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How Do I Troubleshoot and Repair Electrolux and Frigidaire Refrigerators?

Electroloux is the parent company of Frigidaire, having purchased the appliance giant in 1986. Electrolux owns other appliance brands as well and also produces appliances under the Electrolux name. The differences between the fridge models of these companies are minimal because they're still designed and produced by the same groups. If your Frigidaire or Electrolux fridge starts having trouble, you should be able to use similar methods for each to solve the problem.

Things You'll Need

  • Towels
  • 1/4-inch nut driver
  • Screwdriver
  • Replacement water filter housing
  • Coil brush
  • Level
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Instructions

    • 1

      Verify that the fridge is plugged in and getting power. If the fridge is plugged in yet isn't running, make sure the breakers are turned on and that the outlet itself is working properly.

    • 2

      Adjust the thermostats in the fridge and freezer to see if they are effective at controlling temperature. If the fridge doesn't get any colder within a few hours of turning the thermostat up, it might need replacement.

    • 3

      Check the coils behind the fridge and examine the hoses, the freezer and the ice maker for signs of frost. Frost buildup prevents the fridge from working properly because it disrupts airflow and locks up the fridge components. If frost is a problem, turn down the thermostat, unplug the fridge and leave the doors open to thaw. Place towels on the floor to collect excess moisture and move any food to an alternate location where it won't spoil.

    • 4

      Check the hoses for signs of leaking. If a hose is cracked, corroded or has water coming out of it, replace it as soon as possible.

    • 5

      Replace the water filter housing if you see it is cracked or if it is leaking. With the fridge empty and unplugged, pull out the top shelf of the fridge and unscrew the access panel in the upper right. Pull off the panel and unbolt the water filter housing from the back of the fridge using a 1/4-inch nut driver or screwdriver, depending on the model. Unhook the two water lines from the top by undoing the clamps with a flat-head screwdriver. Hook the lines into a replacement water filter housing and screw it back into position.

    • 6

      Clean the coils in the back of the fridge by wiping them down with a damp rag or a coil brush. Dust accumulation prevents the coils from discharging heat and this negatively affects performance and can cause the fridge to burn out. Verify that the coils aren't flush to the wall as well. They need several inches of space to ventilate properly.

    • 7

      Place a level on the top of the fridge to make sure it is properly balanced. The air bubble in the middle of the level should be between the two lines on either side. If the fridge is tilted, adjust the feet as necessary because tilting often leads to leaks and malfunctions.

    • 8

      Contact Electrolux at 877-435-3287 if the fridge is still having problems. A service representative can advise you on how to proceed. You may need to hit "0" several times from the main menu to speak with a live adviser.