Magic Chef
Runaway Cooling / Long Run Time
Freezer runs continuously and never shuts off; interior may be too cold or just barely at set temperature.
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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.
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Possible Causes
Dirty condenser coils, Poor door seal causing warm air infiltration, Thermostat or sensor out of calibration, Low refrigerant charge or weak compressor
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Unplug the freezer before cleaning or moving it.
Steps:
- Clean condenser coils: Remove dust and lint from the rear or bottom coils with a vacuum and brush.
- Check door gasket: Inspect for gaps and perform the paper test. Replace the gasket if it fails.
- Verify temperature setting: Ensure the control is not set unnecessarily low. Adjust to the manufacturer’s recommended setting (often around 0°F / -18°C).
- Measure actual temperature: Use a thermometer. If the freezer is at or below setpoint but still runs constantly, the thermostat or sensor may be misreading.
- Inspect for frost pattern: Remove the interior rear panel and observe the evaporator after 15–20 minutes of run time. A full, even frost pattern is normal; a small patch of frost indicates a sealed system issue.
When to call a technician: If cleaning and gasket replacement do not resolve long run times and the frost pattern is abnormal, a sealed system or compressor problem is likely.
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
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