frigidaire freezer 15 degrees - refrigerator 35 degrees

[lakefork]

I purchased a used Frigidaire FRT21H7ASB3 fridge/freezer on top.  The freezer is not cold enough.  
I checked the condensor fan is working,
The circulation fan is working
Cleaned the condesor coils
The compressor is running and will shut off at times.
It was unpluggged for a couple months so nothing frozen
The door operates between the freezer and fridge.
I removed the control panel in fridge and found a wire unhooked from some type of timer or solenoid (defrost i think). Reattached and no difference
This problem existed when last used by seller.

I have had this plugged in for 3 weeks and has not improved or gotten worse.

Would anyone have a suggestion of something else to check

[schaffersapplian]

let the machine run for 6 hours or so, then unplug it, remove the back panel inside the freezer.  You want to look at the aluminum coil.  You should see a uniform frost pattern across the entire thing.  If there is only frost on a portion of it, or a big ball of ice, then nothing, or no frost at all.  You got a sealed system issue my friend.

[lakefork]

I let it run for 6 hours but when I went out to unplug it I noticed the compressor wasn't running,  I removed the back and only a small portion of the cooling coils had frost on them(25%).  Does it go into defrost that often or why else would the compressor shut off.  Everything runs quiet and the compressor is room temp to the touch.

[theoldstoveguy]

Watch the run time on that unit,I have changed a lot of (run time )thermostat controls on the Frigidare top mounts. It should run until it reaches 38 degrees in the refrigerator section and shut off. If it is not in defrost, and shuts off, bad control.

[tgoods]

It's not in an unheated garage, is it?

[Tuco]

How did you measure the temps?
If its empty, try freezing a bag of peas or corn to take temps from. Tall glass of water in the fresh food side.
With temps like that I wouldn't think you have a sealed system problem( no freon leak)

That fridge wants to work. Might be something like a stuck damper door.

[Repair-man]

Let's cut to the chase here...the problem is a low charge (leak) or a restriction in the sealed system. The partial frost pattern is a dead giveaway. So is the fact that the unit was sold in the first place. Hardly ever does anyone give up a dependable top-mount until it exhibits problems. Not to say they were dishonest, but the facts speak for themselves.

You will not want to invest the time and expense necessary to track and repair the issue. Sealed system problems are too expensive to justify repairing a used product.

[lakefork]

I checked the temp with a thermocouple.  Also I checked the damper door annd it fully opens and it closes to about 1/4 inch.  It is in a garage, but it is in texas so the garage is about 70.  Also the seller told me about the freezer after I paid him and loaded it.  But I didn't know the details till I checked it myself.  Also I looked for ant signs of a oil leak and there is none.  It has been unplugged again so I will plug it in and see if it runs to 35°'s before it shuts off.  The only thing else to note was that when i verified that the coils were not fully frost covered the compressor was off, so it might have been in defrost and hence no frost??

[Tuco]

Sorry Lakefork, I missed the 25% frost pattern. Repairman has been doing this much longer then me.

It would be worth a phone call to see if you can return the freezer . If it was sold as "good".