F&P Fridge Freezer problem

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mattwnz

20155 posts

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#119532 4-Jun-2013 22:09

I have a 8 year fridge freezer model E240B product 20655, and it has stopped working. It infact blows the fuse in the fusebox when I try to turn it on. It makes a single tick sound in the main control box at the back of the fridge when I do try to turn it on, and the fise blows at the same time.
Does anyone know anything about these F&P fridges? I suspect it is the main computer control box, where a componet has failed or shorting something. I have detached the main box to see if I can see if anything is blown, and there was some mico droppings, but the control box looks to be sealed. The main capacitor appears to be fine, and I can't see any other problems with it.

gregmcc

2147 posts

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#830781 5-Jun-2013 06:34

mico droppings?? I guess you mean mice? if so more than likely the mice have chewed some wiring somewhere or they have take a pee on the controller box and killed it

Niel

3267 posts

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#830782 5-Jun-2013 06:44

Start by killing the mice. Use a traditional mouse trap with peanut butter. In our old home we got mice from the field across whenever the rain season started. My wife would catch them with peanut butter even before sitting down after setting the trap. Apparently bacon also works, but I'd rather eat it myself.

For long term control I've found those small long rectangular boxes for pellets sold by Bunnings work great, also leave 1 or 2 in the ceiling. Can;t remember the name now.

As for the freezer, get it checked out but it might be better and cheaper to to get a new one. The wee is acidic and leaves a residue which is either conductive (when wet) of attracts dust to become conductive when dry). The poo will grow mould. That is aside from the health issues relating to mice.

A mouse can squeeze through a hole the size of a pencil, you have no idea where it got into and what damage it has caused. Can be a fire risk. They could have messed on the motor start/run switch or brushes or a number of places that can cause the fridge to stop working, but blowing a fuse is serious damage.

You can never have enough Volvos!

B1GGLZ

1961 posts

Uber Geek

#830820 5-Jun-2013 09:14

Why not just call out F&P Service. Last time my fridge/freezer died (also about 8 years old) they had a fixed call out/service fee plus cost of parts. At least give their help line a call and ask.
Took about 3 hours to fix but was only $99 + parts (total $250) and a lot cheaper than duying a new one.

mattwnz

20155 posts

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#831002 5-Jun-2013 15:09

Thanks guys. I have had a good look at the wiring and it all looks intact. I also can't see any other signs of anything haven't blown, or any signs of previous liquid anywhere. I was actually going to sell it as it is now too small, and to sell it, I would be lucky to get $200-$250 for it in working condition. You can buy them new for about $700 on special. So it is not economical to repair. I will probably just have to sell it for parts on trade me. Even though it looks almost brand new and looks identical to a new one, it does seem a bit of a waste. But there is no point in spending more money on repairing it, than I will get for selling it.

Elpie

1304 posts

Uber Geek

#831758 6-Jun-2013 17:58

The other option is to see if it would be accepted as a trade-in on your new one. The deal you get could be worth more than the resale price.

mattwnz

20155 posts

Uber Geek

#831884 6-Jun-2013 22:09

Elpie: The other option is to see if it would be accepted as a trade-in on your new one. The deal you get could be worth more than the resale price.

Thanks. I already tried that when we purcahsed the new one, but they said they they would instead change me to dispose of it. I maybe able to get $50 on trademe for it, as a service person may buy it to fix and then resell to make a quick profit.