Bosch fridge freezer makes constant noise and defrosting

[fingres]

Hi,

Bosch fridge freezer KGH33V63 was making an unusual whirring noise this morning. Decided to leave it to see if it stopped itself. Later in the day found that the food in the freezer was thawing out. It's been making the same noise all day and food has had to be thrown.

Pulled the unit out and unplugged it. The compressor was extremely hot, and the radiator (?) on the back was not hot at all.

We're currently leaving it unplugged in case some ice has built up somewhere, but could it be something else? The unit is only 2.5 years old and there's no obvious frosting or other noticeable problems.

Cheers!

 

[JohnD]

is it a frost-free?

 

[fingres]

Yes, it's a frost-free fridge freezer.

 

[JohnD]

very often, these get clogged with ice in the air-ducts hidden inside the back lining. You can't open them as they will be stuck in place with ice. If you turn it off and leave the doors open for at least 24 hours, until it has stopped dripping*, you can then dry it off and restart it, that may do the trick.

If it seems OK for several months, good. If not, it may be the heating elements are not working and it needs a pro repair.

If this doesn't do any good, it may have lost gas, which might not be an economical repair.

*pull it away from the wall and round the back you will find a dish on top of the compressor, where melt water runs. Keep this empty and clean out dirt and fungus. verify the tubes are not blocked e.g. with mould, and water runs freely. Try not to let so much water build up that it can run into the electrics when you move the cabinet.

 

[fingres]

Great, thanks John! Will leave it off for a day or two and see how we go. Thanks very much for the useful information.

 

[foxhole]

Had this problem , ice build up around circulation fan, if you can access it petroleum jelly on polystyrene surrounds prevents further ice.

 

[fingres]

Left it 24 hours and plugged back in. Within 5 minutes the compressor was making the same buzzing/whirring noise. I've left it on anyway to see if it settles down, but so far the freezer section doesn't feel very cold...

 

[fingres]

Incidentally, after leaving it off for nearly two days the water collection bowl above the compressor at the back is bone dry, so I guess it doesn't look like an ice blockage was the problem.

In which case heating elements or gas could be the problem? Would you suspect the compressor to be fine? Or could that be another potential issue?

Have a Bosch engineer scheduled for a visit next week, but as the unit is outside of the 2-year manufacturer warranty it might be cheaper to find someone local.

Thanks for all the advice.