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Wine Fridge repair question

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December 13, 2019, 10:55 AM
Powers77
Wine Fridge repair question
Have a wine fridge that has stopped cooling. Because of an issue with cabinet and tile install sliding it out for repair is impossible without removing tile. (a special thanks to Lowes and their contractors) I'd obviously like to avoid doing that.
Do any of you with experience working on the like think that the failed part could possibly be accessed from the inside (Haier which I'm told is GE). There are screws and it looks like a panel could come out.
December 13, 2019, 11:44 AM
Dreamerx4
Highly unlikely.

Any access from inside, will likely be to evaporator and fan... If unit died because fan went out, you may be in luck... But I would bet it has to do with refrigerant system, maybe even something as easy as capacitor on compressor... or a leak. Either way, that stuff is in back of unit, and outside of insulated cabinet.
For future, I would never install an appliance permanently.
Everything breaks down at some point, and in this case I would be surprised that a gap wasn't required for airflow.
When you repair or replace, make sure it can go in and out easily from now on... and follow manufacturer instructions for spacing, in case they weren't followed before.



December 13, 2019, 11:55 AM
Powers77
Thanks for the reply. And yes I agree on the permanent install. Wasn't by my choice.
I suspected the answer and will have to plan accordingly. Not the end of the world but it is going to be a PITA.
December 13, 2019, 12:08 PM
sunburn
Is it possible to loosen the cabinet screws holding the top down and lift it enough to slide the unit out? Depending on age, likely not worth repair.


Lick the lollipop of mediocrity once and you suck forever.
December 13, 2019, 12:16 PM
Powers77
quote:
Originally posted by sunburn:
Is it possible to loosen the cabinet screws holding the top down and lift it enough to slide the unit out? Depending on age, likely not worth repair.


Quartz countertops that are glued in with backsplash. Unit is 4+ years old. Lowes was supposed to have given me a 5 year warranty due to their screw up on the install. They've gone selective memory on me.
December 13, 2019, 12:25 PM
sunburn
Can you sawzall the front adjuster legs off?


Lick the lollipop of mediocrity once and you suck forever.
December 13, 2019, 01:15 PM
Georgeair
quote:
Originally posted by sunburn:
Can you sawzall the front adjuster legs off?


That is a very creative idea!

That would have him pulling out a wedge though probably with the back still too high. Perhaps something with enough reach to do the same on the rear would work too. After reinstall could slide in place, and then lift with some sort of long shims.



You only have integrity once. - imprezaguy02

December 13, 2019, 04:21 PM
gpbst3
Our wine fridge crapped out a while back. The company wanted $200 for the repair and I would have to pay shipping to CA. Hard pass. Its now a wine "cabinet".

Even if Lowes gave you a new fridge how would you get it back in?


December 13, 2019, 05:00 PM
nasig
I'd bite the bullet and go with a new unit and proper install.
December 13, 2019, 05:22 PM
Powers77
quote:
Originally posted by gpbst3:
Our wine fridge crapped out a while back. The company wanted $200 for the repair and I would have to pay shipping to CA. Hard pass. Its now a wine "cabinet".

Even if Lowes gave you a new fridge how would you get it back in?


Take a row or two of tile out, replace tile afterwards. It's why I really don't want to mess with it but house is going on the market and I don't want it screwing up a deal.
December 13, 2019, 05:23 PM
smschulz
Maybe just removing and reinstalling some tile is the best route if you can get the same tile?
Then yank the defunct unit out.
December 13, 2019, 05:26 PM
Powers77
quote:
Originally posted by smschulz:
Maybe just removing and reinstalling some tile is the best route if you can get the same tile?
Then yank the defunct unit out.


Yeah I have the tile and grout. Don't have a tile saw which will be needed.
December 13, 2019, 07:12 PM
Excam_Man
Doesn't cool is vague... does it run?
Or does it just sit there like its not plugged in to an electrical outlet?

Runs, is bad and will require removal.
Dead, could be good, if its just a cold control (thermostat).