Frigidaire FRT18S6AWA refrigerator Parts

Most 18 cu. ft. top-mount refrigerators are about 65 to 68 inches tall, 28 to 30 inches wide, and 30 to 32 inches deep; exact cabinet size varies by model and door style. For your Frigidaire FRT18S6AWA, we also recommend planning for the required installation clearances in the installation guide.

Typical size range (what to expect)

These are common exterior dimensions for an 18 cubic foot, top-freezer refrigerator:

• Height: 65 to 68 inches
• Width: 28 to 30 inches
• Depth: 30 to 32 inches (often deeper with handles)
• Door swing: needs extra space beyond the cabinet width

Installation clearances you should add

Even if the cabinet fits, you need airflow space around it. The FRT18S6AWA installation instructions call for these minimum clearances:

• Sides and top: 3/8 inch
• Back: 1 inch
• Front: enough room for doors to open fully and drawers to slide out

Quick planning table

What you measure	What it means	What to include
Cabinet width	Box size of the refrigerator	Add side clearance (3/8 inch total space per spec)
Cabinet depth	Box depth without door swing	Add handle depth and door swing space
Cabinet height	Box height	Add top clearance (3/8 inch per spec)

How to measure your space correctly

Use a tape measure and check more than one spot (floors and walls are rarely perfectly square).

• Measure width at the front and back of the opening
• Measure height at left, center, and right
• Measure depth to the wall, then account for baseboards and the water line (if equipped)
• Confirm the floor is solid and level; the manual notes the refrigerator should sit firmly on all corners

Why it matters

Correct dimensions plus proper clearances help prevent poor cooling, noisy operation, and doors that do not seal well. Good airflow also helps the condenser run efficiently, which supports stable fresh food and freezer temperatures.

Last updated: February 2026

The Frigidaire FRT18S6AWA is not a “garage ready” refrigerator. For reliable cooling and normal operation, we recommend installing it in a temperature-controlled space and following the location and electrical requirements in the FRT18S6AWA owner's manual.

What “garage ready” means (and why it matters)

A garage-ready refrigerator is built and tested to maintain safe refrigerator and freezer temperatures across a wider range of ambient temperatures than a typical kitchen refrigerator.

Why it matters

• In cold garages, the compressor may run less often; the freezer can warm up.
• In hot garages, the unit can run constantly and still struggle to hold temperature.
• Temperature swings can increase frost, moisture, and food spoilage risk.

How to decide if your garage is a good location

Use this checklist before moving the refrigerator:

• Measure typical garage temperatures in winter and summer.
• Confirm you have a dedicated 115V, 60 Hz grounded outlet (no extension cords or adapters).
• Make sure doors can close and seal fully after placement.
• Allow airflow around the cabinet (do not box it in tightly).
• Plan for stable flooring and proper leveling to reduce noise and vibration.

Quick temperature guidance

These are practical guidelines for most standard top-mount refrigerators like this Frigidaire model.

Garage condition	What you may notice	What we recommend
Below about 50°F	Freezer warms, ice cream soft	Move indoors or use a garage-rated unit
About 55°F to 90°F	Most stable performance	Acceptable for many homes
Above about 90°F	Long run times, warm temps	Move indoors or improve ventilation

If you already installed it in the garage

Try these steps to improve performance:

• Set controls to mid-range, then wait 24 hours before rechecking temperatures.
• Verify the cabinet is level and doors seal tightly.
• Keep the freezer reasonably full to help stabilize temperature.
• If the refrigerator light is out, replace the bulb with the correct type (see refrigerator light bulb 316538904).

Ordering parts for your refrigerator

You can order replacement parts for the Frigidaire FRT18S6AWA from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

The most common problem we see on Frigidaire refrigerators like model FRT18S6AWA is a cooling complaint: the refrigerator section gets warm, temperatures swing, or frost builds up and restricts airflow. The usual causes are airflow blockage, dirty condenser coils, or a defrost-system issue that lets ice build up on the evaporator.

Most common symptoms customers notice

• Freezer seems OK but fresh-food section is warm
• Frost or ice buildup on the freezer back wall
• Refrigerator runs a lot or seems to run “all the time”
• Clicking, snapping, or fan noises (many operating sounds are normal)
• Food spoils faster because temperatures do not stay steady

Quick checks we recommend first (no parts)

1. Confirm airflow: Do not overcrowd shelves or block cold air vents; blocked vents make the unit run longer and cool unevenly.
2. Reduce moisture load: Cover foods and wipe containers dry to reduce moisture buildup that can contribute to frost.
3. Limit door openings: Organize items so the door stays open for less time.
4. Verify controls: Make sure the temperature control is not set to “0” (off).
5. Allow stabilization time: After any control change, allow about 24 hours for temperatures to stabilize.

Common causes and what they point to

What you observe	Most likely area	What to do next
Freezer cold, fridge warm	Airflow or evaporator fan/ice blockage	Check vents and look for frost buildup; follow the owner's manual operating tips
Heavy frost on freezer panel	Defrost system not clearing ice	Inspect for ice buildup; consider testing defrost components
Warm temps and long run times	Dirty condenser coils or poor airflow around unit	Clean coils and ensure good ventilation
Door not sealing, moisture inside	Door gasket not sealing	Inspect and clean the seal; replace if torn (see refrigerator gasket 242193213)

Why it matters

Cooling problems are usually airflow problems first. When vents are blocked or frost builds up, cold air cannot circulate correctly, so the refrigerator section warms up even if the freezer still feels cold.

Parts that commonly relate to these symptoms

• Door seal issues: refrigerator gasket 242193213
• Defrost-related frost buildup: refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat 5303918202
• Fan airflow issues (noise or weak circulation): refrigerator evaporator fan blade 5308000010

If you are ordering parts for FRT18S6AWA, we recommend using the parts list for this model first; you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

A Frigidaire refrigerator typically lasts 10 to 15 years. With steady upkeep (good airflow, clean interior, and correct temperatures), many units run longer; use the care and maintenance steps in the FRT18S6AWA owner's manual to help your refrigerator reach its full service life.

Typical lifespan and what affects it

Most top-mount refrigerators like the Frigidaire FRT18S6AWA land in this range because the sealed system and fans run daily and wear over time.

Common factors that shorten or extend lifespan:

• Condenser condition and airflow (dust, grease, pet hair)
• Door seal quality (air leaks force longer run times)
• Temperature control settings and how often doors are opened
• Defrost performance (ice buildup can reduce cooling efficiency)
• Power quality (frequent outages or tripped breakers)

Maintenance that adds years (high impact)

We recommend these practical habits because they reduce compressor run time and prevent common failures.

• Keep the refrigerator level to reduce vibration and door alignment issues
• Clean the interior regularly to prevent odors and spills from becoming persistent
• Check that the unit is on a dedicated 115V, 60 Hz outlet (no extension cord)
• If your model has a condenser that needs cleaning, clean it periodically for efficiency
• Replace failed lighting promptly so you can spot spills and airflow blockages (see refrigerator light bulb 316538904)

Quick reference: lifespan expectations

Item	Typical expectation	What you can do
Overall refrigerator lifespan	10 to 15 years	Keep airflow clear, maintain temps, avoid overloading
Door gasket service life	5 to 10 years	Inspect for gaps; replace if torn or hardened
Interior bins and drawers	5+ years	Avoid overloading; replace cracked parts

Why it matters

A refrigerator near the end of its expected lifespan often shows early warning signs (long run times, temperature swings, excess frost, or unusual noise). Addressing airflow and door sealing early can prevent food spoilage and reduce energy use.

When a part replacement makes sense

If the refrigerator is cooling well but storage parts are broken, replacing those parts is a cost-effective way to extend usability:

• Crisper drawer 240337103 if the drawer is cracked or won’t slide
• Frigidaire refrigerator door gallon bin 240338001 if the gallon shelf is broken
• Refrigerator gasket 242193213 if the door is not sealing and you feel warm air leaks

For additional parts beyond the list for FRT18S6AWA, search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026