GE TFX20JR is at room temperature

[calgaryed79]

A few days ago, I’ve noticed that the freezer side was running warmer than usual. I was hoping that it was something as simple as dust accumulation on the exchange tubes. I unplugged the fridge and vacuumed out the tubes. When I plugged it back in, neither the fridge nor the freezer are getting about room temperature. The compressor appears to be running (or is at least making some noise). Any ideas?

Thanks to all, in advance.


Model TFX20JR

[AJ]

Hi,

There are a few digits missing from your model number.
Could you post the full model number from the model/serial tag that is located on the refrigerator, thanks.

Model Number Locator Help

[calgaryed79]

It is GE TFX20JRXD WW

[AJ]

Is the fan in the freezer running?
How about the fan that is next to the compressor, is that one running?

[calgaryed79]

Both fans are running, however, the air coming off the freezer fan doesn’t feel to be below room temperature. If I disconnect the power off the compressor fan, the compressor does appear to be making noise. Not sure if that is what it is supposed to sound like.

[AJ]

If the compressor is running I would remove the evaporator cover #214 in the diagram so I could check the frost pattern on the coils. When it's working correctly the coils should have a thin layer of frost on them. If only half the coils are frosted or non of them have any frost on them and the compressor is running you have some kind of sealed system problem.


Take a look and let us know what you find.

[calgaryed79]

Removed the cover and checked the coils. No frost anywhere. They feel roughly room temperature. That being said, it is 63 degrees F in the freezer and it has been sitting unplugged for several days before being plugged in today (after discovering the problem, we moved all the food to an old fridge in the basement). It has been plugged in for a couple of hours now and the temperature has not moved a single degree. Both fans have been running the entire time.

[AJ]

If your compressor is running and you have no frost on the evaporator coils then you may have some kind of sealed system problem.
I would guess the refrigerant has leaked out or the compressor may have problems. This would not be a typical diy repair if that is the case.

Is the compressor or the coils next to the compressor hot?
Would you have a clamp on amp meter you could check the compressor with?

[calgaryed79]

I would not call the compressor hot, but it is definitely above room (and body) temperature. If I put my hand on it, it is not hot enough to make it uncomfortable. I will have to get my hands on a clamp-on amp meter as I have a regular kind only. Thanks for your help. 

[AJ]

Your welcome, let us know the amp draw if you can.
I would also be interesting to hear what some other techs think about your problem.

[bigbuck]

sounds like it the sealed system problem to me too., make sure compressor is running , sometimes vibration from cond. motor will sound like its running.

[ryan111]

I agree there is a sealed system problem unless the compressor isn’t actually running like bigbuck said.

[calgaryed79]

Just an update, gentlemen: I decided to give it one more honest try … with the evaporator cover removed, I plugged it in and left it running. After about 2 hours, the bottom coil started to frost over. It’s been 12 hours now and the temperature in the freezer dropped from 65F to 55F. The entire bottom coil is frosted over and the frost is slowly moving up the second coil. Should this process be taking this long? I should mention that I had the compressor/fan cover off at the back the entire time. Not sure if that makes much of a difference.

[bigbuck]

sorry but after 12 hrs. time, evap. should be totally frosted & temp. should be @ 0 degrees, leak in sealed system somewhere, most likely leak @ evap. or heat exchanger. 

[JWWebster]

It's a hair low on freon. Tap it and add a couple of ounces.