Upright Frigidaire freezer doesn’t freeze: How to fix it

If you have an upright Frigidaire freezer that runs but doesn’t freeze, don’t worry. This is a problem you can troubleshoot yourself without the need for a costly service call.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your Frigidaire freezer while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The troubleshooting information in this article is based on model LFFH20F3QWC and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What you need

• Multimeter
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• 1/4-inch nut driver
• 5/16-inch nut driver
• Needle nose pliers

Important: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Read more: Deep clean your freezer with these 6 steps  

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.

Read more: Refrigerator or Freezer That’s Too Warm: Top 6 Reasons and Fixes

How to troubleshoot a Frigidaire freezer that won’t freeze

Find out why your unit won’t freeze and how you can fix it by following these DIY steps.

Step 1: Test the evaporator motor

1. Remove the shelves from the freezer.
2. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the evaporator cover.
3. Move the cover to the side without disconnecting the wires going to the thermostat.

LIVE VOLTAGE WARNING: For this test, the freezer needs to be plugged in and powered on. Please be very careful to protect yourself from electric shock, which has the potential to cause serious injuries. Don’t ever test live voltage if you’re uncomfortable using a multimeter.

4. Make sure the freezer is plugged in.
5. Set your multimeter to AC voltage mode.
6. Find the white plug just to the right of the motor.
7. Insert the multimeter probes into the two white wire connections on the back of the plug.
8. Check the voltage reading. If you get 120 VAC and the motor isn’t running, then the motor is bad and needs to be replaced. If you don’t get any voltage but everything else is working, then there’s a problem with the wiring, which will need to be replaced if it’s damaged.

Step 2: Test the compressor start relay

1. Pull the freezer out to access the compressor.
2. Make sure the multimeter is set to AC voltage.
3. Use the meter probes to check the voltage on the yellow wire going into the start device.

You should see 120 VAC. If voltage is present, replace the start device.

Step 3: Test the defrost heater assembly & bi-metal thermostat

NOTE: These instructions are based on model LFFH20F3QWC, which has a bi-metal thermostat. If your model has the same design, then the bi-metal thermostat can be unplugged, checked, and replaced without having to replace the heater.

1. Unplug the freezer from the power outlet.
2. Remove the shelves and the evaporator cover if you haven’t done so already.
3. Inspect the evaporator coils. If they’re iced and frosted over, then the unit isn’t going into defrost mode.
4. Do not remove the bi-metal thermostat from the evaporator coil. Instead, unplug the red and white connections to the thermostat.
5. Set your multimeter to continuity mode and use the probes to check for continuity. If the coils are iced up, it should be cold enough for the thermostat will be closed when testing for continuity. If the thermostat is reading as an open circuit or looks deformed, replace it.
6. Set your multimeter to resistance mode (Ω) and use the probes to test the heater’s connections. You should get a reading of around 31 Ohms at each one.

Step 4: Test the defrost timer

1. Make sure the unit is plugged in and powered on.
2. If the coils are frosted and it’s evident that the freezer isn’t going into defrost, find the defrost timer in the machine compartment on the back.
3. Turn the dial of the timer clockwise until the compressor and evaporator fan motor stop.
4. Check if the defrost heater is coming on. You may hear a popping or cracking sound, which is normal.

If the heater comes on, replace the defrost timer since it hasn’t been advancing into the defrost cycle. If the heater doesn’t come on, then there’s a problem with the bi-metal thermostat or the heater.

Read more: Keep Your Cool: Preventing Freezer Burn  

More information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your Frigidaire freezer working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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