Ice buildup on the back wall of the freezer, with fan noise or airflow issues.
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 first: Unplug the refrigerator before removing freezer panels.
Step-by-step:
- Manual defrost: Remove food from the freezer and take off the rear interior panel. Allow all ice on the evaporator and surrounding area to melt completely.
- Inspect components: Locate the defrost heater (usually at the bottom of the evaporator) and thermostat (clipped to tubing). Look for obvious damage or burnt spots.
- Reassemble and test: After defrosting and reassembly, plug in the fridge and monitor for several days.
Action: If ice buildup returns and airflow is again restricted, the defrost components should be tested with a multimeter and replaced as needed. This is typically a job for a trained technician.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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