Frigidare Freezer runs continuously

Hi, I had this happen before a few years ago but it resolved itself, not so lucky this time. Model LFFH2067DW2 Freezer.

Temp went to about 20F and compressor running continuously. Tried removing power, adjusting temp but no change. Finally the compressor stopped altogether. In the rear/bottom of the unit there is a small dial. I turned this and the compressor restarted. Its not described in the manual.

It seems to be cooling again - what is that dial in the rear? It seems to have pointer but its not aligned now.

Thanks


Moderator note - Link to old thread - Frigidaire upright freezer runs continuously

 

So looking at my post from a few years ago it appears that knob forces it to defrost mode, I turned it back to align the marks.

Just guessing but it seems maybe I'm stuck in defrost mode, still only 20F, sides of unit barely warm and some water coming out on the floor. I have a new control thermostat and defrost temp sensor, probably should try replacing those. Pretty sure I can hear the evap fan running.

 

Yes.... that is the defrost timer. It has a clock in it that counts running hours of the compressor. After a certain amount of hours..... 6 - 9 -12 ...... it turns the compressor off and the defrost heater on. The defrost thermostat cycles the heating element so that it doesn't burn the plastic. If the compressor is running.... it is not in defrost mode.

You need to confirm the condition of the evaporator coil.
If it's freezing up and not defrosting.... the freezer will not get cold.
Rather then randomly replacing parts... take the cover off and visually inspect it.
If it's a block of ice.... you'll need to diagnose the defrost problem.

There should be a white plastic condensate pan near the compressor.
If it's dry.... the freezer is not defrosting.