Zanussi Thermostat Problem

[admin]

I have a Zanussi fridge/freezer (ZFK56/48R). I have just moved into a house and it was left behind by the previous owner. I also have another fridge which is my main fridge but I am using the Zanussi as my beer fridge (very important!).

I think there is a thermostat problem because it runs for hours and still the fridge compartment does not chill adequately. I have it at setting 6 (highest). If I turn the dial back the fridge will not cut out until I turn the knob to 0 and then if I turn it back to 6 it will not run again. It can take hours before it runs. All the while the ‘coolcheck’ says TOO WARM. On one occassion I turned the fridge off and the stat reset.

Does anyone know what the problem is? I am well able to strip it down and replace parts as neccessary, so if any one can suggest a website where I can get a repair manual I’d be grateful. I can strip and repair a computer, a car, a stereo and other things but I’ve never tackled a fridge before!!!

Any help would be appreciated,

Regards,

Seán.

[ELDAR59]

Re: Zanussi Thermostat Problem

hi sean, this is definately not a thermostat fault.
the compressor that pumps the refrigerant around the system only has one speed. that is to say, it’s either on or off.
increasing the thermostat setting doesn’t give you more ‘power’, it just increases the run time of the compressor and thus, when the system is healthy, refrigerates more.
this sounds like either a compressor fault or a gas level fault, either of which i’m afraid, isn’t normally within the capabilities of the most adept diy man.
obviously, if it’s in nice condition, you may think it worthwhile to call out an engineer. if not, it sounds like curtains mate.

[admin]

Re: Zanussi Thermostat Problem

Yeah – I see what you mean. I’ll get the gas replenished first and take things from there. Your post reminds me of a problem I had with air con in an Audi A4. Lots of power at the compressor but no chilled air.

Have you any idea of the approx cost of getting it recharged?

Thanks,

Seán.

[admin]

Re: Zanussi Thermostat Problem

Hi,

I’ve just been out to the fridge for a beer and I’ve noticed that there is ice on the rear of the fridge but yet the contents (they’ve been in for 5 hours and were cold when I put them in) are not as cold as expected. The TOO WARM indicator is still visible but not as strong as before.
I’m gonna leave it closed for 24hrs and see what happens.

Seán.

[ELDAR59]

Re: Zanussi Thermostat Problem

hi sean, it’s no good re-charging the fridge if the compressor’s on it’s way out.
an engineer would be able to come along, put a gauge on the system and according to the pressure readings on the gauge, tell you exactly what’s wrong with the system.

localised icing up would also be concurrent with a system fault.

is the too warm indicator in it’s correct position?
another thought, is the fridge adequately ventilated?

[admin]

Re: Zanussi Thermostat Problem

OK – I’ll get a guy who can check everything – sounds like a sensiblle approach. The fridge is in good condition so is worth saving.

Re: Ventilation – It’s in the garage, but I’ll pull it away from the wall another bit.

Sean.

[admin]

Re: Zanussi Thermostat Problem

Another thing, my Bosch fridge which is entirely reliable(6 years just plugged in and not a murmur from it!) gets ice on the rear panel but usually defrosts it at regular intervals so I assumed a bit of ‘icing up’ was normal

I’ve a temperature probe for my multimeter at work so I’ll bring it home and test the fridge and the freezer for that matter. The probe’s optimum range is 15 – 120 deg C so I’m not to confident of it’s accuracy at lower temperatures.

I’ll figure it out eventually…………

Seán.

[admin]

Re: Zanussi Thermostat Problem

I have a zanussi with virtually the same problem. The only difference is that when I turn the thermostat to 0 the compressor stops and then turning it back up again the compressor restarts. Despite reading the instructions and following them to the letter the fridge does not cool down and the “too warm” indicator is always on. The appiance is only 3 years old so I am reluctant to throw it onto the tip. Anyone got any suggestions.

[Author]

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