Roper Refrigerator Freezing Food: Troubleshooting Guide... | appliancefaults.com

Technical Background:

Roper refrigerators utilize an electronic control board (MCU) to regulate temperature. The MCU receives input from temperature sensors (thermistors) and controls components like the compressor, damper, and defrost system. The voltage paths for these components originate at the power supply on the main control board and are switched via relays or solid state devices based on the thermistor input.

Symptoms:

The US homeowner is observing that food items in the fresh food section of their Roper refrigerator are freezing. This includes items like lettuce, vegetables, and beverages.

Possible Causes:

Defective temperature sensor (thermistor)
Faulty air damper control
Improper refrigerator temperature setting
Blocked air vents inside the refrigerator
Failed defrost system (allowing excessive frost buildup)

Solution:

1

Unplug the refrigerator or turn off the breaker at the breaker panel.
2

Locate the temperature sensor (thermistor) in the fresh food section. Use a multimeter to test its resistance. Compare the reading to the temperature/resistance chart in the service manual. Replace if out of spec.
3

Inspect the air damper control. Manually open and close it to verify proper operation. If it’s electronically controlled, check the voltage with a multimeter (typically 12V DC) going to the damper motor. Replace if faulty.
4

Check the temperature setting on the refrigerator control panel. Set it to the manufacturer's recommended setting (usually around 37°F).
5

Examine the air vents between the freezer and fresh food sections. Ensure they are not blocked by food items. Clear any obstructions.
6

Investigate the defrost system. Check the defrost heater element for continuity with a multimeter. Check the defrost thermostat for continuity when cold. Check the defrost timer or control board for proper operation. Replace any defective components.
7

After repairs, plug the refrigerator back in or turn on the breaker. Monitor the refrigerator's temperature for 24-48 hours to ensure it is maintaining the correct temperature.

Safety Warning:

Always disconnect power to the refrigerator before performing any repairs. Use proper Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures to prevent accidental re-energizing of the circuit. Be aware of high voltage components inside the refrigerator.

Prevention:

Regularly clean the refrigerator coils (located at the back or bottom of the unit) to ensure efficient heat exchange. Avoid overpacking the refrigerator, which can restrict airflow. Check the door seals for proper sealing to prevent air leaks.

Expert Tip:

On some Roper models, you can access a service mode by pressing and holding the “Energy Saver” and “Freezer Temp” buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds. This allows you to run diagnostic tests on various components.

Frequently Asked Questions

•Where is the temperature sensor (thermistor) located in the fresh food section?

The temperature sensor is usually located near the top or back wall of the fresh food section, often behind a small plastic cover. Refer to the refrigerator's service manual for the exact location.

•How do I test the defrost heater element for continuity?

Disconnect the defrost heater element from the wiring harness. Set your multimeter to the ohms setting. Place the probes on the heater element terminals. A reading close to zero ohms indicates continuity. An open circuit (infinite resistance) means the heater element is faulty and needs replacement.

•What is the proper way to clean the refrigerator coils?

Unplug the refrigerator. Locate the coils (usually at the back or bottom). Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust and debris. For stubborn dirt, use a coil cleaning brush. Be careful not to damage the coils.

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip:

Frequently Asked Questions

•Where is the temperature sensor (thermistor) located in the fresh food section?

•How do I test the defrost heater element for continuity?

•What is the proper way to clean the refrigerator coils?

Related questions

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip: