Installation guide
Owner’s manual
Error Codes
What is the upper part of a fridge called?
On the Frigidaire FFHT2117PS2 top-mount refrigerator, the upper section is the freezer compartment. It’s the colder compartment designed to keep foods frozen, and on some setups it also supports ice making when an icemaker is installed and turned on per the FFHT2117PS2 installation guide.
What you’ll typically find in the upper (freezer) compartment
- Freezer shelves or a shelf rail system for organizing frozen foods
- A freezer door gasket that seals cold air in
- An evaporator area behind an interior panel (where cooling happens)
- An icemaker area (if equipped) with an ON/OFF signal arm
- Air vents that circulate cold air to the fresh food section
Freezer vs. fresh food compartment (quick comparison)
| Compartment | Common name | Typical temperature | Main purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper section (top-mount) | Freezer compartment | 0°F | Long-term frozen storage |
| Lower section | Fresh food compartment | 37°F | Everyday refrigerated foods |
Why it matters
Knowing the correct name helps when you’re troubleshooting cooling issues, checking door sealing, or ordering parts. For example, freezer airflow problems can affect both compartments, and door sealing checks are part of the recommended installation checklist.
Related setup checks we recommend after moving or installing
These steps help the freezer perform correctly and prevent temperature swings:
- Confirm the freezer door seals completely on all sides
- Make sure the freezer door is level across the top
- Level the refrigerator side-to-side and tilt it slightly back (about 1/4 inch)
- Set the fresh food and freezer controls, then wait 24 hours before adjusting again
- If equipped, ensure the icemaker is turned ON and check for water leaks at connections
Last updated: January 2026
Where is the thermostat on a Frigidaire freezer?
On the Frigidaire FFHT2117PS2 top-mount refrigerator, the temperature controls (thermostat control) are typically located in the control housing inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment, not inside the freezer. Use the control settings to regulate both freezer and fresh food temperatures; allow 24 hours between adjustments per the FFHT2117PS2 installation guide.
How to find it on FFHT2117PS2
Look for the control housing where the fresh food and freezer controls are set (often near the top of the refrigerator compartment).
- Open the refrigerator (fresh food) door and look along the upper interior wall
- Check near the light area and air vents where cold air enters the compartment
- Identify the temperature control knob or slider (some models use a numbered range)
- After changing a setting, wait 24 hours before changing it again
- If the freezer is warm, confirm the doors seal fully and the unit is level
What the thermostat does (and why it is not usually in the freezer)
In most top-mount designs, the thermostat senses temperature and cycles the compressor on and off, while airflow controls help balance cooling between compartments.
| What you adjust | Where you usually adjust it | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature control (thermostat setting) | Fresh food control housing | Compressor run time and overall cooling |
| Freezer control (airflow) | Same control area on many models | How much cold air is directed to the refrigerator section |
Why it matters
If you search for a “freezer thermostat” inside the freezer, you can miss the real control location and waste time troubleshooting. Correct control use also prevents over-adjusting, which can cause temperature swings and food spoilage.
If temperatures still will not hold
These checks often solve “freezer too warm” complaints before parts replacement:
- Make sure the refrigerator is level and tilted slightly back so doors close firmly
- Verify door seals contact the cabinet on all sides
- Avoid blocking vents with food packages
- Clean dust from condenser area (improves cooling efficiency)
- If you suspect a cooling airflow issue, use how to fix your evaporator cooling fan for guidance
Last updated: January 2026
Why is my Frigidaire top mount freezer not freezing?
If your Frigidaire FFHT2117PS2 top-mount freezer is not freezing, the most common causes are incorrect control settings, restricted airflow from frost or blocked vents, dirty condenser coils, or a failed fan in the cooling system. Start by confirming the controls and then check for airflow and fan operation using the FFHT2117PS2 installation guide.
Quick checks we recommend first
- Set the freezer control colder and wait 24 hours before changing it again (this model’s guidance is to allow a full day between adjustments).
- Make sure the freezer is not overpacked; keep air vents clear so cold air can circulate.
- Confirm the freezer door closes tightly and the gasket seals all the way around.
- Listen for the evaporator fan in the freezer; it should run when the compressor is running.
- Clean dust from the condenser area (restricted heat release can reduce freezing performance).
What to look for (symptom-to-cause guide)
| What you notice | Most likely cause | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer is warm and you do not hear a fan | Evaporator fan issue | Inspect for ice blockage; if the blade is damaged, replace the refrigerator evaporator fan blade 5308000010 |
| Frost or ice buildup on the back wall | Defrost system problem | Check for heavy frost; a common fix is replacing the refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat 5303918202 |
| Freezer cools a little but never reaches freezing | Airflow or heat rejection problem | Clear vents, clean condenser area, verify door seals |
| Compressor tries to start, clicks, then stops | Start components problem | A common repair is replacing the electrolux refrigerator compressor start relay 241941005 |
Why it matters
A freezer that cannot reach proper temperature forces the compressor to run longer, which can lead to food spoilage and can accelerate wear on cooling components like the compressor, condenser fan motor, and evaporator fan motor.
Helpful reference
For control-setting guidance and the “wait 24 hours between adjustments” rule, use the FFHT2117PS2 owner’s manual.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the most common problem with a Frigidaire refrigerator?
The most common problem we see with Frigidaire refrigerators like model FFHT2117PS2 is poor cooling (warm fresh food section, weak freezer performance, or temperature swings). In many cases, the fix is basic: correct control settings, good airflow, and doors sealing tightly, as outlined in the FFHT2117PS2 installation guide.
Most common symptoms and what they usually point to
- Refrigerator warm but freezer cold: airflow issue (evaporator fan, frost buildup, blocked vents)
- Both sections warm: condenser airflow problem, compressor start issue, or control setting problem
- Frost on freezer back wall: defrost system problem (timer, defrost thermostat)
- Moisture or sweating around doors: door not sealing, cabinet not level
- Noisy humming or rattling: fan blade interference or fan motor wear
Quick checks we recommend first (FFHT2117PS2)
Use these simple checks before replacing parts:
- Confirm the unit is level and tilted slightly front-to-back (about 1/4 inch) so doors close reliably.
- Make sure door seals close completely on all sides.
- Set controls to a normal range and wait 24 hours after changes before adjusting again.
- Keep food packages from blocking air vents between freezer and fresh food sections.
- If you have an ice maker, verify the water line connections are dry and the ice maker is ON.
Common parts involved when cooling problems persist
If the basics check out, these are frequent repair paths for cooling complaints:
| Problem area | What you may notice | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Evaporator airflow | Warm refrigerator, freezer OK, fan noise changes when door opens | Refrigerator evaporator fan blade 5308000010 |
| Defrost system | Frost buildup, reduced airflow over time | Refrigerator defrost timer 215846604 or refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat 5303918202 |
| Condenser airflow | Both sections warm, compressor runs a lot | Refrigerator condenser fan motor 242018301 |
Why it matters
Cooling issues usually get worse the longer they run because restricted airflow can cause longer run times, temperature swings, and food spoilage. Starting with leveling, door sealing, and control timing prevents unnecessary part replacement.
Helpful DIY guidance
Last updated: January 2026
