Freezer stopped working only getting down to about 40 degrees, while the refrigerator (on top) stays at consisten 33 degrees. I took back panel off and condesor coils are not dirty. Any idea? Thanks.

There's a chance nothing is wrong with your fridge. A lot of refrigerators, especially with defrost, don't operate well in cold environments like a garage in winter. This is because the thermostat is in the fridge compartment. The fridge will be cooler due to lower ambient temps. The compressor won't run as long so the freezer compartment will be warmer even though the fridge is OK. If you have the manual see if it gives a minimum operating temp.

But if you do suspect something is wrong it could also be the damper. It is what allows cold air to be blown from the freezer compartment into the fridge and is controlled by the thermostat. It is supposed to open during a cooling cycle.

Whoop Delecto said:

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Evaporator coil inside the freezer may be iced over from leaving one of the doors ajar. Remove all items in freezer and unplug the unit for 12 hours to defrost. Plug it back in and see if it performs properly. If it happens again, there are a few things that might be the cause but the incomplete door seal is usually a prime suspect.

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I did this and plugged back in this morning. Full power but just not cooling down like it was. What would your next step be?

Anything in the fridge now? We had a package of X get wedged just right to block the air vent in the freezer. Fridge side was cold, freezer side started thawing. Purged the empty popsicle boxes and soggy chicken nugget bags and problem solved.

I ran through some tests I saw on YouTube and confirmed compresser is working and fan is blowing air to fridge and freezer. Seems like good sign. Maybe thermostat bad?

Whoop Delecto said:

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I'd get the make and model handy then get online for a free chat with appliance parts pros.com

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OK, thanks. Hadn't heard of that. Little bummed because when going through all the tests in the videos I got to the checking the coil temperature and they were room temperature even after running for 10 minutes. Guy in the video said that means it's trash. I'll give your idea a shot though.

You need a new compressor and maybe related parts.

Or just a new fridge. It might be cheaper.

Picard said:

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You need a new compressor and maybe related parts.

Or just a new fridge. It might be cheaper.

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I'm moving on from this one I believe. Probably grab something off marketplace.

I know most don't, but buy something that's rated for a garage.