Repairs to refrigerators generally fall into two cagegories:

1) Problems with the sealed system including the compressor.

2) Problems with the defrost cycle.


If the compressor is NG or the sealed system is compromised, the machine is toast..........not worth the cost and effort.

If the defroster fails to operate correctly, the evaporator freezes and the cooling capability is severely compromised.



To determine if the evap is frozen:

Unplug the machine and let it sit for 24 hours. The first sign of a defrost problem is a huge amount of water in the drain pan.

Then get a thermometer and put it in the freezer............right in front of the dischage air. Start the machine and let it run for two hours.

Read the thermometer. If the discharge air is close to 0°, the sealed system is working fine and it's worth fixing the defroster. If the discharge air is still close to your original 18°, the compressor is probably on the way out.