Ikea
Insufficient Cooling / Sealed System Performance Issue
Freezer not freezing food properly; items are soft and ice cream is mushy.
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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, Failing compressor, Low refrigerant charge due to leak, Condenser fan not running
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning coils or touching the compressor area.
Steps:
- 1. Check temperature setting: Ensure the freezer is set to the recommended temperature (around -18°C / 0°F).
- 2. Clean condenser: Remove the rear lower cover and vacuum dust from the condenser coils and fan. Poor heat dissipation reduces cooling capacity.
- 3. Verify condenser fan: Plug in briefly and confirm the fan runs when the compressor is on. If not, see condenser fan fault.
- 4. Door seals: Inspect the freezer door gasket for gaps or tears. Close a sheet of paper in the door; it should hold firmly all around. Replace gasket if loose.
- 5. Sealed system: If coils are clean, fans work, and the compressor runs continuously but the freezer never reaches proper temperature, there may be a refrigerant leak or weak compressor. This requires a licensed refrigeration technician to diagnose and repair.
Note: Do not attempt to add refrigerant yourself; specialized equipment and certification are required.
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Repair Difficulty
Professional Required
5/5
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