Firenzi Fridge Freezer not working

[chatlow]

We have just come back from 10 days away and noticed the temp of the fridge is very low. Half of the frozen section also defrosted (a lot of ice build up). I have since cleared out all the ice and turned off for a minute and back on again. Motor started, but hours later, temp hasn't gone up even with setting on max.

It's a Firenzi FCB 285 unit. About 10 years old and was installed (before we moved here) inside a cupboard. There's around 1 cm space on the left of it, 3cm to the right, and can't access the rear. Was hoping i could slide out and clean the coils but will have to completely dissemble to do this.

Checked again today and turned off for a few seconds, then back on. This time, the motor didn't work. Left it a minute and tried again and it's back on.

Finally - I cleaned the hole/vent in the fridge which was slightly dirty but not blocked by any means.

Any simple checks I can carry out before removing the whole unit out of the cupboard?

Thanks

 

[JohnD]

Is it a frost-free freezer?

If yes:
http://www.diynot.com/diy/search/4461400/?q=frost-free+freezer&o=date&c[user][0]=24560

 

[chatlow]

Is it a frost-free freezer?

If yes:
http://www.diynot.com/diy/search/4461400/?q=frost-free+freezer&o=date&c[user][0]=24560

No idea. Manual doesn't say. Only thing it mentions is that water is discharged, via the pipe, into a tray located at the back of the appliance, where it evaporates.

Unfortunately, without taking apart my entire kitchen unit, I have no access to this.

I checked the link you provided, but not many suggestions other than turning off for 24 hours and back on again.

 

[JohnD]

try that then.

All the ice concealed in nooks and crannies will melt away if you leave it open.

 

[fender]

Once it's back on, all the evaporator plates should get a hard frost on them over the entire surface. If they only partly frost over then the system is short of refrigerant and doubt it would be worth repairing. Could also be the compressor not pumping properly with worn suction or discharge reeds - again, not worth repair.
Also, don't turn them on/off quickly. The pressures will not have had chance to equalize and the compressor will lock up. Wait at least 5 minutes before re starting if you've switched it off.