New Fridge Doesn't Cool Properly

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Frigidaire Refrigerator

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MaxD1 @maxd1

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Posted: Sep 1, 2025

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New Fridge Doesn't Cool Properly

Today I had a Frigidaire Model #LFTR2045VF delivered. I set both the fridge and freezer thermostats to the "recommended" settings. After about 4 hours of running, I noticed the fridge was off. Freezer temp was about 22 degrees and refrigerator was 44 degrees. I unplugged the unit for a minute, turned it on again. It didn't start running again. I turned up both thermostats to the coldest setting and after about a half hour, both compartments are cooling again. Is this normal or do I have a defective unit?

I can't find any documentation that says to what temperature the "recommended" settings should cool the unit.

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The model number per the plate in the refrigerator is LFTR2045FB. The dial in the freezer compartment is actually a damper; I incorrectly assumed it was a 2nd thermostat. I used three different refrigerator thermometers and their readings were consistent. I talked with Lowes appliance department at the store last night and they recommended exchanging it. Frigidaire's customer service line agreed with them since I'm within the 48 hour return window. Thank you for your reply and the service data sheet.

Sep 2, 2025 by MaxD1

Just had same model delivered 2 days ago. The freezer will randomly go up to 20 or so before it begins running again. Brand new model. I use Govee temp gauges for monitoring. NOT good

Jun 6, 2026 by Sam Rogers

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jayeff @jayeff

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Posted: Sep 1, 2025

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Hi @maxd1

Please confirm the full model number of the refrigerator?

According to the parts list for the models I found beginning with LFTR2045VF_ and their service data sheet there is only the one thermostat (part # 5304522330- aka cold control) that is used to control the temperatures for both compartments and not a separate one for each compartment.

The temperatures (depending on the ambient temperature) at the mid point of the thermostat control should be between 33°F → 40°F (refrigerator) and 0°F → -8°F (freezer)

If the temperatures aren't being reached after 12 hours of the refrigerator first being turned on (this is also to allow the interior lining of the compartments to cool down to the required temps as well as the air temp in the compartments) and if the refrigerator is new then contact the Frigidaire service section as per the owner manual to get it checked out under warranty as there may a problem with the thermostat or perhaps the defrost timer (turning off compressor prematurely?).

Have you checked the temperatures using a different thermometer placed in each compartment to see what it showed, just in case the one you used may be slightly incorrect? It can happen if using a battery powered thermometer if the battery is old.

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The model number per the plate in the refrigerator is LFTR2045FB. The dial in the freezer compartment is actually a damper; I incorrectly assumed it was a 2nd thermostat. I used three different refrigerator thermometers and their readings were consistent. I talked with Lowes appliance department at the store last night and they recommended exchanging it. Frigidaire's customer service line agreed with them since I'm within the 48 hour return window. Thank you for your reply and the service data sheet. — MaxD1
Just had same model delivered 2 days ago. The freezer will randomly go up to 20 or so before it begins running again. Brand new model. I use Govee temp gauges for monitoring. NOT good — Sam Rogers

jayeff @jayeff Rep: 542.8k 11 418 1.6k · Answer 1 · 2026-06-06T19:23:07-07:00

jayeff @jayeff

Rep: 542.8k

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Posted: Jun 6, 2026

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@samrogers

How often is randomly?

Do you mean model LFTR2045F8?

If so it has a defrost timer that operates every 6 hrs 40 minutes to initiate the defrost cycle.

During the defrost cycle the compressor and the evaporator fan are both turned off and the defrost heater is turned on to melt the ice build up from the evaporator.

The temperature will rise in the freezer during this period.

If it occurs more frequently then there may be a problem with the timer.

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My model is LFTR2045VF and new. Had it for only 3 days and, as stated, use Govee temp gauges to monitor. The temp in the freezer has risen 10 different times and at different intervals every time. If the defrost only caused the temp to rise to no higher than 10, that would be fine. But I'm getting temp rises to anywhere from 20-30. This is NOT good for a freezer. Will be calling Frigidaire about this. As stated - BRAND NEW. Should have bought a 30 year old frig as they make them to break nowadays.

Jun 7, 2026 by Sam Rogers

@samrogers

Given it's new then contacting the manufacturer is the best option.

Your model uses the same defrost timer as linked above so it still could be that it is not operating correctly

Jun 7, 2026 by jayeff

Appreciate the info

Jun 7, 2026 by Sam Rogers

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Frigidaire Refrigerator

New Fridge Doesn't Cool Properly

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