Kenmore (Frigidaire) Model 253.60082411 Garage Kit

[3mom]

Greeting Appliantologists,

Our old GE Fridge's compressor was slowly dying, so we just purchased a new Kenmore/Whirlpool fridge, which we keep in our insulated attached garage just outside the kitchen in NJ.  The freezer is not cold enough, which I understand to be a common problem until the weather warms up.  Our fridge does not look particularly "new" to me, it has a standard appliance bulb rather than LEDs etc, but I don't know what Frigidaire model matches this Kenmore.  I am thinking about ordering a garage freezer kit but have read that some of the newer models have digital controls  that are not compatible with the kit that is on the market.  Does anyone know if this model can take the Garage Kit that is on the market?

[abaesemann]

Includes heater and instructions. Please note: This heater kit will NOT work on Frigidaire refrigerators manufactured prior to 2001, on side-by-side or counter-depth models, or on models with electronic controls.

Your new fridge does have a small electronic control, but I do not see any where that it will not work on your model.

Part number: 5303918301

[johntech]

If you need to find out the date your appliance was built go to  appliance411.com and find the date code search. Type the info it ask for and it will give you a date. The date may be on your model tag.

[3mom]

Thank you both, apologies that I got the serial number wrong in my message tag, it is really 4A60304281.  According to Appliance411, it was probably made in Mexico 2 months ago (1/16).  I don't mean to be a pest, but would you mind double checking on the compatibility with the garage kit?  I would hate to order the kit and then find out that there is no place to plug the connectors into, I think that is what I read in a comment on another website.

I found out that mine was a Frigidaire from the tech that Sears sent to my house yesterday morning in response to my call because my ice cream was soft, and that was the "canary in the coal mine" with my last fridge.  He told that because of the kind of refrigerant that is now in use my fridge won't work properly below 70 degrees or above 90 degrees - he said something about the refrigerant "flashing" and that the fridge would completely stop working if the garage got above 90.

My fridge is advertised on the Sears website as being good in garages above 39 degrees, so I was  very surprised about his claims of the refrigerant turning into sludge and killing the compressor below 70 degrees and/or "flashing" above 90 degrees.  it is not unusual for people in the northeast/middle atlantic not to have a/c and houses without a/c do get that hot at least a few days during most summers.  If all of the fridges stopped working I would think that would give the mfr a major black eye, to say the least.   Let me add that our garage very rarely gets over 90 degrees as it is shaded during the summer and we're in a temperate area.  If you wouldn't mind giving me some insight into this I'd be very appreciative.  Thanks again.

[3mom]

I thought it might be relevant to add this from appliance411.  Maybe this means I'm OK with the garage kit because my design was introduced in 2014 (fingers crossed...)

"According to the serial number this product may have been manufactured in Juarez, Mexico, January of 1996 or 2006 or 2016.

Based on the model number supplied, this product design may have been introduced to the marketplace in 2014 in which case the closest date indicated by the serial number may be the actual manufacturing date for this product."

[abaesemann]

This is what I found in Your owners manual!

CAUTION
Do Not install the refrigerator where the temperature will drop below 55°F (13°C) or rise above 110°F (43°C). The compressor will not be able to maintain proper temperatures inside the refrigerator.
Do Not block the toe grille on the lower front of your refrigerator. Sufficient air circulation is essential for the proper operation of your refrigerator.

[abaesemann]

Product Description

Garage refrigerator heater kit. This kit is designed for Frigidaire top freezer refrigerators placed in garages or basements where the temperature drops as low as 34 degrees Fahrenheit. *Note: Refrigerator MUST have been built in or after 2001 for the kit to work.

This is what I found on the part!

[3mom]

Thank you again for your response.   I'm going to order the kit and give it a shot.  Incredible that what you found in the manual does not match t his description of my fridge on the Sears website right now (notice the last sentence that I underlined).  As far as I'm concerned, this must be just blatant/flagrant false advertising:

Description Item # 04660082000P Model # 60082

Kenmore 20.4 cu. ft Top Freezer Refrigerator - Modern Storage and Classic Style

Economical and compact, this classic white 20.4 cu. ft. Kenmore refrigerator 60082 top-freezer design has improved functionality and modern, updated features. The brightly lit interior and glass shelving helps you find things at a glance. Deep, gallon-sized door bins gives you plenty of storage. The Kenmore refrigerator's adjustable and efficient cooling system keeps food fresh and power bills low. You'll love this new take on an old standard. Optional ice maker, item number 04608088000.

• 30" Wide x 69" High - Space saving model fits your unique size restrictions
• Frost Free Freezer - Save time with hassle free operation
• Designed to work in garage environments as low as 39 degrees

[abaesemann]

The only problem I see is that the heater plugs into the thermostat, I know from the past. I do not have the part and install instructions in front of me. Your new fridge based on wiring diagram uses a control board and sensor. So I am not sure if the heater can adapt to that fridge. I would order part from a company that will except returns if you cannot use it.

[3mom]

What you are saying is what I'm afraid of.  I'd hate to disassemble that part of the fridge for no reason (I did replace the ice maker in our old fridge, that was pretty much plug and play, and I took out the back of our garage fridge to diagnose our dying sealed system, but I find working on fridges a little intimidating, not being a professional tech like you).

Assuming the kit won't work with my fridge, is there anything else that can be recommended?

[abaesemann]

I have no other recommendations for the fridge expect only use it in warmer weather or heat your garage to at least 55 degrees, sorry.

[johntech]

I have herd of people putting a standard incandescent light bulb back by the compressor compartment to keep the compressor oil from freezing when it's not running in cold conditions. It won't help it maintain temps but supposed to help unit last longer in those conditions. If I were to do something like that I would buy a water pipe heater wire the kind you coil around pipes in winter to keep them from freezing. 

[maytagman]

Most people usually use their garage fridge for beer pop etc. and  most people in my area accept the fact we can't use the freezer in the garage fridge during winter months. If you really need the extra freezer space you can always pick up a cheap little 5cu ft chest freezer for $150-$175ish if you have the room.