Typically, breakdowns of the freezer are not immediately noticed, since they are not used as often. The malfunction of this household appliance will be indicated by a puddle formed on the floor, even an uncharacteristic loud noise from the camera may appear.
Damage must be correctly diagnosed. This will allow you to understand what kind of repair is required and estimate its approximate cost. Those who do not know what to do in such a situation will benefit from this article.
Self diagnosis
Possible causes of failure
Improper use of a two-compartment refrigerator can cause a malfunction in the freezer. If the problem is that the temperature rises in the freezer and it does not freeze enough, then you should check these points, which you can fix yourself:
- The sealing gum may have gone. Due to loss of tightness, ice begins to build up in the freezer. At that moment, when the refrigerator motor is not working, water starts to flow on the floor, as the ice melts (by the way, if the compressor runs continuously - this is a clear sign of failure). If you notice that the tightness of the sealing gum is broken, then first try to fix it.
Ice in the freezer
- Incorrect value on the thermostat. If you set too much power on the thermostat, the motor may overload. Perhaps the compressor does not have time to cool both compartments, so the freezer may stop working. In this case, try to set the regulator value lower, for example, by 2-3.
What to do:
- See if the defrost button is on.
- Check the temperature of the products stored in the refrigerator, perhaps someone from the household (most likely children) put a hot dish. This could provoke a denial of freezer operation.
- You can try vacuuming the back of the refrigerator where the ventilation system is. Do not forget to unplug the appliance! You need to remove the back wall and clean everything from dust. Often, dirt accumulated in this area interferes with the proper operation of the camera. This must be done carefully so as not to damage the hoses.
If these methods did not help, then most likely the problem is more serious and refrigerator repair is indispensable.
Types of malfunctions
The most popular are compression refrigerators. Given that all models of this type have the same operating principle, similar problems are usually observed.
Compression Refrigerators
Possible malfunctions and their causes:
- The most common cause: a malfunction in the plug, cable or outlet. In this case, the light will not come on in both cameras.
- The compressor runs for a couple of seconds, and then stalls. This indicates a breakdown of the refrigerator motor responsible for the operation of the freezer. This may be caused by increased stress or natural deformations during operation. Diagnostics and further replacement of the compressor are necessary: unfortunately, it cannot be repaired in case of breakdown.
- The motor works, but turns off more often than usual and for a long time (electronic models). Normally, it should work in a 1 to 2 mode, for example, it works for 15 minutes, and 30 rests. A possible reason for frequent interruptions is the breakdown of the air sensor in the freezer. If the sensor is faulty, then the signals about the necessary temperature decrease in the compartment cease to be received on the control board, so the motor does not turn on. Sensor replacement required.
- If such long pauses in operation are found in models with electromechanics, then this indicates a breakdown in the temperature regulator. The thermostat stops transmitting temperature information. In this case, the temperature controller must be replaced.
Thermostat
- In a working refrigerator the freezer does not freeze well. If this is a model with one compressor and No Frost system, then this may mean that the switching valve is broken. In this case, the refrigerator simply does not have enough power for normal operation. Valve must be replaced.
- Rust in the freezer compartment indicates that the camera is not working properly. Possible refrigerant leakage in the steel circuit. Another reason is a blockage in the drainage hole, followed by water leakage and rust formation. Sealing the system will help (repair and refuel the damaged circuit and refuel).
- The freezer does not work after thawing, if it was subjected to physical impact: often people try to contribute to thawing ice with sharp objects, a hairdryer, a fan and so on. Doing so could damage the camera and cause refrigerant leakage. This is especially true of modern models of refrigerators - they must be handled with extreme care. In this case, also can not do without sealing and refueling freon. This procedure must be performed by a specialist.
Thaw the ice carefully
- The freezer does not freeze, no other signs are observed. Probable breakdown of the control module. This will require flashing the unit or replacing it.
How to fix your own freezer
In the most common cases, the cause of the breakdown of the freezer and the entire refrigerator as a whole can be caused by a breakdown of the socket, plug or cord. It is quite easy to fix such malfunctions, you can not call the wizard.
The voltage in the network can be found with a multimeter, the device should show 220 V. But there is an elementary way to check if the outlet works: connect any other electrical device to it. If it works normally, then you should check the plug of the refrigerator. To do this, you need to ring the cable with a tester.
If the problem is that the sealing gum has worn out, then it can be restored on your own without spending money on buying a new one (but only if there are no through holes in it).
Gum Repair
First you need to wipe the damaged gum with detergent and wipe it dry with a cloth. Then you need to properly warm this place with a hairdryer (temperature 70-80 degrees). For lack of a hair dryer, you can use boiling water (the device should be disconnected from the network, and put a rag under the door). You just need to pour boiling water over the gum from the kettle in the right place. Next, heating the seal in any way, you should straighten it by hand and close the refrigerator. After the gum has cooled, it will fit snugly against the door. Also, for a snug fit of the door, this method will help: you need to check whether the refrigerator is installed correctly and, perhaps, slightly twist the front legs for a larger angle of inclination.
In the event that the door switch is out of order (the light inside is constantly on and because of this it overheats), it is necessary to check it. Use a flathead screwdriver and unscrew the switch. If necessary, replace it with a new one.
If the evaporator fan stops, then you need to remove the back panel of the refrigerator (it is adjacent to the freezer), unscrew the case with a screwdriver and remove the wires for inspection. If the wires are OK, then replace the fan. The same actions must be taken if the condenser fan breaks.
After reading this article, you can independently understand the causes of a malfunction in your freezer. If the reason is not a failure of the compressor or other parts, then it is even possible to repair the refrigerator without calling the masters.However, if you are not confident in your abilities and do not have experience in such repairs of household appliances, then it is better to trust specialists. In this case, self-repair can lead to even more serious damage.
Repairs carried out by a specialist
Recommendations for use
It is necessary to adhere to the necessary recommendations for the operation of the refrigerator. The freezer must be defrosted regularly, especially with a drip system. But, even if the device has a No Frost system, defrosting is required, but not so frequent - it is enough to carry it out a couple of times a year. It will be useful to periodically inspect the camera for freezing, wipe the walls and drawers and throw away excess products.
It is recommended to lower the temperature slightly in summer so as not to overwork the motor. If it is necessary to freeze a lot of products (for example, for the winter), then this should be done in batches, immediately loading a large amount is extremely undesirable. Compliance with simple recommendations will extend the life of the freezer.
