[nlvwhome]

The refrigerator is not cooling properly, but the freezer is working. We initially assumed it was because the unit is stored in our garage, and we thought maybe it was just still too cool out for the refrigerator to work properly. We typically shut it down between October and May, but May had some cold spells. I was going to buy a "garage kit" that will make it work at lower temperatures, but since it is still not working and its been way hot out, I don't think that is going to help. I completely defrosted it, even though I didn't see much frost, in hopes it would re-set itself as has been suggested. This didn't help. I see from the various posts that it could be my defrost timer or thermostat, but I'm not sure how to test this. I am assuming I have to take the back panel off that is in the freezer section? Which do I test first? I've read where some can force the defrost timer to work - where do I find this control? I really appreciate any suggestions.

Nancy

[PS Staff - Sheila]

Does the fridge section work for a couple of days before it stops cool to the right temperature?

If this is what is happening then it is likely a problem with the defrost cycle.

You can manually advance the fridge into the defrost cycle with defrost timer that is located in the control panel in the fridge section.

All you will see of the timer is a small button that can be turned with a screwdriver.

With the compressor running turn the button of the defrost timer until the fridge turns off.

The defrost cycle takes about 20 minutes.

You should be able to hear the ice melting.

If after 20 minutes the fridge does not come back on you will have to turn the little button again to start the fridge back up.

If the fridge starts back up and has not defrosted then it is ether the defrost heater or the defrost bi metal that is faulty.

Here is a link to your fridge model FRT17B3AW5.

Here is the defrost timer.

[nlvwhome]

Thanks Sheila. I am in the process right now of running the defrost cycle manually as you suggest, however since I defrosted it last week by unplugging and leaving off for hours, I don't think this is it. After I defrosted it the refrigerator still did not cool down properly. What is the defrost bi metal? How do I test whether its the defrost heater or the bi metal?

Nancy

[PS Volunteer - Appguy]

You need to pull back panel of freezer off and check frost patern. If entirely frosted over turn defrost timer to defrost. If no melting replace defrost thermostat, most probable failure item defrost coils with hair dryer. Let it run for a few hrs and check defrost again.
If partial frost you have refrigeration problems.