Frigidaire Refrigerator — Not Defrosting / Ice Buildup
About the Issue
If your Frigidaire refrigerator is building up ice on the evaporator, freezing
the back panel, or warming in the fridge section, the root cause is usually a failed
defrost system — a heater that isn’t turning on, a faulty thermostat,
a bad thermistor, or a defective adaptive defrost control board.
When defrost cycles stop working, frost grows into a thick layer and eventually blocks all airflow.
Ice buildup often starts small and gets worse over several days. A proper diagnostic prevents
repeated ice blockages, poor temperatures, high energy use, and long-term compressor strain.
Symptoms (What You May Notice)
- Thick frost or a solid ice sheet on the freezer back panel.
- Fridge section warming while the freezer stays cold.
- Fan noise becomes loud or irregular as the blade hits frost.
- Weak or no airflow from the fridge vents.
- Ice spreading toward drawers, vents, or the evaporator cover.
- Water leaking during partial thaw cycles.
Causes (Frigidaire-Specific Patterns)
- Failed defrost heater causing the evaporator to never thaw.
- Defrost thermostat/bi-metal failure, keeping the heater off.
- Adaptive defrost control (ADC) board not initiating defrost cycles.
- Drifting or failed thermistor giving incorrect temperature readings.
- Loose or broken wiring between heater, thermostat, and control board.
- Frozen defrost drain causing ice to spread into the evaporator area.
- Door gasket leaks introducing excess moisture that accelerates frost.
Tests (How We Pinpoint the Fault)
- Inspect the frost pattern on the evaporator to verify defrost activity.
- Test defrost heater continuity and confirm proper wattage.
- Check defrost thermostat (bi-metal) for correct open/close operation.
- Measure thermistor resistance vs actual temperature.
- Verify control board (ADC) outputs to heater and fan.
- Inspect and clear the defrost drain to prevent re-freezing.
- Check door gasket seal to rule out moisture intrusion.
These checks confirm whether the problem is electrical, sensor-related, or airflow-related.
All readings are compared with Frigidaire specifications before any parts are replaced.
Repairs (What We Do to Fix It)
- Replace failed defrost heaters, bi-metals, or thermistors.
- Repair or replace the adaptive defrost control board.
- Safely remove excess frost and restore airflow across the evaporator.
- Clear and correct the defrost drain to prevent ice spread.
- Fix fan blockages and restore consistent air movement.
- Inspect and reseal door gaskets to limit moisture buildup.
After repair, we verify defrost operation, confirm proper frost clearing, and ensure stable
airflow and temperatures in both compartments.
Prevention (Keep Ice From Returning)
- Keep fridge and freezer doors closed firmly to reduce moisture.
- Replace water filters every 6 months to maintain proper airflow balance.
- Avoid over-packing shelves and blocking vents.
- Clean condenser coils every 6–12 months.
- Monitor temperatures (34–40°F fridge, 0–5°F freezer) to detect early issues.
FAQ
Why is my Frigidaire refrigerator building up ice?
Ice buildup happens when the defrost system stops working — usually because of
a failed heater, thermostat, thermistor, or adaptive defrost control board. Without proper
defrost cycles, frost grows until it blocks airflow.
Why is my fridge warm but the freezer still cold?
When frost covers the evaporator coil, air can’t reach the refrigerator section.
The freezer stays cold, but the fridge warms. This is one of the most common symptoms of a
defrost failure on Frigidaire models.
Do I need to unplug the fridge to defrost it?
Unplugging will melt the ice temporarily, but the problem will return unless the
defrost system component causing the failure is repaired.
We identify exactly which part failed during the diagnostic.
Can I keep using the fridge with frost on the evaporator?
It’s not recommended. Frost restricts airflow, warms the fridge section, strains the
compressor, and may cause water leaks during partial thaw cycles.
Early repair prevents food spoilage and long-term damage.
Is this repair expensive?
Most defrost repairs are mid-range and depend on which component failed. We start with a
$${PRICE} diagnostic (credited toward repair).
Typical labor ranges $${LMIN}–$${LMAX} (labor only), plus the price of parts.
How long does it take for the fridge to cool again after repair?
After the ice is removed and the system is restored, temperatures usually return to normal
within 4–12 hours, depending on load and door openings.