Frigidaire LFHT1713LW3 refrigerator Parts

A top-mount refrigerator like the Frigidaire LFHT1713LW3 is better when you want strong energy efficiency, simpler design, and lower purchase and repair costs; a bottom-mount is better when you want the fresh-food section at eye level and easier access to everyday items.

Quick comparison: top-mount vs bottom-mount

Feature	Top-mount (freezer on top)	Bottom-mount (freezer on bottom)
Everyday access	Freezer is easiest to reach	Fresh food is easiest to reach
Energy use	Typically lower	Typically slightly higher
Repair complexity	Usually simpler	Often more complex
Organization	Basic, straightforward	Often more drawers and bins

When a top-mount is the better choice

A top-mount refrigerator is usually the right fit when these matter most:

• Lower energy use and steady cooling performance
• Fewer features to maintain (simpler controls and airflow)
• Lower long-term repair costs (fewer specialty components)
• You use the freezer often (it is at a comfortable height)
• You want a lighter door load (fresh-food door is typically smaller)

When a bottom-mount is the better choice

A bottom-mount refrigerator is usually the right fit when:

• You access fresh food many times per day and want it at eye level
• You prefer wide refrigerator drawers and easier produce organization
• You do not mind bending for freezer access
• You want a more “kitchen workflow” friendly layout

Why it matters for real-world use

Layout affects how often doors stay open, how well food stays organized, and how consistently temperatures hold. For any style, correct setup helps performance; our LFHT1713LW3 installation guide covers basics like leveling, door seal checks, and recommended clearances.

Setup tip that improves either style

Use these installation best practices (especially after moving the refrigerator):

• Level the cabinet side-to-side and tilt it slightly back (about 1/4 inch)
• Confirm the door seals fully on all sides
• Allow airflow clearances (typically 3/8 inch at sides and top, 1 inch at the back)
• Wait 24 hours between temperature control adjustments

Last updated: January 2026

On the Frigidaire LFHT1713LW3 top-mount refrigerator, the upper section is the freezer compartment. It’s the colder area designed to keep foods frozen and, on some setups, it can also support an ice maker when the water supply is connected and the ice maker is turned on (if equipped).

What the freezer compartment does

• Maintains temperatures cold enough to freeze food for long-term storage
• Helps cool the fresh food section by supplying cold air through internal airflow paths
• Often houses key cooling components behind the rear panel (evaporator area)
• May include an ice maker location on compatible configurations

Common terms you may see

What people call it	What it usually means	Where it is on LFHT1713LW3
Upper part / top section	Freezer compartment	Top of the cabinet
Freezer	Frozen-food compartment	Upper door
Fresh food section	Refrigerator compartment	Lower door

Why it matters

Knowing the correct name helps when you’re ordering parts, reading diagrams, or following setup steps like leveling and door sealing. For example, the installation checklist calls out that the freezer door should be level across the top and that the door seals completely on all sides. See the LFHT1713LW3 installation guide for the leveling and door-seal check steps.

Quick setup checks that affect freezer performance

• Make sure the cabinet is level and tilted slightly front-to-back (so doors self-close)
• Confirm both doors seal fully to the cabinet on all sides
• Allow recommended clearances for airflow (sides/top and back)
• After changing temperature controls, wait about 24 hours before adjusting again
• If your unit has an ice maker, keep it OFF until the water supply is connected

Last updated: January 2026

Cooling problems are the most common issue we see with Frigidaire refrigerators, including the Frigidaire LFHT1713LW3. Most “not cold enough” complaints trace back to restricted airflow (dirty condenser coils, blocked vents), a weak fan, or warm air leaking in through a door seal.

Most common symptoms customers notice

• Fresh food section is warm but freezer seems closer to normal
• Freezer has frost buildup on the back wall
• Refrigerator runs a lot or seems to never shut off
• Food freezes in the refrigerator section
• Unusual fan noise or no fan sound when the compressor is running

Quick checks that fix many cooling complaints

Start with these basics before replacing parts:

• Set controls to a normal range and wait 24 hours after any adjustment for temperatures to stabilize (this is standard guidance for this style of refrigerator). See the LFHT1713LW3 installation guide.
• Make sure vents inside both compartments are not blocked by food packages.
• Clean condenser coils and confirm the condenser fan area is clear of dust.
• Confirm doors close and seal fully on all sides; the installation checklist calls out that the door seals should completely contact the cabinet. See the LFHT1713LW3 installation guide.

Parts that commonly cause cooling issues

If the basic checks do not solve it, these parts are frequent culprits on top-mount refrigerators:

What you observe	Likely area	Example part for LFHT1713LW3
Warm fridge, freezer OK-ish	Airflow from freezer to fridge	Refrigerator air damper 241542001
Frosted freezer back panel	Defrost system issue	Refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat 5303918202
Noisy or stalled fan	Evaporator airflow problem	Refrigerator evaporator fan motor 241854301

Why it matters

Cooling problems usually get worse over time. Fixing airflow, door sealing, or a defrost issue early helps prevent food spoilage, excessive frost, and compressor overwork.

Last updated: January 2026

If your Frigidaire LFHT1713LW3 top-mount freezer is not freezing, the most common causes are incorrect control settings, poor airflow from frost buildup, dirty condenser area, or a fan/defrost problem. Start by confirming the controls, then check for frost and fan operation using the steps in the LFHT1713LW3 installation guide.

Quick checks (fastest fixes first)

• Make sure the freezer control was not accidentally turned warmer; after changing controls, wait 24 hours before adjusting again.
• Verify the freezer door closes fully and the gasket seals all the way around.
• Look for heavy frost on the freezer back wall (a strong sign of a defrost issue).
• Listen for the evaporator fan running when the freezer door switch is pressed.
• Clean dust from the condenser area (restricted heat release reduces cooling).
• Confirm the refrigerator is level and slightly tilted back so doors self-close.

What the symptoms usually mean

What you notice	Most likely cause	What to do next
Freezer warm, fridge also warm	Cooling system not running efficiently	Clean condenser area; listen for compressor and fans
Freezer has thick frost on back wall	Defrost system problem	Check defrost components such as the refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat 5303918202
Freezer cold near vents only	Airflow problem	Check evaporator fan and air passages
Door won’t seal, frost near door	Air leak	Inspect gasket and door alignment

Parts that commonly fix “not freezing” on this model

These are frequent culprits when basic checks do not restore freezing:

• Refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat 5303918202 (can stop defrost from working correctly)
• Refrigerator defrost timer 215846604 (can prevent the unit from entering defrost or returning to cooling)
• Refrigerator evaporator fan blade 5308000010 (damaged blade can reduce airflow)
• Refrigerator condenser fan motor 242018301 (poor condenser cooling can reduce freezer performance)

Why it matters

A freezer that is not freezing is usually an airflow or heat-removal problem. Fixing it quickly prevents food spoilage and helps avoid longer compressor run times that can shorten the life of major components.

Last updated: January 2026