I make my Frigidaire FRS24WSCB1 start running by opening the freezer door

[Virtual]

It runs (or doesn't run) intermittently for days at a time.  It has run fine for as long as a week.  One time when we were away, it apparently never came on for 3 days.  When stopped, it typically will start running when the freezer door is opened!  Honestly.  I just now started it again by jerking the door open.  When it is running, I think opening the freezer door will also sometimes stop it, although I'm not sure about this. 

I replaced the defrost thermostat about 10 months ago – the original one was grounding out on the defrost heater coil.  The fridge worked fine for about 9 months, until this new problem came.

I put in a new defrost timer 10 months ago, too.  (This turned out not to be the problem then.)  I tried putting the original timer back in, and I get the same intermittent / freezer door behavior.

The ice maker system has been taken out. 

[Hiroshi]

If jerking (or slamming) the door makes the unit spring to life, I would be suspecting this part...   Cold Control  Part number: 5303300027

[Virtual]

Thanks for the reply.  Seems like this controller has to have gone bad, so I ordered one.  Just now, the fridge stopped running when I opened the freezer door.  After a few minutes, I re-started it by banging on the controller knob with my hand.  Yesterday, I checked the wiring clips on it; they're on solidly, so the problem must be in the control unit.     

[Hiroshi]

Yes, the contacts inside start to fail... if the old Arthur Fonzarelli punch starts the machine, it is usually the cold control.