Frost filled freezer and wet refrigerator
MTB2156DEW At first, we noticed water puddling on the floor and below the veggie drawers. Then we noticed the freezer filling with frozen droplets of ice - over everything - looked like the north pole... Unplugged and thoroughly thawed the thing out. Removed freezer back panel. A huge block of ice covered the controls in the back right. A smaller block was on top of a styrofoam-looking block on the left. What is wrong with my baby?
Refrigerators - Maytag
Answers & Comments
One of the components in the defrost circuit is not working - preventing it from melting frost & ice buildup.
The defrost circuit consists of a timer, heater, terminator and wiring that connects the parts together. The timer switches the refrigerant compressor OFF and the defrost heater on (through the terminator) for up to 20 - 30 minutes every 6 to 8 hours (3 or 4 times per day). The heater will remain ON until the time has elapsed OR the terminator senses a rising temperature of about 50 degrees F. The compressor will NOT turn back on until the timer has elapsed - regardless of the terminator condition.
The system must be checked with the power ON and the freezer defrosted. You will likely need to review the service manual or parts manual to determine the location of the timer (and other parts for that matter) and how they connect. You will need to have and know how to use a voltmeter and ohm meter - and work in the close quarters of your freezer to take certain measurements or tests with the meter.
You may also need to make sure the freezer drain is clear or debris and ice before reassembling, otherwise the water will be trapped int he freezer, and freeze up on the floor of the freezer (and drip into the fridge). Clogs from bacteria can be removed with a "snake" followed by pouring a small amount (4 - 6 ounces) of a 10% bleach / 90% water solution directly down the drain tube.
Make sure any circulating fan spins when the fridge thermostat calls for cooling. Make sure the passages between the freezer and fridge are unobstructed.
Finally, make sure the condenser coil (on the back or under the fridge is clean. Dust and dirt make the fridge run longer to get the same amount of work done. If your fridge has a fan that blows on this coil, unplug the fridge & clean the blades on it, too.
Here's are video results of searching "freezer defrost cycle" in Google. Check several to get an idea as to what you'll be up against. Be extremely careful working on coils and lines that are charged with refrigerant! Pressurized refrigerants will instantly freeze skin if contacted and may cause blindness if it gets in your eyes. if you're unsure how to do this work - please call a pro.
Good luck!