Whirlpool AFB433/G Faulty thermostat?

[MadCow]

Hi

I have a Whirlpool AFB433/G (850443315000) freezer (not frost-free) which fits under the kitchen work-surface. I think the thermostat has failed because the compressor doesn’t cut-in unless I press the rapid-freeze button. Pressing this button causes an orange light to come on and it certainly gets it cooling again – after a couple of hours everything was frozen solid again. Releasing this button causes it to gradually start melting again.

Adjusting the thermostat setting with a screwdriver doesn’t make any difference. This dial has 4 marked positions: at 9 O’clock there is a black dot which I assume is “off” because the green light goes out if you turn it there (anti-clockwise); “Min” at 11 o’clock; “Med” at 3 o’clock and “Max” at 7 o’clock. It was in the “Min” position when we had it delivered (6 years ago) and we’ve never tried to alter it before. Does “Min” mean minimum temperature or minimum amount of cooling – I assume the latter? Is this the best position for the UK with room temp about 20’C?

There is a Red light, which is supposed to indicate that the temperature inside is too warm. This hasn’t lit up once even after we defrosted it and it was at room temp. Would a faulty thermostat cause this?

Does changing the thermostat involve guiding the sensor wire inside the cabinet – if so its looks pretty tricky, the wire disappears behind the black pipe-array which in turn is connected to the compressor by pipes which like they can’t be bent.
The thermostat itself is located on the top left of the rear-panel when viewed from the back. It has 4 wires going to it black, white, purple and green/yellow (earth) plus the sensor wire. Can the existing sensor-wire be joined to a new thermostat?

Any help gratefully received!

Thanks.

[Penguin45]

Re: Whirlpool AFB433/G Faulty thermostat?

Certainly sounds like a stat fault. P/no is 4819 271 29074, spares@ukwhitegoods.co.uk will get you one should you wish to proceed. The “sensor wire” is in fact a gas-filled capillary tube and must not be cut, sharply bent, kinked or abused in any way. If you are going to do this yourself, note exactly the routing of the capilary tube and make a diagram of the wiring before disconnecting anything………..

Power off, of course.

Regards,
Penguin45.

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