Before checking for airflow restrictions, unplug the refrigerator
or shut off the power at the fuse box or breaker panel to avoid
an electrical shock hazard.
The evaporator fan blows cold air into the freezer
and from there it vents into the refrigerator. Occasionally the
vents between the freezer and refrigerator can become clogged
with ice, food or other debris. In most refrigerators the cold
control for the refrigerator opens and closes these vents. That
mechanism may become inoperative resulting in the vents becoming
stuck open or closed.
Inspect the vents to determine what is preventing
the free flow of air. An overcrowded refrigerator or freezer may
be the cause. In other cases the vents may need to be cleaned
or ice melted away. To remove a build up of ice, use a hair dryer
set to "low". Using a higher setting may damage the freezer. CAUTION:
Do not let melting ice drip onto the hair dryer.
In some models, the vent is located under the
temperature control console. The housing either snaps into place
or is held in place with screws. Remove the screws, or gently
depress the retaining clips with a small screwdriver. Allow the
housing to hang by its wiring. A freezer vent control may also
have to be removed to access the vent. In some freezer-on-top
models, it may be necessary to remove the floor of the freezer
to inspect for obstructions.
Before checking for airflow restrictions, unplug the refrigerator
or shut off the power at the fuse box or breaker panel to avoid
an electrical shock hazard.