Modern refrigerators boast technologies that make for an easier softer livelihood.
With Frigidaire make of refrigerator brands, there are instances where blinking warning lights might come on.
These should not lead to panic as they simply signify something out of the ordinary.
With a Frigidaire refrigerator flashing 4 there is a likelihood of the control board having issues or a non-working damper.
This means the refrigerator has set itself to safe mode until the motor is fixed, or the code removed.
It is not a sign of any serious damage to your unit as there are suggested methods of fixing the problem.
The positive side is it won’t cost an arm and a leg to rectify the problem.
What Does It Mean If My Frigidaire Refrigerator Flashing 4?
As the Frigidaire fridge flashing 4 occurs, the unit has likely checked into safe mode.
This happens to keep the fridge operating at less capacity until the code is cleared.
It means there is a problem with the damper or control board in your Frigidaire unit.
Essentially, the main purpose of going into safe mode is to prevent food from freezing within the freezer unit.
As the refrigerator performs at less than optimal capacity, it prevents any further damage to the unit.
At times, the freezer remains on, and the ice-making unit operates steadily too, but there is a clicking noise when the unit is turned back on.
The Frigidaire refrigerator flashing 4 in this instance signifies that the control board misses a damper connection.
Once you turn on the fridge, there should be a connection detected between the control board and the damper motor.
Other meanings to this code include the chances of short-circuiting due to power surges, or wiring harnesses being out of place due to movements.
When relocating or delivering a unit, technicians are not always as careful as they need to be.
Between purchasing, connecting, and using the unit, one needs to ensure that all components work smoothly.
It means one needs a technician to ensure proper electricity flow to the entire unit when codes arise.
Failure to do so could lead to unknown further damage to the unit.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Flashing 4 – Causes
Fluctuations
When electricity is unstable for whatever reason, there are times error codes pop up for no reason.
The Frigidaire refrigerator flashing ‘4’ code might signify an error in what the control board is receiving concerning the damper.
It may not be a problem with the damper motor per se; rather, simply an issue of mixed signals after an unusual bump in electricity.
Most times, the problem could be with the wrong signals sent to the control board after power fluctuations.
Damper Control Issue
As is the most common case with fridges, the control board is the master control of all components.
When power is sent through the refrigerator, all components need to receive an adequate amount of voltage.
If the control board performs its cycles and finds no link to the damper, it prompts error codes.
This is a major cause of the Frigidaire refrigerator flashing 4 unexpectedly.
The air damper can be ordered from renowned parts suppliers, but with the professional advice of a technician.
Also, removing an old damper and replacing it, if need be, should be carried out by a specialist.
Control Board
Another cause of the Frigidaire refrigerator flashing 4 is due to control board issues.
Again, this could be a problem caused by electrical surges, or simply the control board slowly dying.
Finding out if this is the reason for the Frigidaire refrigerator flashing 4 is a task only for professionals.
The control board and its features are intricate, meaning wiring and circuitry could easily have read messages incorrectly.
Harnesses linking wires to the control board might have been backed away from the unit.
With time, especially as the warranty period nears, there will be issues with electrical parts in all refrigerators, especially the control board.
Micro Switch
The damper control has a micro switch plus wiring that could be faulty.
This faultiness occurs when doors are banged and especially during moves.
The harnesses or wiring need to be checked thoroughly before replacements are done.
This ensures no wastage of resources such as money, to pay for labor or more money for spare parts.
Additionally, one should check harnesses linked to the damper.
These can become damaged due to excess moisture, leakages within the refrigerator, and such daily occurrences.
Damper Door/Moisture
The damper motor subsequently should have a door or housing unit.
This can experience moisture from inside the fridge ultimately leading to damper control failures.
Such failures are quickly detected at which point the control board responds; with the Frigidaire refrigerator flashing 4 consistently.
The damper foam seal might have worn off with time, in which case the sealant or cover will not be working as it should.
Thus, moisture settles on the door, and with temperatures falling, this moisture freezes, causing a failure in the damper connection.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Flashing 4 – Fixes
Reboot
Take time to unplug the unit and let it sit for about two minutes.
This ensures that electrical flow is restored without any fluctuations or surges.
Re plug the unit and the Frigidaire refrigerator flashing 4 continues, unplug and reset it again.
If for some reason the problem persists, chances are there is an issue with the inner components.
Do not unplug and re-plug the unit severally as this could damage other parts of the unit.
Also, it is important to perform this step with a professional.
This is because in case anything happens while unplugging and re-plugging, they will advise accordingly.
For instance, some clients claim they hear noises after re-plugging the unit.
This is a cause for concern and one that only technicians can advise professionally.
Reset and Watch Codes
If the reset causes the Frigidaire refrigerator flashing 4 issues to continue, there might an issue with the damper control.
This can only be fixed or justified after a technician weighs in after checking the fridge.
Most units will display this problem for a few seconds after a reset.
After two minutes, if the Frigidaire refrigerator flashing 4 continues, the damper needs replacing.
This can be ordered through appropriate channels online, or at your local spare parts store.
However, a damper is not an easy part to replace and it might be unnecessary.
Be sure to have the right model fridge and correct part, along with the assurance of a technician that the part is necessary.
No Codes after resetting
Even with the Frigidaire refrigerator flashing 4 discontinued, the freezer might begin blinking again.
This means the control board has issues and a technician should be consulted.
Simply buying a new unit will not help.
Also, the codes will recur and with time, the error might lead to further damage to your refrigerator.
The control board should be examined for moisture or other leakages, along with harnesses that are off their connectors.
Sealants
Check the control board and damper motor for ice and other fluids that might have frozen.
These are possible causes for the Frigidaire refrigerator flashing 4 and ones needing immediate attention.
The damper door should be removed and cleaned out if any frozen stuff is causing the errors.
Owners of said fridges should use sealants between the foam seal and the damper door itself, to prevent further moisture from freezing.
Electricals
Check the wiring harnesses to ensure nothing has been backed away from its initial housing.
During moves, wires get disconnected or go slightly off their connections, sending error signals to the control board.
This is particularly true of the damper control door, which might be off its hinges so to speak.
The control board however boasts several connections which could easily be off place.
Check Returns
With the fresh food section, the damper should be right above the top-most shelf.
Feel to see if the air is going through it.
Check the bottom of the fridge (internally) for any return flow.
If there is no return air at the bottom vents, there could a clog.
Simply open the damper by releasing the four or more screws holding the housing for the damper.
Ensure that you’ve purchased proper sealant to replace the new damper and its housing.
The odds of parts falling on shelves once you release the holder are high.
Make sure you remove food and other stuff before opening or unscrewing any bits.
Once you replace the damper, air should flow easily through the unit and the Frigidaire fridge flashing 4 should stop.
Where is The Air Damper on a Frigidaire Refrigerator?
You can find the air damper control on a Frigidaire refrigerator is in the fresh food section.
It is located at the top of the wall, to the left side.
It usually opens to allow adequate cold air into the refrigerator from the freezer.
This door closes to shut off the air so that the refrigerator does not freeze.
How to Test a Frigidaire Refrigerator Damper Control?
It is very easy to test the damper control in your Frigidaire refrigerator.
For testing the damper control, you need to locate the air vent at the back of the refrigerator.
Then place your hand in front of the vent.
The damper control is generally within the vent.
When the air comes from the evaporator fan, it opens and closes the door to control the amount entering into the refrigerator.
If the refrigerator damper is not working, you do not feel cold air coming from the vent.
It means it may be stuck closed.
But make sure the evaporator fan is working properly, and the evaporator coils are not frozen.
If they are, check if you can pull the vent out and move the damper.
If the damper does not move, and it is not frozen, you may need to take help of technician to check why it is stuck.
Recommendations
Without waiting to find solutions, always treat your refrigerator like a delicate flower.
Electricity flowing through any unit of that size could lead to unwarranted issues.
Be sure to have it delivered by experts, and at the very least, have it serviced regularly and professionally.
Preventing electrical issues is better and cheaper than finding solutions.
Sources:
https://forum.partsdr.com/showthread.php?1094-Frigidaire-Frigerator-flashing-4
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