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8 Frigidaire Refrigerator Temperature Control Problems Solved!

The last thing you want as a Frigidaire refrigerator owner is your unit’s unable to maintain its proper working temperature. But interestingly, most Frigidaire refrigerator temperature control problems are DIY fixable. 

The Frigidaire refrigerator temperature control issues include the refrigerator not cooling but freezing, not freezing but cooling, or failing to do both. Other problems include a failing ice maker, water dispenser, or defrost system, or the unit leaking water or freezing food. 

Overall, all it takes to fix these issues is diagnosing them, and that’s where this guide comes in. We’ll highlight the most typical cause of the problem and others worth checking out once you discount the primary reason. 

Even better, I’ll take you through the appropriate repairs/fixes to enable you to fix them. So, before calling a Frigidaire fridge expert, consider the troubleshooting guide I’ll share.

frigidaire refrigerator temperature control problems

In a rush? See below the commonest Frigidaire temperature control issues, their most likely causes, and quick fixes.

Quick Troubleshooting Guide for Common Frigidaire Refrigerator Temperature Control Problems

 ProblemCommonest CauseDIY Fix
1.Not Cooling But FreezingA faulty thermistor or defrost thermostatTest the thermistor and defrost thermostat with a multimeter and replace any that shows no continuity
2.Not Freezing But CoolingFaulty thermistorReplace the thermistor if it fails to show continuity on a multimeter
3.Not Cooling Or FreezingFaulty temperature control thermostatReplace the thermostat if it fails to show continuity on a multimeter
4.Ice Maker Not WorkingWarmer freezerLower the freezer temperature to 0-100F
5.Not Dispensing WaterA frozen water supply tubeDe-froze the supply tube using hot water
6.Not DefrostingDefective defrost thermostatReplace the defrost thermostat if it fails to show continuity on a multimeter
7.Leaking WaterFrozen defrost drainDefrost the defrost drain using hot water
8.Refrigerator Freezing FoodFaulty thermistor or temperature control thermostatReplace either the thermistor or thermostat if any fails to show continuity on a multimeter

How to Troubleshoot Common Frigidaire Refrigerator Temperature Control Problems

Generally, Frigidaire refrigerators work well when the fridge’s cooling temperature is 37 – 420F while the freezer’s freezing temperature is 0-100F.

If the temperature exceeds these limits, the refrigerator will likely develop some issues discussed below.

Frigidaire Refrigerator Temperature Too High

If the Kenmore refrigerator temperature is too high (freezer’s temperature above 100F or the fridge temperature above 420F), you can expect any of these problems:

1. Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Cooling But Freezer Is Fine

It’s not uncommon for the Frigidaire refrigerator not to cool while the freezer is okay. That is usually a case of the fridge temperature rising above the limit (420F) while the freezer temperature stays within the acceptable range (0-100F).

Essentially, here are the explanations for a warmer fridge but colder freezer:

Most Common Cause

A faulty thermistor or defrost thermostat

A faulty thermistor fails to send signals to the fridge control board, which fails to run the evaporator fan and compressor. In the end, the fridge doesn’t cool.

On the other hand, a faulty defrost thermostat fails to signal the defrost heater to melt the accumulating ice over the condenser coils. So, the condenser coils become ice caked and unable to cool the fridge. 

Fix 

Test the thermistor and defrost thermostat with a multimeter .If any of the temperature regulators does not show continuity, replace it.

why is my frigidaire refrigerator temperature rising

Other Potential Causes

They include:

  • Frosted over evaporator coils
  • Faulty evaporator fan motor
  • A defective temperature control board
  • Defective defrost control board
  • Bad defrost timer

2. Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Freezing but Cooling 

Sometimes, the Frigidaire refrigerator may freeze but fail to cool. It happens when the freezer is warm but the fridge is cold (37 – 420F)

Most Common Causes

Faulty thermistor

A faulty thermistor fails to stimulate the main control to command the fans and compressor to lower the freezing temperature. So, the freezer temperature ends up increasing as a result.

Fix 

Test the thermistor with a multimeter. If it shows no continuity, consider replacing it as it must be faulty.

Other Probable Reasons 

They include:

  • Faulty evaporator fan motor
  • Faulty condenser fan motor
  • Clogged filter
  • Failed compressor
  • Defective main control

3. Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Cooling or Freezing

Sometimes both the refrigerator and the freezer may warm up. Here are possible explanations:

Commonest Cause

Faulty temperature control thermostat

A faulty temperature control thermostat could fail to relay the proper signal to the control board for cooling and freezing to happen.

Fix 

Use a multimeter to assess the thermostat’s continuity. If it fails to show continuity, it must be defective and thus need a replacement.

Other Reasons 

They include:

  • Dirty condenser coils
  • Food overload 
  • Faulty compressor
  • Bad main control

4. Frigidaire Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Working

While there are several explanations for a failing ice maker, higher freezer temperature is often the commonest.

Commonest Cause

Warmer freezer

If the freezer temperature exceeds 100F, the evaporator coils will cloud with ice, and the ice maker won’t work. Sometimes, this happens because of a faulty defrost unit or just food overloading.

Fix 

Adjust the freezer’s temperature to about 0-100F. While at it, defrost the evaporator coils if they are frosty and re-organize the food to avoid overloading.

Other Causes

They include:

  • Faulty water inlet valve
  • Low water pressure (less than 20 psi)
  • Broken ice maker or door switch
  • Clogged filter

Frigidaire Refrigerator Temperature Too Cold

A frigid temperature does not do your Frigidaire refrigerator and freezer any good, as it’s the case of a very high temperature. Problems will likely arise if the fridge and freezer temperatures are below 370F and 00F, respectively.

They include:

5. Frigidaire Refrigerator Water Dispenser Not Working

A cold freezer temperature could cause the water dispenser to fail. Sometimes, the Frigidaire refrigerator water dispenser fails while the ice maker is okay and often relates to a frigid temperature.

Common Cause

Frozen supply tube 

If the freezer temperature falls below 00F, the water supply tube will freeze, cutting off the water supply to the dispenser.

Fix 

Dethaw the water supply tube by running hot water through it or unplugging the unit. After that, adjust the freezer temperature to about 0 – 100F.

frigidaire refrigerator not cooling or freezing

Other Probable Causes

Other likely causes of a non-dispensing water dispenser include:

  • Faulty water inlet valve
  • Lower water pressure (below 20 psi)
  • Faulty door/dispenser switch
  • Clogged water filter
  • Failing dispenser control board

6. Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Defrosting

Over time, frost accumulated over the evaporator coils, and the defrost system’s role is to melt it. Overall, the lower the refrigerator’s temperature, the more frost forms over the evaporator coils. 

Unfortunately, the defrost system will fail for any of the reasons below. 

Commonest Cause

Defective defrost thermostat 

A faulty defrost thermostat won’t turn on the defrost heater. As a result, the evaporator coils will continue to ice over.

Other components (defrost heater, timer, or control board)

 If any of those defrost parts are faulty, the unit won’t defrost.

Fix 

Replace the faulty component

7. Frigidaire Refrigerator Leaking Water

Sometimes a temperature issue, especially a lower temperature, causes the refrigerator to leak water from its bottom compartment.

Most Common Cause

Frozen defrost drain

A low temperature causes the defrost drain to freeze, and when it does, water will run over and drip from the bottom compartment.

Fix 

Run hot water down the defrost drain to unblock it.

Other Causes 

The refrigerator could also leak due to any of these reasons:

  • Damaged water filter
  • Damaged/faulty water inlet valve
  • Leaky water tank
  • Broken drain pan 

8. Frigidaire Refrigerator Freezing Food

The refrigeration unit shouldn’t freeze the food. It should only cool it. However, that may happen if the fridge temperature is colder than usual (37-420F). If so, it could be due to:

Commonest Cause

Faulty thermistor or temperature control thermostat 

If the thermistor or the temperature control thermostat is faulty (don’t show continuity on a multimeter), the compressor, condenser, and evaporator fan won’t run. As a result, the fridge refrigerant will run longer, causing the food to freeze.

Fix 

Replace the thermistor or thermostat if either does not show continuity when testing with a multimeter.

Other Causes 

They include:

  • A faulty temperature control board
  • Stuck damper control
  • Failed control board
frigidaire refrigerator temperature too high

How to Reset Temperature On Frigidaire Refrigerator?

Generally, you can reset the Frigidaire refrigerator temperature using any of these methods:

Option 1 – Control Panel Reset

Follow these steps to reset the refrigerator’s control panel and end up resetting its temperature in the process:

  • Identify the power freeze and power cool buttons
  • Press the two buttons simultaneously and hold them until the refrigerator resets

Option 2 – Filter Reset

This reset technique requires you to:

  • Locate the filter button on your refrigerator
  • Press and hold it for 3 seconds

The refrigerator’s temperature and filter should reset after the above steps.

Option 3 – High-Temperature Reset

The refrigerator will most likely beep when the temperature is too high. So, the goal of this reset technique is to mute the temperature alarm, which you do as follows:

  • Press the temperature alarm switch to mute the alarm
  • Alternatively, close the refrigerators door and press the fridge set button

Option 3 – A/V Indicator Reset

If your Frigidaire refrigerator has a V or an indicator, you can press the indicator switch and give the fridge about 5 seconds to reset.

People Also Ask

1. Why Is My Frigidaire Refrigerator Temperature Rising?

Your Frigidaire refrigerator’s temperature is rising because of a malfunction of the temperature control thermostat or filter. So, you’ll need to test the two with a multimeter and replace the faulty temperature regulator.

2. How Do I Reset the Thermostat On My Frigidaire Refrigerator?

You can easily reset the thermostat on a Frigidaire refrigerator by pressing the filter button for about 3 seconds. If that doesn’t work, press Power Freeze + Power Cool for a similar amount of time.

3. Why Is My Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Staying Cold?

Your Frigidaire refrigerator is not staying cold because of a malfunctioning thermostat or temperature control thermostat. Other possible explanations include dirty condenser coils, freezing evaporator coils, and a full-packed fridge.

Closing Thought on Frigidaire Refrigerator Temperature Control Problems

Now you know the most typical Frigidaire refrigerator temperature control issues to troubleshoot DIY. So, before you can call a Frigidaire refrigerator expert or technician support, try out the troubleshooting tips. You could save time and money doing that.