What is the upper part of a fridge called?
On a Frigidaire FFTR1621TB0 top-mount refrigerator, the upper compartment is the freezer. It is designed to keep foods frozen and, on some models, it also houses ice-making components such as an ice tray or an optional ice maker.
What you will typically find in the upper (freezer) section
In this style of refrigerator, the freezer is the coldest compartment and commonly includes:
- Freezer shelf (storage for frozen foods)
- Ice tray and space for an ice bucket (if equipped)
- Cold air vents that feed cooling into the fresh-food section
- A freezer temperature control or auxiliary freezer control (varies by model)
- Door bins or racks for smaller frozen items
For the exact layout and names of the compartments and shelves on FFTR1621TB0, use the diagrams in the owner's manual.
Why the name matters when ordering parts
Parts lists and diagrams usually label components by compartment. Knowing the correct term helps you match the right section when you are looking up shelves, door bins, gaskets, or controls.
| What you call it | Common parts tied to it | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer (upper compartment) | Door gasket, shelf, door bins, ice maker parts (if equipped) | Freezing performance and cold-air supply |
| Fresh-food section (lower compartment) | Crispers, door racks, light bulb, shelves | Everyday food storage temperature |
Related parts you might see for this model
If you are troubleshooting sealing or storage issues, these model-matched parts are commonly associated with the freezer or refrigerator compartments:
- Refrigerator door gasket 242193210 (helps prevent warm air leaks)
- Refrigerator freezer door gasket (black) 242193207 (freezer door seal option)
- Refrigerator light bulb 316538904 (fresh-food section lighting)
Why it matters
When the freezer door does not seal well or airflow is blocked, temperatures can drift and the refrigerator may run longer than normal. Keeping vents clear and door seals in good shape helps maintain stable cooling.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common problem with Frigidaire refrigerators?
The most common Frigidaire refrigerator complaint is a cooling problem: the refrigerator section runs warm, the freezer may be too cold or frosty, or temperatures swing because airflow is restricted or a fan/defrost component is failing. For your Frigidaire FFTR1621TB0, start with basic airflow and temperature-control checks in the owner's manual.
Most common causes (and what we check first)
- Dirty condenser coils causing poor heat removal and long run times
- Blocked air vents from overpacked shelves or frozen airflow channels
- Evaporator fan issue (weak, noisy, or not running) reducing cold-air circulation
- Defrost system trouble leading to frost buildup (often tied to a thermostat)
- Door seal leaks letting warm, moist air in (gasket not sealing)
Quick troubleshooting steps for FFTR1621TB0
- Confirm controls and stabilize temps: After any adjustment, allow about 24 hours for temperatures to stabilize.
- Check for frost and airflow: Heavy frost on the freezer back wall often points to a defrost/airflow problem.
- Inspect door sealing: Close a dollar bill in the door; if it slips easily, the gasket may not be sealing.
- Listen for fans: You should typically hear airflow when the unit is running; unusual noise can indicate a fan blade or motor issue.
- Rule out simple power issues: Make sure the plug is fully seated and the control is not set to “0”.
Parts that commonly solve cooling and airflow complaints
If your diagnosis points to a failed component, these model-matched parts are commonly involved:
| Symptom | Likely area | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Warm fridge, weak airflow | Evaporator airflow | Refrigerator evaporator fan motor 242219204 |
| Frost buildup, temp swings | Defrost control | Refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat 5303918634 |
| Warm temps, loud rear area | Condenser airflow | Electrolux refrigerator condenser fan blade 241639502 |
| Door not sealing, moisture | Door seal | Refrigerator door gasket 242193210 |
Why it matters
Cooling problems are usually airflow-related; when air cannot move correctly between the freezer and fresh-food section, food safety and energy use both suffer. Catching a dirty coil, weak fan, or leaking gasket early helps prevent bigger failures like compressor overwork.
For broader part lookups by model number, we also support searching on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Can I replace fridge parts myself?
Yes. With a Frigidaire FFTR1621TB0 top-mount refrigerator, we can usually replace many non-sealed-system parts ourselves (bins, shelves, gaskets, light bulb, some fan parts) using basic hand tools and the safety steps in the FFTR1621TB0 owner's manual. For electrical and sealed-system work, we use a qualified technician.
Good DIY repairs vs. technician-only repairs
Many refrigerator fixes are straightforward, but some repairs involve high voltage, refrigerant, or specialized tools.
- Good DIY: light bulb, door shelf rail, crisper drawer, door gasket, hinge washers/bushings
- DIY with extra care: evaporator fan motor and covers (unplug first, protect wiring)
- Technician-only: compressor, evaporator, heat exchanger, refrigerant leaks, brazing/soldering
Safety steps we follow first
The manual calls out several key safety rules that matter for any repair.
- Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning or replacing a light bulb
- Pull the plug (do not yank the power cord)
- Plug into a properly grounded 3-prong outlet (no extension cord or adapter)
- Avoid GFI circuits if possible for this refrigerator
- Wear gloves when replacing a light bulb
Parts we commonly replace on this model
If the issue is physical damage, poor sealing, noise, or a light that is out, these are common replacements for FFTR1621TB0.
| Symptom | Likely DIY part | Example from this model’s parts list |
|---|---|---|
| Interior light out | Light bulb | Refrigerator light bulb 316538904 |
| Door bins won’t stay in place | Door shelf rail | Frigidaire refrigerator door shelf rail 240535101 |
| Warm temps, fan noise, poor airflow | Fan motor or fan blade | Refrigerator evaporator fan motor 242219204 or electrolux refrigerator condenser fan blade 241639502 |
| Frost buildup, warming, defrost issues | Defrost thermostat | Refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat 5303918634 |
Why it matters
Choosing the right DIY level prevents repeat failures and protects expensive components. For example, running with low voltage or improper power connections can damage the compressor, and that repair is never a simple parts swap.
Ordering the right part
We match parts by the full model number (FFTR1621TB0) and the symptom, then confirm fit using the diagrams and part details. You can order replacement parts from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the PowerPlus freeze on a Frigidaire?
PowerPlus Freeze is a quick-freeze feature found on some Frigidaire refrigerators; it temporarily boosts freezing performance to help newly added food freeze faster. On the Frigidaire FFTR1621TB0 top-mount refrigerator, freezing is managed with the standard refrigerator and auxiliary freezer controls described in the FFTR1621TB0 owner's manual.
What “PowerPlus Freeze” does (when a model has it)
On models equipped with a quick-freeze option, the goal is simple: increase cooling in the freezer for a short period.
- Helps freeze fresh groceries faster after a large load
- Helps recover temperature faster after frequent door openings
- Increases compressor run time and normal operating sounds
- Works best when air vents are not blocked
- Should be turned off or allowed to time out after the need passes
How to get a similar result on FFTR1621TB0
FFTR1621TB0 uses knob-style controls. The manual’s approach is gradual adjustments and time for temperatures to stabilize.
- Set the refrigerator control to the recommended initial setting
- If you need colder freezer temps, move the auxiliary freezer control slightly toward colder
- Wait 24 hours between adjustments so temperatures can stabilize
- Keep packages from blocking freezer air vents for proper circulation
- Keep doors closed as much as possible during the cool-down period
| Situation | Best control move | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Large grocery load | Slightly colder freezer setting | Better freezing after several hours |
| Freezer too warm overall | Small colder adjustment, then wait | Stabilizes in about 24 hours |
| Uneven temps | Clear vents, avoid overpacking | More consistent cooling |
Why it matters
“Quick freeze” features are often used to protect food quality during heavy use. With FFTR1621TB0, the same outcome comes from correct control settings, good airflow, and giving the sealed system time to pull temperatures down.
If you are using “quick freeze” because it is not freezing well
A weak-freezing complaint is often related to airflow or defrost issues. Common parts involved include the refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat 5303918634 and the refrigerator evaporator fan motor 242219204.
You can order replacement parts from the parts list for FFTR1621TB0, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





