Official Universal/Multiflex (Frigidaire) upright freezer parts

Troubleshooting your Universal Multiflex upright freezer when it won't run

If the freezer has electrical power-the inside light turns on-but the compressor won't run, a failed cold control thermostat could be the problem. If your freezer has electronic controls instead of a dial, a failed relay on the electronic control board or a bad control panel can prevent the compressor from getting power.

If the compressor is getting power from the cold control thermostat or the electronic control board, a failed start relay on the compressor may be keeping the compressor from running. Replace the compressor start relay if it doesn't start the compressor.

If you hear the compressor clicking constantly about every 30 seconds but the compressor motor won't run, the compressor pump may be locked up. The clicking noise is caused by the overload tripping when the motor overheats because it can't spin the locked up compressor pump. Replace the compressor if it won't run when activated. A service technician will need to replace the compressor if it's bad because that repair requires recovery and recharge of the refrigerant.

What to do when the high-temperature alarm sounds on your Universal Multiflex upright freezer

The high-temperature alarm sounds when the temperature inside the freezer rises 15 degrees above the set temperature so that you can fix the cooling problem and prevent food spoilage. (The exact temperature rise that triggers the alarm varies by model.)

When you hear the alarm, check the freezer electrical outlet for power because the control uses a battery as back-up power to sound the alarm (on most models) when the outlet power fails. Restore power to the freezer by resetting the house circuit breaker for the electrical outlet and the freezer will resume cooling if a power failure caused the alarm.

If the alarm goes off and you hear the compressor running, a sealed system problem such as a refrigerant leak or a failed compressor pump may be causing the problem. Have a service technician examine the freezer if you suspect a sealed system failure. A service technician will need to diagnose and fix a sealed system failure because the repair involves the recovery and recharge of the refrigerant.