April 20, 2023

Freezer repair guides

Follow the steps in these freezer repair guides and videos to install replacement parts such as compressor start relays, door switches and control boards. The DIY troubleshooting advice and error code charts in our freezer repair section can help you figure out what's wrong with your freezer. Once you find out what's wrong, search your model number to find a complete list of replacement parts for your freezer and order the part you need.

freestanding-freezer

Repair guides for chest freezers

How to replace a freezer compressor start relay

The compressor start relay starts the compressor. If the compressor won’t start, follow these steps to replace a defective compressor start relay.

Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
How to replace a freezer temperature control thermostat

The cold control thermostat regulates the freezer temperature. A defective cold control thermostat can prevent the compressor from cycling on or off. Follow these steps to replace a defective cold control thermostat.

Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
How to replace a freezer lid gasket

The lid gasket prevents air and moisture from entering the freezer when the lid is closed. Follow these steps to replace a torn or damaged lid gasket.

Repair difficulty
Time required
30 minutes or less

Repair guides for upright freezers

How to replace a freezer control panel

A freezer control panel that doesn’t show the temperature or respond when you press the buttons could be broken. This DIY repair guide and video show how to replace a freezer control panel in less than 15 minutes.

Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
How to replace a freezer door switch

When the door switch fails, the freezer can’t detect that the door is closed. Follow the steps in this repair guide to replace a defective freezer door switch.

Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
How to replace a freezer thermistor

When the thermistor can’t sense the freezer temperature, the freezer is colder or warmer than the set temperature. Follow these step-by-step instructions to replace a defective freezer thermistor.

Repair difficulty
Time required
45 minutes or less
How to replace a freezer defrost heater

If frost builds up on the freezer evaporator because the defrost heater isn’t working, follow these step-by-step instructions to replace the freezer defrost heater.

Repair difficulty
Time required
45 minutes or less
How to replace a freezer evaporator fan

Air won’t circulate to cool the freezer properly when the evaporator fan fails. Follow these step-by-step instructions to replace a defective evaporator fan.

Repair difficulty
Time required
45 minutes or less
How to replace a freezer electronic control board

The electronic control board manages the compressor to control freezer temperature. Replace the control board using these step-by-step instructions if it’s defective.

Repair difficulty
Time required
45 minutes or less
How to replace a freezer defrost thermostat

These step-by-step instructions explain how to replace the defrost bi-metal thermostat in an upright freezer.

Repair difficulty
Time required
45 minutes or less
How to replace a freezer LED light board

The LED lights illuminate the interior of the freezer when you open the door. It takes just a few minutes to replace the LED light board.

Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less

Symptoms common to all freestanding freezers

Choose a symptom to see related freezer repairs.

Main causes: leaky door or lid gasket, broken defrost heater, bad defrost bi-metal thermostat, defrost control failure, faulty compressor
Main causes: lack of power, bad compressor, refrigerant leak, bad thermistor, defrost system failure, dirty condenser coils, control failure
Main causes: burned out light bulb, bad door or lid switch, faulty LED light board, wiring failure, control system failure
Main causes: excessive frost, bad defrost heater, bad defrost bi-metal, control system failure, low refrigerant charge, compressor problems
Main causes: damaged door or lid gasket, cracked cabinet liner, bad defrost bi-metal thermostat, broken defrost heater, bad defrost timer
Main causes: compressor failure, no refrigerant, faulty sensor, control failure, broken defrost heater, bad defrost bi-metal thermostat
Main causes: lack of power, control system failure, broken compressor start relay, locked up compressor, compressor motor failure
Main causes: dirty condenser coils, condenser fan failure, dirty bottom front grill, leaky door or lid gasket

Articles and videos common to all freestanding freezers

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your freezer.

August 19, 2022

Are DIY appliance repairs safe?

Are DIY appliance repairs safe?

Find out how to stay safe when repairing your appliances.

August 17, 2021

How to read a wiring schematic video

How to read a wiring schematic video

Learn how to decipher symbols so you can buy the right part for your problem.

December 15, 2014

5 tips for finding food in the freezer faster

5 tips for finding food in the freezer faster

Don't get chapped hands digging through the icy depths. Get organized! Here's how.