Bosch KGU34640GB Fridge/Freezer – worth repairing?

Re: Bosch KGU34640GB Fridge/Freezer – worth repairing?

Thanks for that Gegsy,

The Bosch I’m looking at has a problem, so I was wondering if anyone had an idea about how big a problem it is, and if it makes any sense for me to buy, if the expense of repair is going to be very big. The Freezer freezes up about every two weeks, and non of the temp control lights are operational – does that sound terminal or a big money repair? Fridge seems to work OK.

Regs.

Adrian

Re: Bosch KGU34640GB Fridge/Freezer – worth repairing?

Thanks for that Penguin45,
And apologies for this rambling reply. I’d still like to have a crack at repairing this myself, assuming it’s just a parts swap. The F/F is only 18 months old, and the problem happened just outside the 12 month warantee period. The story from the previous owner was that he’d had a couple of engineer visits, and had something replaced on the first visit. The freeze-up problem recurred in exactly the same way, and on the second visit the engineer diagnosed the freezer control board as being faulty, and promised to source and then fit a new one at cost of part only.
Unfortunately that was the last the prev owner heard, eventually he got fed up waiting and got a new seperate fidge and freezer, so now I’m the lucky owner of KGU34640GB.
I don’t think it would be economical for me to get someone in to repair, otherwise I wouldn’t be trawling this site and I’d call in one of you guys. The Bosch site seems to indicate that a replacement control board part is now supplied, assuming that “module-operating” (part no. 494761) is the control board I’m after( I guess it does the job for both fridge and freezer even though just the freezer lights are out). The spares diagram looks pretty comprehensive, but doesn’t indicate how to get access to and remove the control board behind the facia(I could at least then do some very basic tests) . I
can see and have removed a couple of plastic “plugs” just above the upper door that seem to be for retaining the controls/indicators cover, but don’t want to just merrily prise the rest off if there are still more retaining pins/clips etc. or I need to detach eg for the door switch.
So my basic questions are, given that I’m prepared to take a chance on the control board really being the underlying fault (none of the freezer side operating lights work at all but the freezer still freezes) – how do I get access to the control board, and can I order the part via this site?
I know can buy parts off the Bosch site, but would prefer to purchase via UKWG if I can, as I had really excellent parts service and diagnosis from here for my tumble dryer.

Re: Bosch KGU34640GB Fridge/Freezer – worth repairing?

Thanks Penguin and Gegsy (and Dave),

The board appeared to be faulty, but I could well have been wrong. Got the replacement control module (not the same part number as the original mind you so the new one might have the much talked about thermistor connection mod). Watch out for the BSH site pricing, as I ordered on the original part number (491921) which was only £15 and tuppence, but found out after I’d was actually been charged £57-73. Still, that price was for the newer replacement part, and that wasn’t too bad really.
Anyhow, with help from you sterling UKWG bods it was a pretty easy swap out, and all the right lights came on, compressor and fan sound liked they had kicked in. Everything seems to have settled down now, temps down and the red light is off, but I mustn’t crow too much because it’s only been on for 2 hours.
I’d be glad to donate something towards the site for the great advice and help – any idea what the best way to do that is?

Anyhow thanks again,

Adrian

Re: Bosch KGU34640GB Fridge/Freezer – worth repairing?

Hi again UKWG people,

the F/F has been running for a couple of days now with the new board.
I’ve not had a “new” fridge for a while, and never a frost free so don’t know whats “normal” behaviour these days, but it sounds like the compressor is running as often as it’s not – assuming the sound I’m hearing is the compressor. I can’t be sure. The fan is pretty obvious, but isn’t on very much, usually for a while after the fridge door has been open.
The condensor doesn’t seem to get very warm compared to my old Beko.
I’m getting a freezer thermometer to check that out to see if the temp is OK.

Cheers,

Adrian

Re: Bosch KGU34640GB Fridge/Freezer – worth repairing?

Hi Gegsy,

Too late, I’ve already ordered a couple of supercheap domestics off of eBay. They seemed ok – made by ETI Limited who make industrial and catering thermometers. ETI looked like they were a pukka outfit, from the looks of the website info anyhow…: http://www.etiltd.co.uk/company_information.htm

regs, Adrian

Re: Bosch KGU34640GB Fridge/Freezer – worth repairing?

Hi again,

Everything still seems to be running well. If anyone wants the original control board to refurbish etc., send me a PM and I’ll post it.

Regs, Adrian