hot spot on back wall of fridge

[spelly]

Hi, I have a Gorenje RK 14256w integrated fridge freezer that has developed a hot spot on the back wall of the fridge, about half way up, around the middle shelf. The freezer is working fine, but food in the fridge next to the hot spot is getting warm. I have thoroughly defrosted the appliance, but is still the same. what could be the cause? Is there a defrost heater at this spot? Is it repairable?

Thanking you in advance.

Trevor

[SAMURI]

Re: hot spot on back wall of fridge

Do you have a switch near the thermostat? If so check it is in the off position.

The switch would be a low ambient switch and not a fast freeze switch.

Some fridge freezers have a heater in the back for low ambient conditions.

Bob

[spelly]

Re: hot spot on back wall of fridge

Hi Samuri,
Thanks for your speedy reply.
there is a 3 position rocker switch next to the temperature control knob. The manual indicates this is for controlling the fan on or off for two of the positions. I can not find a description of the 3rd position which has a snowflake icon. But the rocker switch was set on this snowflake setting, I always presumed that this was a quick chill button (fast freeze). could this be to control the defrost? According to the instruction manual this is an auto defrost fridge.

[spelly]

Re: hot spot on back wall of fridge

Thanks very much Bob for your assistance.
I have flicked the switch off as you suggested and all seems well. I am mystified as to the function of the switch and why it should heat a section of the back wall wile the chiller plate is still cold. Why would it need to heat the fridge when there is a low ambient temperature?
However, thanks very much for your help. 😀

[SAMURI]

Re: hot spot on back wall of fridge

As the fridge freezer only works with the fridge thermostat, if the room temperature in the winter was cold the freezer would defrost.

The heater is to warm the thermostat in the fridge to stop the freezer defrosting.

Bob

[ELDAR59]

Re: hot spot on back wall of fridge

The switch brings on a heater near the evaporator. This switch has a dual purpose, a low ambient device and also a fast freeze facility.
Warming up the fridge would encourage the motor to switch on, thereby chilling the freezer more.
The law ambient function is more tricky to explain, but a scenario that we face every winter when an appliance is used in a law ambient application.
There’s plenty of info on this site though, if you use the search facility.
The switch on your fridge has 3 positions, off, heater and fan. Ideally, the switch should be in the fan position. That is to say that when the motor is on and the door is closed, the fan will come on.

[Author]

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