Kenmore 253.44353409 (Frigidaire) shows E F and shuts off randomly

[alexjlouie]

We have a Kenmore 253.44353409 (Frigidaire) side by side refrigerator.  Last Saturday it starting showing a code “E” on the freezer temp and “F” on the refrigerator temp.  I found the main power control board and there was visible evidence that it had been burnt out by the 10 pin connector.  At the time, the refrigerator would run for 30 seconds, and then click, and everything went silent.

I ordered a new control board and installed. I still get the E F code, but now everything will run fine (and cools) for anywhere between ˝ hour to 5 hours but then it clicks, and the compressor and compressor fan stops running.  However, the evaporator fan continues to run.  I have to unplug and replug and the cycle starts over. 

Other symptoms: I hear an intermittent “howling” sound around the area of the evaporator fan (but somehow it doesn’t seem to be the evaporator fan).  Not sure, because I put the back panels back on.  The loud click I hear seems to be a rely but I’m not sure what triggers it, especially since the amount of time the refrigerator will run seems to be random.

I have ordered and will receive on Tuesday a number of parts from Repairclinic.com (since I can return un-needed items):

Evaporator fan motor
Control board (for the temperature readout)
Compressor fan
Defrost timer

I’m hoping replacing one of these will fix the problem.  Are there any other components that are not working correctly that may be causing the E F and random shutoff?

Thank you,

Alex

[Major]

Check the amperage draw of the compressor. If there is a restriction in the capillary tube the compressor will run for a short time and then trip out on the compressor overload. (clicking noise) It will not run again untill the compressor cools down a bit. This is not an easy fix. Check your warranty as some manufactures have a 5 year or better warranty on the compressor and sealed system.