Your Frigidaire Gallery Refrigerator is experiencing issues with items freezing inside, and this can occur when the temperature settings are too low. Another possible cause is a malfunctioning air damper, leading to an excess of cold air within the fridge.
However, it's important to note that this problem might be attributed to a defective component such as the air damper, thermostat, thermistor, or control board.
Frigidaire refrigerator keeps freezing food
Low fridge temperature
The low temperature in your fridge could be due to a simple issue related to the settings. First, make sure you double-check your fridge's settings, as the temperature might have inadvertently been set too low, causing your food to freeze. If you believe the temperature was set correctly, it's possible that the temperature controls were accidentally adjusted, perhaps by someone inadvertently bumping or turning them.
To address this issue, follow these steps:
Solution:
- Adjust your fridge's temperature settings to return it to the normal setting.
But what is the ideal temperature for my specific refrigerator?"
The ideal temperature can vary depending on the model of your Frigidaire fridge. Here are some general guidelines:
- For fridges with dial controls, set them to "Normal Mode."
- In multi-door models, the fresh food section should be set to around 39°F (3.9°C).
- For fridges equipped with electronic controls, the fresh food section should be set at approximately 37°F (2.8°C).
Broken air damper
"What's an air damper?"
An air damper is a small device within your refrigerator that controls the flow of cold air. It regulates the transfer of cold air from the freezer to the fresh food section of your fridge. This operation is closely connected to the thermostat, allowing it to open and close based on the temperature within your refrigerator.
However, if the air damper malfunctions, it can become stuck either in the closed or open position. When stuck open, it can allow an excessive amount of cold air to enter the fresh food section, potentially leading to your food items freezing.
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Solution: Step 1: Inspect the Air Damper
Locate the air damper, which is typically found near the freezer. It's often positioned on the upper left side of the refrigerator wall, but in some cases, it may be located on the upper rear part.
If you notice that the damper flap doesn't close properly, it might be faulty, so proceed to:
Step 2: Replace the Faulty Damper
If your air damper is connected to the refrigerator's thermostat and timer, replacing it can be a bit challenging. In such cases, it's advisable to contact a professional repair service to help you resolve the issue.
Pros and Cons of frigidaire gallery refrigerator
Pros
- Stylish Design
- Variety of Styles
- Spacious Interiors
- Energy Efficiency
- Advanced Features
Cons
- Price
- Durability
- Limited Colour Options
- Temperature Consistency
Differences Between frigidaire gallery refrigerator and Maytag refrigerator
Frigidaire Gallery
Frigidaire Gallery offers a variety of stylish and feature-rich refrigerators, including French door, side-by-side, and top-freezer models with advanced features like smudge-proof stainless steel and water/ice dispensers.
Maytag
Maytag provides a range of refrigerators known for durability and reliability. Their offerings include French door, side-by-side, and bottom-freezer models with features like PowerCold to quickly cool down items.
Alternative to frigidaire gallery refrigerator
Samsung
Samsung offers a wide range of refrigerator options with various features, including French door, side-by-side, and top-freezer models. They are known for their innovative technology and smart home integration.
Your food is near a vent
If your air damper isn't stuck but certain items in your fridge are freezing, it might be due to their proximity to the vents. Vents are the openings that facilitate the circulation of cold air within your refrigerator, and the damper may be located within these vents as well.
If you notice that only a specific area in your fridge is excessively cold, it could be because it's situated near one of these vents. Here's a simple solution:
Solution:
- Identify all the vents inside your refrigerator, which are typically located near the freezer section.
- Carefully rearrange your food items to ensure they are not positioned directly in front of or too close to these vents.
By taking this step, you can prevent your food from freezing and, at the same time, help the cold air circulate more evenly and effectively throughout your Frigidaire refrigerator.
Dirty condenser coils
If your vents and damper are working correctly but your food is still freezing, the issue could be related to dirty condenser coils. Here's how it's connected to the problem of frozen food:
Dirty Condenser Coils Explanation: When the condenser coils on the back or underneath your fridge become clogged with dust and debris, it can cause your refrigerator's compressor to work harder than necessary. This extra strain on the compressor can lead to your fridge becoming excessively cold, resulting in frozen food items.
To address this issue, follow these steps to clean the condenser coils:
Solution:
- Unplug your refrigerator from the power outlet to ensure safety.
- Carefully pull your fridge away from the wall to create sufficient space for access to and clean the coils.
- Locate the condenser coils; their location may vary based on your refrigerator model. Refer to your manual if needed.
- In some models, the black coils are found at the back of the refrigerator.
- In newer fridges, the coils are positioned underneath the unit. To access these, remove the bottom panel of your Frigidaire refrigerator. Typically, you can remove it by pulling it upwards and towards you.
- Begin the cleaning process by briefly vacuuming the coils. Use a narrow nozzle for more efficient cleaning. Focus on removing the surface dust, but you don't need to clean them thoroughly at this stage.
- Next, use a long, flexible coil brush to dislodge and remove all the dirt and debris from the coils. If the condenser coils are underneath the fridge, you may need a flashlight to see better.
- Finish the cleaning process by vacuuming any remaining dirt from the coils.
- If you removed the bottom panel, reattach it to your fridge.
- Plug the fridge's cord back into the wall outlet.
- Allow the refrigerator to cool for a while and check if it continues to freeze your food or not. You can repeat steps #5 and #6 until the condenser coils are completely free from dust and dirt.
- Remember to clean your condenser coils at least twice a year, as a minimum requirement, and vacuum them if necessary. This maintenance not only resolves the cooling issue but can also reduce your electricity bill and extend the life of your refrigerator.
Cleaning your condenser coils is an important part of refrigerator maintenance, and it can help ensure the appliance functions efficiently.
Faulty thermostat
Aside from your food freezing, there may be other unusual symptoms in your fridge that indicate a potential issue. For example, if you notice that the freezer is colder than usual or if the compressor runs for extended periods, it might be time to consider the possibility of a faulty thermostat.
What's a fridge thermostat? A fridge thermostat is responsible for monitoring and controlling the temperature inside your refrigerator. When it detects that the temperature is rising beyond the desired level, it activates the compressor to cool the unit.
Once the desired temperature is achieved, the thermostat instructs the compressor to turn off. If the thermostat malfunctions, it can result in your refrigerator getting excessively cold, leading to food freezing issues. In this case, the compressor may work continuously without proper control.
Here's how you can check if your thermostat is working correctly:
Solution:
- Set your Frigidaire fridge to the lowest temperature setting.
- Then, adjust the thermostat dial to the highest setting.
- Observe your refrigerator for a while.
If you hear a clicking noise during this process, it indicates that your thermostat is functioning correctly. However, if it remains silent, it's possible that the thermostat is broken and requires replacement.
In the event of a broken thermostat, the best solution is to have it replaced to ensure proper temperature regulation and prevent your food from freezing inside the refrigerator.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you find that your Frigidaire refrigerator is consistently freezing your food or experiencing cooling issues, there are several potential causes and solutions to consider. This troubleshooting guide has explored common problems and their remedies:
- Improper Temperature Settings: Ensure that your fridge's temperature settings are at the appropriate levels, as excessively low settings can lead to frozen food. Adjust the settings to the manufacturer's recommended temperatures.
- Air Damper Issues: A malfunctioning air damper, which controls the flow of cold air, can lead to uneven cooling. Inspect and replace the air damper if necessary.
- Proximity to Vents: Ensure that your food items are not placed too close to the vents inside the fridge, which can result in uneven cooling.
- Dirty Condenser Coils: Dust and debris on the condenser coils can make the compressor work harder, causing the fridge to get too cold. Regularly clean the condenser coils to maintain optimal performance.
- Faulty Thermostat: A malfunctioning thermostat can lead to uncontrolled cooling and frozen food. Check the thermostat's functionality and replace it if needed.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you can address and resolve the freezing food issue in your Frigidaire refrigerator. Regular maintenance and cleaning are essential to ensuring your fridge operates efficiently and maintains the right temperature.
If problems persist, consider seeking professional repair services for a thorough inspection and repair. Proper maintenance not only prevents food from freezing but also extends the lifespan of your refrigerator and helps reduce energy consumption.