How to reset Frigidaire side by side refrigerator not cooling?
If your Frigidaire GRFC2353AF2 refrigerator is not cooling, a true “reset” is usually a power reset plus restoring the correct temperature settings. Unplug the refrigerator (or turn off the breaker) for 5 minutes, power it back on, then allow 24 hours for temperatures to stabilize.
Quick reset steps (safe, no tools)
- Confirm the refrigerator is getting power (interior lights on, display on).
- Power reset: unplug for 5 minutes, then plug back in.
- Set temperatures to typical targets: 37°F fresh food and 0°F freezer.
- Make sure “Cooling Off” or “Demo/Showroom” mode is not enabled (if your control panel has that feature).
- Keep doors closed as much as possible for the next few hours.
If it still is not cooling: what to check next
Not cooling is usually airflow, frost buildup, or a fan or sensor issue.
- Airflow: Do not block vents with food packages.
- Condenser area: Make sure the unit has breathing room and the condenser area is not packed with dust.
- Evaporator fan: If the freezer is cold but the refrigerator section is warm, the evaporator fan may not be moving air; see how to fix your evaporator cooling fan.
- Temperature sensing: A failed thermistor can cause incorrect cooling decisions; the model uses temperature sensors such as refrigerator temperature sensor 5303918775 and refrigerator temperature sensor 240597220.
- Door sealing: Warm air leaks can overwhelm cooling; inspect the gasket for gaps or tears.
Common symptoms and the most likely cause
| Symptom | Most likely cause | What we do first |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer cold, fridge warm | Airflow problem or evaporator fan issue | Check vents, listen for fan, inspect frost |
| Both sections warm | Power, compressor, sealed system, or control issue | Power reset, confirm fans, check for error codes |
| Frost wall in freezer | Defrost problem or door left ajar | Check door seal, look for blocked drain |
| Intermittent cooling | Sensor or control behavior | Check sensor connections, look for error codes |
Why it matters
A power reset clears minor control glitches, but persistent warm temperatures usually point to airflow, fan operation, or temperature sensing. Catching those early helps prevent food spoilage and reduces strain on the compressor.
For additional troubleshooting, check Frigidaire refrigerator error codes. If you need replacement parts for GRFC2353AF2, order from the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What does CF mean on a Frigidaire refrigerator?
On a Frigidaire GRFC2353AF2 refrigerator, CF typically points to a communication fault between the user interface (display) and the main control system; it often shows up with cooling problems when the controls are not “talking” reliably.
What to do first (quick checks)
- Power reset: Unplug the refrigerator (or switch off the breaker) for 5 minutes, then restore power.
- Confirm temperatures: Set fresh food to 37°F and freezer to 0°F, then give it 24 hours to stabilize.
- Check for obvious wiring issues: Look for pinched wires near door hinges and any loose connectors you can safely access.
- Listen for fans: You should typically hear the evaporator fan running at times; no fan sound can contribute to warm temps.
- Watch for repeat codes: If CF returns quickly after a reset, treat it as an active fault.
Common causes and likely fixes
CF is most often caused by one of these issues:
- Loose or damaged wiring harness between the display/user interface and control
- Failed user interface board
- Failed main control board
- Temperature feedback problems that confuse the control system (thermistor/sensor issues)
If you are also seeing poor cooling, checking the temperature sensing circuit is a practical step; this model has multiple sensor options such as the refrigerator temperature sensor 5303918775.
Parts that may be involved (examples)
| Symptom with CF | What it often points to | Example part on this model page |
|---|---|---|
| CF plus warm refrigerator/freezer | Control not responding correctly to sensor input | Refrigerator temperature sensor 5303918775 |
| CF plus fan not running or noisy | Airflow problem affecting cooling | Frigidaire refrigerator evaporator fan motor 809069206 |
| CF plus inconsistent temps | Sensor drift or intermittent connection | Refrigerator temperature sensor 240597220 |
Why it matters
When the controls cannot communicate reliably, the refrigerator may not run the compressor, fans, or defrost system correctly. That can lead to temperature swings, food spoilage risk, and repeated error codes.
Getting the right part
We recommend matching parts by the full model number GRFC2353AF2 and using the parts list for this model. You can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect if you are comparing multiple assemblies.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the disadvantage of a side-by-side fridge?
The main disadvantage of a side-by-side refrigerator is the tall, narrow compartment layout; wide items (pizza boxes, sheet pans, party platters) often do not fit well, and freezer organization can feel cramped. Your Frigidaire GRFC2353AF2 is a bottom-mount (French door style) refrigerator, so these drawbacks do not apply the same way.
Common disadvantages of side-by-side refrigerators
- Narrow shelves and door bins limit wide or bulky containers
- Less full-width shelf space for fresh food compared with many French door designs
- Tall, narrow freezer section makes it easier to lose items behind others
- In-door ice and water can add maintenance points (filter, dispenser, ice maker)
- Two full-height doors can require more side clearance in tight spaces
How this compares to your GRFC2353AF2 layout
Because GRFC2353AF2 is a bottom-mount refrigerator, you typically get wider fresh-food shelving and better platter storage than a side-by-side. If your goal is convenience, the tradeoff is that frozen foods sit lower in the bottom freezer.
| Refrigerator style | Typical strength | Typical drawback |
|---|---|---|
| Side-by-side | Easy access to both sections at eye level | Narrow storage for wide items |
| Bottom-mount (like GRFC2353AF2) | Wider refrigerator shelves for platters | Freezer items are lower down |
| French door | Wide fresh-food area, good for entertaining | More door seals to keep clean and sealing well |
Why it matters
Choosing the right layout affects daily usability more than total cubic feet. If you store wide trays often, side-by-side designs create frequent fit issues; bottom-mount and French door designs reduce that frustration.
Practical tips (any refrigerator style)
- Measure your most common “wide items” before you shop or reorganize shelves
- Use clear bins to keep narrow freezer spaces organized
- Keep door seals clean and sealing tightly to prevent temperature swings
- If you use filtered water and ice, replace the filter on schedule (for this model, see Frigidaire refrigerator water filter FPPWFU01)
You can order replacement parts for your GRFC2353AF2 from the parts list for your model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





