of this. Once removed, the freezer floor is usually slid out, where the evaporator coil, and heating element are viewable.

Good luck,

Chris

 

[cwlo]

On second inspection, looks like the evap coil, and defrost element are behind that back panel of the freezer. Looks like its just a few screws holding it in.

Chris