FRT18S6AW7 - Freezer isn't getting cold, but an ice block has formed in the back

[liluckylutz]

The freezer hasn't been able to freeze ice cubes for a year, but now it's not very cold at all, and the refrigerator itself seems to be getting less cool, too. I cleaned out the freezer and noticed that in the right back corner of the freezer, a block of ice has formed.

I'd love any help I can get on how to troubleshoot this problem.

[johntech]

You need to pull the back wall of the freezer off and put your eyes on the evaporator. If it is only frosted where the ball is the it's time for refrigerator shopping. If the whole evaporator is a block of frost then you have a defrost problem.

[liluckylutz]

All right! I'm on it! Thank you!

[liluckylutz]

4 minutes ago, liluckylutz said:

All right! I'm on it! Thank you!

Although I just glanced at it on my way out the door, and it doesn't look as easy as removing the back panel of a dryer, haha! I wish everything were as easy as a dryer! I'll figure it out after work, hopefully.

 

[BrewHobbyTech]

18 hours ago, johntech said:

You need to pull the back wall of the freezer off and put your eyes on the evaporator. If it is only frosted where the ball is the it's time for refrigerator shopping. If the whole evaporator is a block of frost then you have a defrost problem.

Since it's been about the same for a year....probably not a leak.....I'd go with a restriction.....probably in/at the filter/drier......but could be somewhere in the cap tube. If it's a restriction at the drier I'd do the job at $220(which is pretty inexpensive for a system job, but times are tough).....so the customer has a decent option whether to repair or buy a new piece of crap. LOL   Hey, and I do guarantee my work.....so it's a viable option.