Zanussi ZI718/12K Fridge too warm

[bphiett]

I have moved into a new house with a Zanussi ZI718/12K integrated fridge freezer.

I have measured the temperature of the fridge part and it is between 7 and 10 degrees. I have moved the thermostat setting up to max, 6 but this doesn’t help

I have noticed that there is regularly ice droplets at the back of the fridge part so I am surprised it is so warm.

The freezer part seems to be working correctly, everything well frozen although I have been unable to measure the temp as my digital thermometer is unable to measure such low temperatures.

Its a bit noisy when the compressor is on but it is not continuously noisy which indicates the thermostat is cutting in and out.

I was going to have a go at defrosting it tomorrow, although it has only been a few months since we moved in and it was started from warm then.

As an aside does anyone know how old this model is?

I am hoping there will be some obvious fix, I did manage to fix another Zanussi once by replacing the thermostat.

Or maybe it is a case of finding a replacement. I’ve read the buying guide on this site but it doesn’t seem to actually suggest which brands/models represent good buys

any pointers gratefully received

[bphiett]

Re: Zanussi ZI718/12K Fridge too warm

I’ve done some more investigation

have removed the fridge freezer from its unit so its now freestanding in the middle of my kitchen

defrosted it fully yesterday, turned it back on with nothing in it and placed the thermometer in the fridge part

I noticed that the compressor is actually quite noisy – wonder if that is an indication that it is weak. It gets very hot to the touch.

I noticed after some time that the temp got down to 3 degrees which is good, but then some time after it had climbed to 7.6 degrees without the thermostat kicking in to turn the compressor back on.

Fiddling with the thermostat dial, e.g. turning it up to 6 when the fridge was 7+ degrees I would have expected to hear a click and the thermostat power up the compressor but that doesn’t happen.

Eventually the compressor does come back on but the fridge is already too warm by then.

I have now removed the thermostat housing and am thinking of replacing the thermostat (Ranco K59L2025) to see if that fixes the problem. Anyone know where I could get such a part?

The other thing that crossed my mind is the part of the fridge that the thermostat probe gets pushed down into – maybe that is cold enough hence the thermostat not triggering but if that space is not representative of the actual temp inside the fridge then that could be an issue?

I have checked all seals for both the fridge and freezer and they are in good condition and seal properly when the doors are closed

[captaincaveman1]

Re: Zanussi ZI718/12K Fridge too warm

My bet is no ventilation was provided on the bottom plinth therefore the compressor has been working overtime and is now damaged . Replacing the stat wont do anything you need a new fridge freezer.

[bphiett]

Re: Zanussi ZI718/12K Fridge too warm

I think the installation has been done correctly there is the 200cm2 and 5cm gap ventilation all round the unit as specified in the installation manual.

Could just be the age of the fridge perhaps – everything breaks eventually – unfortunately I have no paperwork to date it – anyone have a rough idea of the age of this particular model?

[bphiett]

Re: Zanussi ZI718/12K Fridge too warm

Another thing I noticed is that the compressor doesn’t always come straight on when you turn the fridge freezer back on from warm.

Sometimes it makes a brief whining noise then clicks off and doesn’t come back on for several minutes.

I’m starting to suspect this fridge may be dead..

[blackandgold888]

Re: Zanussi ZI718/12K Fridge too warm

Hello – I think I’ve got exactly the same problem as you, same model and fridge temperature not getting cold enough.
What was the outcome of your situation? was it able to be fixed? or did you replace the fridge?

Many thanks!
B

[Author]

Posts