Freezer runs but does not get cold enough; interior stays above 10–20°F (-12 to -6°C) even after 24 hours.
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Unplug the freezer before cleaning coils or removing interior panels.
Steps:
- Check door seal: Inspect the gasket for gaps or tears. Perform the paper test around the door. Replace the gasket if it does not grip the paper firmly.
- Clean condenser coils: Pull the unit away from the wall. Remove the rear lower panel and vacuum dust from the condenser coils and surrounding area. Use a soft brush to avoid bending fins.
- Verify evaporator fan operation: Open the door briefly while the compressor is running; you should feel strong cold air movement. If not, the fan may be failing or iced over (see fan-related entries).
- Inspect for frost buildup: Remove the interior rear panel. If the evaporator is encased in solid ice, the defrost system is failing. Fully defrost the unit and test the defrost heater and thermostat.
- Allow recovery time: After cleaning and defrosting, close the door and allow 12–24 hours for temperature to stabilize.
When to call a technician: If the evaporator shows only a small patch of frost or none at all while the compressor runs continuously, there may be a sealed system (refrigerant) issue that requires professional service.