Consumer Question: Freezer Repair

Hi, Joe,

I have a compact refrigerator and one side of the freezer will not work. It is not getting cold anymore. Do I need to replace this unit?

Thanks,

Billy

A: Hi, Billy,

Thanks for your note.

Your question does not give me a clear picture of what product you have. The kind and model would help. 


In general, the compressor fan motor should be checked as well as the fan motor inside the freezer. Sometimes a defective light switch will cause the light to stay on inside the product and give you a poor cooling condition. Before you send a refrigerator to the appliance graveyard you need to be sure it is not worth repairing. It might require the need of a qualified technician.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Freezer Not Cold Enough

Hi, Joe,

Our side by side Amana freezer is 14 years old and doesn't get cold enough to freeze sugary items. Ice is also taking longer to freeze. We placed a thermometer inside and it reads 28 degrees even with the knob in the fridge turned on to the coldest level. There is plenty of air circulating around and all the dust I can reach has been vacuumed off.

Many thanks!

Ed

A: Hi, Ed,

Thanks for your note. 

I would suggest you check to see that the fan motor underneath is running. Also check to see if you have frost on the back wall inside the freezer which would indicate a defrost system failure.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Smelly Ice Cubes in Freezer

Q: Hi, Joe,

What can I do for smelly ice. This is my second Kenmore and I have the same experience with both.


I also missed what you were saying about dryer hoses. Is it the aluminum hose you were speaking about? 

Thank you,
Mae

A: Hi Mae,

Thanks for your note. 

Smelly ice cubes have one cause that I know of. There is a fan motor inside the freezer which circulates air through both sections. The fan will blow air across the ice cube bucket and any food item that is not covered will cause this problem. Make sure all products are sealed.


The vent line we were talking about is plastic,vinyl or tin foil which is against the law. They should not be used. Use solid metal pipe available at your local hardware store. 

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question - Sears Kenmore Refrigerator

Q: Hello, Joe,

I have a Sears Kenmore Refrigerator 

Model#: 795.76209.901

Serial#: 010MRQK08548

It is a Full Load AMP 3.5A.

When the door is closed the refrigerator makes a loud noise (like a motor.) When the door gets opened it stops. You can also open the door but push in the little lever on the side that makes it seem like the door is closed and it will then make the same loud motor noise. It makes this sound constantly. Sometimes it is a little quieter than other times, but as soon as you open the door for something and then close it, it starts getting louder all over again. Could you help with this problem?
 

Thanks so much,
Delora

A: Hi Delora,

Thanks for the note.

The noise you hear is the fan motor inside the freezer section. It may have a bad bearing that needs to be repaired. The freezer comes apart and the motor is not hard to change out. Contact a parts store in your area and they can give you a price and a breakdown of how you take out the wall in the freezer section. Let me know how this works out please.

Regards,
Joe Gagnon