Fridge/freezer

[beegeebee]

No idea of how they work! The fridge section of the Fridge/freezer holds its temperature at 5C but the freezer section wont hold the setting of -18C. Even with Fast Freeze switched on it only manages to get to -13C, so something is obviously no working properly. My question, is it a big job i.e. expensive to resolve or just an hour or so for someone qualified to do? Any help really appreciated.

[Clanad]

I'm in the U.S., but appliances being what they are, they should have some similar characteristics. First, you don't say whether it's and "over and under" or side by side, but both work nearly the same.

It's a good sign that fridge is apparently working normally. The freezer section is where the "fresh" cold air originates for both itself and the fridge. The cold air comes from a compressor, etc... and enters the freezer. Usually that cold air is then routed to the fridge section through a little door like device which is electronically closed and opened as required by the thermostat in the fridge. The little (maybe 3 inches tall by 5 inches long, depending on the make/model) "door" can fail and in your case it may have failed in the closed position, not letting enough cold air in from the freezer.

Given enough expertise, one can fairly easily remove and replace the "diffuser" (technical name for "little door") fairly easy. Additionally, there's a fan that actually moves the air between the two compartments. You should be able to here it running whenever the freezer is running. It could have failed. Again, with just a smattering of knowledge and a few handtools, it can be replaced.

Good luck!

[Clanad]

After re-reading your query, I need to modify my response slightly. It's possible the diffuser has failed in the completely open mode allowing too much of the cold air into the fridge (since it appears to be working normally) and not keeping enough in the freezer section.

You may want to check and see if the "coils" (a series of tubes) inside the freezer section are free of frost and ice. Again, everything may be working normally but if the coils are frosted over, enough cold air may be generated for the fridge side but not enough to substantially lower the temp in the freezer side. You can usually see the coils easily at the back of the freezer side and they'll be running up and down the back inside of the compartment...

[beegeebee]

Many thanks Clanad. Shut the unit down for 24 hours, soaked up about half a gallon of water during the period of the shut down. Restarted this morning and now all seems fine Freezer working to the correct temperature, as is the fridge. Thanks again, have made notes ;-))