Evaporator plate does not frost; unit runs but no ice is formed.
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: Sealed system work involves refrigerant and must be performed by an EPA‑certified technician. Do not cut or open any refrigerant lines yourself.
- Check condenser cleanliness: Before assuming a sealed system fault, clean the condenser coil thoroughly with a soft brush and vacuum. Poor heat rejection can mimic low charge symptoms.
- Verify condenser fan operation: Ensure the condenser fan motor runs whenever the compressor is on. Replace the fan motor if it is not spinning or is noisy and slow.
- Observe evaporator plate: After 10–15 minutes of run time, inspect the evaporator plate or grid. A normal system will show even frost coverage. Partial frosting or no frost suggests a sealed system issue.
- Check for oily residue: Look for oil stains on refrigerant tubing, which can indicate a leak.
If cleaning and fan checks do not restore normal frost pattern, contact a qualified refrigeration technician to check pressures, locate leaks, and recharge or repair the sealed system.