Kitchenaid Refrigerator SXS #KSSO36FMX01

[jambatt]

First time on one of these built-in monstrosities. FF temp above 55 and Fz temp 20 and rising. Evap fan was running as was condensor fan and compressor.  Suspected iced coil initially because of some ice on evap coil cover. Removed cover and found heavy duty frost/ice buildup on top of coil. Normal frost on remaining 2/3 of the coil. Checked continuity on defrost heater and thermostat. Both OK. Cut power to unit for a couple of minutes to see if control board would reset while removing the ice build up. No ice obstruction in damper door. Flow through free of ice. With power back on, control panel display flashes the last FF and FZ settings. Compressor starts and runs at low RPM for about 30 sec and then speeds up for about 10 sec and then goes into high speed. Compressor only runs for about 45 to 50 seconds before shutting down. Compressor tries to restart sporadically but only for a few seconds. Meanwhile, there is a constant chirp coming from the control board area(contained in a metal cover so can't pinpoint exactly which component ) and the evap fan and compressor fan don't come on when coompressor has it's shortlived run. Evap fan has an 8 minute time delay according to service manual, however, each time the board chirps the fan tries to start but only makes about an eighth of a revolution on each chirp. Each attempt to put  in diagnostic mode fails. Can't get a reliable amp draw reading on the compressor because of location and short heavily insulated wires from the invertor to comp. OBW, manual said "Don't f#$k with the invertor".....SWAG method tells me it is a control board problem but would appreciate any advice or input on this beast.

[RegUS_PatOff]

I don't know the answer, but you may be able to do an amperage draw from the Line Cord ..

if you have one of those Line Cord Splitter adapters.

(subtract any known lights, fans, current, etc..)

[appl.tech.29501]

Is it possible that you didn't give the unit ample time to equalize the pressure before powering it back up? Big unit..may take longer than 2 or 3 minutes.

[jambatt]

Actually the unit was off for a couple of hours at one point with the same results on start up. Nothing is easy to get to on this beast. Built in and no rollers so I'd have to manhandle it to get it out to remove the compressor and board cover for better access. Explained situation to owner and they're willing to gamble on a new board. OBTW, RC doesn't have it in stock so I'm oredering from my regular parts house. Be here today if ferries run.

[RegUS_PatOff]

 

A standard clamp Amp-meter will read normal on the x1 loop area.

The x10 area has a 10x loop of wire to multiply the standard AC clamp Amp-meter reading by 10x.

(has standard 3 prong outlet on end)

 

click on picture

[jambatt]

It was the board, it was the board, it was the board...............even a blind pig picks up an acorn once in a while..:party:Thanks guys for the input.