RL34LGTC freezer ok, fridge not cooling

[mont4rt]

Hi all,
I have a Samsung RL34LGTC which is about 4years old. The freezer compartment is working fine, but the fridge does not cool anymore.

I have taken the freezer draws out and removed the plastic cover inside the fridge. When the fan is working it does not appear to push enough cold air into the fridge.

After taking the plastic cover off to reveal the fan, I was hoping to find the air channel iced up, but it was clear. When I put the cover back on and covered the main vents that direct the cold air into the top of the freezer with some duck tape, I could then feel the fan blowing into the fridge.

Can anyone point me in the right direction.

Thanks John

[electrofix]

Re: RL34LGTC freezer ok, fridge not cooling

if you have not already done it i would still totally defrost it. ie both doors open for at least 36 hours
you say you checked the tubes for blockages but there has to be a way for the cold air to get in and a way for the air to return so there has to be 2 tubes. if either is iced it will not work
other members may have more idea as i don’t touch a lot of refrigeration

dave

[mont4rt]

Re: RL34LGTC freezer ok, fridge not cooling

Thanks dave, I’ll have a look for another air channel.

[SAMURI]

Re: RL34LGTC freezer ok, fridge not cooling

On the bottom right behind the covers inside the freezer is a small return air flow channel it is more than likely blocked with ice.

Bob

[mont4rt]

Re: RL34LGTC freezer ok, fridge not cooling

I’ve found the 2nd channel, as where Bob said. That appears to be clear also. Checked by feeding some small plastic pipe down from the fridge until it was visible behind the cooling elements. I’ll also give it a full defrost when the freezer is empty.

Could the fan not be running at max. rpm? Seems ok though.

[electrofix]

Re: RL34LGTC freezer ok, fridge not cooling

dont think the fan changes speed if pipes are clear is the flap valve operating

Dave

[mont4rt]

Re: RL34LGTC freezer ok, fridge not cooling

yes 0, the valve flap is ok, closes when the door is s ooen. How do you make the fridge think the door is shut when open?

[electrofix]

Re: RL34LGTC freezer ok, fridge not cooling

think it a magnetic switch that goes off the magnet in the door seal so any small magnet should do
try it round where the seal fits normally by the control panel

Dave

[Barmyfluid]

Re: RL34LGTC freezer ok, fridge not cooling

Hi mont4rt

Did anyone give you the solution to your faulty fridge, did you fix it yourself or did you call someone out?

[mont4rt]

Re: RL34LGTC freezer ok, fridge not cooling

I’m back again, with the same problem. Having read and understood SOME of the excellent guide on the site regarding frost free freezers, I am a little less of a numpty when it comes to the black magic of fridges.

Anyway, the cooling element was iced up, with white powdery ice and blocking one of the airflows. The fan and flap are operating normally. After letting the freezer defrost fully and dry out I had a go at tinkering.

I think I have found 2 thermostats, (small white cylinderical objects, I on 2 white wires and the other on pink wires)? One located behind the 1st plastic cover and the other was burried in the cooling element. Both gave a closed reading with the multimeter, so I hope they are ok.

Next, I was looking for the defroster thingy. Not sure what I found, but it ran off a red and brown wire and looked like a small capacitor, about 10mmx5mm cylinder inside a clear plastic tube again buried in the element. I tested this, giving a open circuit.

There were some more wires running in tandem with the element for a few cm’s, but I couldn’t figure out what they were for, anyway they gave a closed circuit when tested.

Was either of those the defroster that I found? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks
John

[Author]

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