[tony Perrotti]

The compressor and fan run constanly even though the freeer appears to be cold enough. I checked the door gasket and the temperature control setting and both appear OK. There is no frost buildup inside the unit and nothing is stored in front of the blower fan to prevent free air movement. Currently, the control knob is set at number 4 which the manufacturer suggests for satistactory food storage. If I raise this temperature setting, the freezer will shut off. When I readjust it back to 4, however, it will stay off for a few minutes and then come back on continually.

Any ideas?

[woodchuck]

If it has just started doing this it may not quite be at the temp which 4 calls for. The freezer should be around 5 degrees and fridge 36 or so but not much higher. You could be starting an ice buildup on the evaporator coils in the freezer. Behind a removable panel. Your temps will slowly rise as it get more ice. This would be a defrost problem. If so , check defrost timer, defrost heater, defrost thermostat. Refrigerator Repair Guide: How To Fix a Refrigerator - ACME HOW TO.com