How to Replace Frigidaire Freezer Key Components

These procedures fit Frigidaire upright (FFFH series) and chest freezers and the freezer side of Frigidaire refrigerators, all on the shared Electrolux platform. Match the part to the symptom, then route wires and the sensing capillary exactly as you found them.

Tools & parts#

Safety first#

Unplug the freezer completely. Allow 15 minutes for capacitor discharge in the compressor start circuit. If accessing the evaporator in a frost-free model, the evaporator coil edges are sharp — wear work gloves.

Replacing the temperature thermostat#

Step 1: Locate and remove it#

On uprights it sits behind the temperature knob at the upper rear inside; on chests it is in the exterior control housing near the hinge. Pull the friction-fit knob off and remove the 2 Phillips screws holding its bracket.

Step 2: Test before replacing#

Note and photograph the 2-3 terminal positions, then pull the spade connectors. At the coldest setting a good thermostat reads closed (near zero ohms) and opens toward the off position; open at every setting means it failed and the compressor gets no power.

Step 3: Install the new thermostat#

The new one carries a thin copper capillary sensing tube — route it through the same clip with no kinks. Match the terminals, remount the bracket, press the knob on, and start it around the middle of the 1-7 scale.

Replacing the evaporator fan motor#

Step 4: Reach the evaporator#

Empty the shelves and drawers and remove the rear interior panel (6-8 Phillips plus 2-4 Torx T15 clip screws, sometimes with hidden screws under plugs). The fan sits at the top.

Step 5: Swap the motor#

Disconnect the 2-pin plug, remove the 2-3 mounting screws or grommets, and slide the motor out. Transfer the friction-fit blade to the new motor unless a new one is included, then plug in briefly to confirm the blade spins clear of the housing before refitting the panel with its foam gasket intact.

Replacing the defrost heater#

Step 6: Remove the old heater#

With the evaporator panel already off, the glass-tube or calrod heater sits in clips beneath the coils. Disconnect its two terminals (some models use ceramic high-temp connectors), release the 2-4 clips, and slide it out without bending the fragile fins.

Step 7: Fit the new heater and verify#

Seat the new heater in the same clips, keeping at least a 1/4-inch gap off the fins to avoid hot spots, and connect the terminals with the wires routed away from the heater body. Reassemble, restore power, and confirm operation: the compressor should start within 1-2 minutes on a mid thermostat setting, and after a full defrost cycle (8-12 hours) check that no excess frost has reformed at 24 hours. If the temperature is off after a thermostat swap, allow 24 hours to stabilize, then adjust one number at a time, waiting 12 hours between changes to read the effect.

Frigidaire freezer parts#

When to call a pro#

Call a technician for corroded or leaking evaporator coils (oily residue), failed compressor start components alongside the thermostat, any sealed-refrigerant work (EPA-certified), or a built-in model with complex trim removal.

For a repair-versus-replace budget, see our freezer repair cost guide.