Fridge icing up on Whirlpool side by side

[Mender]

I have a Whirlpool side by side fridge. I’ve previously repaired the circuit boards. All has been well for about 5 months but now the fridge is icing up.

I know this is caused by the diffuser not closing. I’ve cleared ice from the diffuser to no avail. I’ve manually closed the diffuser but it motors fully open when I re-connect it. Clearly it has either malfunctioned or is getting a false ‘open’ signal.

I know the diffuser will motor open but I don’t know how to check if it will motor closed.

Anyone know how to test or simulate this?

There are three wires to the diffuser. Can I remove the diffuser and bench test it. If so does it use 240v and which pin/wire is which?

At the back of one of the shelves is a plastic grille with a cylindrical sensor which I believe is the thermocouple. I’ve removed the plastic grille and there is nothing obviously wrong with it. The only thing that I haven’t tried is covering this cylindrical sensor with ice with the hope that it will send a ‘close’ signal to the diffuser. Would surrounding it in ice be enough?

Any help would be appreciated.

The model number for the fridge are 8586 151 15011 S20B RSS31-A/G

[spimps]

Re: Fridge icing up on Whirlpool side by side

If you can post the resistance of the fridge sensor plus the room/ambient temp in which you are testing it,may give a clue.
BG

[Mender]

Re: Fridge icing up on Whirlpool side by side

spimps wrote:If you can post the resistance of the fridge sensor plus the room/ambient temp in which you are testing it,may give a clue.
BG

I haven’t measured the room ambient temperature but the fridge is situated in the kitchen, not in a garage or other unheated room.

I can measure resistance of the fridge sensor if I can find the terminals. I’ll try and do this either tonight or tomorrow but if you can give me a clue where to find them I’d be grateful.

I’ll post back with either the resistance or a further request for help.

[Mender]

Re: Fridge icing up on Whirlpool side by side

Firstly an update that I should have posted earlier.

The diffuser closed overnight following my original posting and appeared to be modulating to maintain a reasonable temperature. (The fridge is set to 6 degrees)

However, since then It’s iced up again. There are three wires to the diffuser, orange, purple and brown. I suspect it uses 240 volt ac with one wire as a common neutral, one is ‘open’ and one is ‘close’ is this correct?

I suspect the diffuser is ok but the fridge sensor is faulty.

I’ve had a look and I can’t work out how to measure resistance of the fridge sensor.

At the back of the fridge, behind one of the shelves is a plastic grille with a cylindrical sensor which I believe is the sensor I need to measure the resistance of, however the wiring disappears behind the fridge lining so I can’t access any terminals to measure the resistance. I’ve Pulled the fridge out into the middle of my kitchen and cannot find the end of the lead from the sensor.

I suspect the sensor wiring goes to the rear PCB. If this is correct how do I identify the correct wires to measure the resistance of.

If it prove that the fridge sensor is faulty, how difficult is it to actually change?

[spimps]

Re: Fridge icing up on Whirlpool side by side

Haven’t changed one on this mod but the sensor kit is round £25,the cable will make it’s way to the board at the lower right hand side at the back.
Should read at room temp of 20c approx 5 to 6 (KΩ) if you warm it in your hand ressistance should go down and making it colder would increase the ressistance.
Switch off first.

[Mender]

Re: Fridge icing up on Whirlpool side by side

I don’t own a thermometer but placing it in a cup of like warm water gave around 5 to 6 (KΩ) and packing a couple of freezer blocks around it increased this so it appears to be ok. I realise this isn’t very a accurate way of checking.

I might be able to get the diffuser tested. I post back my findings.

[Mender]

Re: Fridge icing up on Whirlpool side by side

Took the plunge and bought a new diffuser. This has now fixed it. 😀

[Author]

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