My Freezer Will Not Freeze and Frosts on the Inside Back Wall

Cooling Coils

• Most modern freezers have a cooling coil located freezer compartment’s back. There is usually a panel covering these coils. If this is frozen, the coils behind it are likely frosted over as well. This problem often occurs when the defrost mechanism fails, allowing frost to build up to such a degree that air cannot adequately flow through and cool the freezer.

Defrost Failure

• The defrost system in frost-free freezers are complicated, making it prone to occasional failure. The timer within the system may fail during the cooling mode, allowing excessive frost build up on the evaporator coils. The mechanism then fails to switch to the heating mode. The defrost heater itself may burn out and fail to heat up sufficiently defrosting the evaporator coil. Frozen coils prevent the cooling system from working adequately, leading to a freezer that does not freeze.

Causes of Frost

• Manual freezers do not have defrost mechanisms and may frost over causing problems with the cooling system. Occasionally defrost these freezers when a layer of frost develops that is greater than 2 inches. In frost-free freezers, poor door seals or leaving the door open too long allows humid air inside the freezer, which turns into frost or frozen condensation. Poor sealing prevents the freezer from cooling adequately.

Repair

• If frost is severe in your freezer, manually defrost it. Turn off the freezer and empty the items. Let the door stay open until all the ice melts. Once the back panel and cooling coils are free of frost, they may begin working again. If the problem persists, contact professional repair service. Keeping your freezer clean and defrosting as needed should keep the appliance running most efficiently.