35538 Refrigerator - Instructions

Based on internet research, determined that the problem was likely the defrost timer or the thermostat that's clipped to the cooling coil behind the freezer. Once before, a repairman had replaced the thermostat only, so that was my first repair. Still not working right, so I replaced the timer as well, and everything's working. I opened up the old timer switch and found the contacts were burned, partially arced.

If you have a similar problem, replace both parts. Only about $15 apiece

With guidance from this web site, I was able to repair this myself very easily

Very easy repair. Remove 2 nuts that keep timer cover on regrigerater. Remove 2 screws that hold timer to cover, unplug wires from timer. Install new timer.

First, remove the plastic cover off the top hinge by removing the single phillips head screw.

Removed the three hex-head screws holding the hinge to the body of the fridge and then lift the hinge off of the door.

Lift the door off the bottom hinge and place on a flat surface so you can easily access the bottom.

Remove the single hex-head screw from the center of the door part of the closure cam and pull it free. Install the new part.

Next, remove the bottom portion of the closure cam from the lower door hinge (still attached to the fridge) by removing the single hex-head screw. Install the new part.

If needed, lube the lower door hinge with Vaseline and carefully set the door back on. (This is the hard part if you are working alone, as it can be hard to line up the hole.)

Lube the top hinge, reinstall, and replace the plastic cover. Easy as 1, 2, 3.

Removed rear cover to see non-operating fan - removed three mounting screws on the motor that were a challenge to access. Swapped fan from old motor onto new motor - one threaded nut on the motor shaft. Spliced new fan wires into fan wires of the wiring harness and mounted with three self-tapping screws supplied with new fan motor. Replaced rear cover and plugged it in! Now the refrigerator cools like new (1981 model side-by-side Admiral)

The hardest part was taking out original light bulb because screws on shield where hard to unscrew after all this years . The old bulb vent out leaving neck in socket. It took narrow electrical pliers to get neck out .The generic appliance bulb did not fit and had aluminum neck ,not recommended for brass sockets in ovens.Putting new light bulb in was not the problem.

1. Unscrewed glass cover on bulb
2. Removed old bulb
3. Screwed in new bulb
4. Replaced glass cover
5. Mixed drink & baked cupcakes

By watching a video.

No Problems, Charles is "NATURAL BOTN" Mechanic, who stives to SOLVE PROBLEMS, which he does quite admirably. I am fortunate to have such a son as him. Anything mechanical that needs repairing, HE CAN DO IT! His proclivity for fixing stuff is amazing and saved me THOUSANDS of dollars over past year. Unfortunately(fortunately for ME) he cannot find a JOB. I am extremely satisfied with finding and using your erice. Thank you very much. You are VERY worthy of TRUST.

Please bear in mind I am 65 years old & it was harder to get up & down off the floor then to change the switch. Was very easy - watched video, unplugged unit. I used the putty knife at the right front corner to work loose, when it came loose had to loose the left side a little. The unit pulled out easily. detached the wired that had a single plug with 2 prongs on it. Attached the plug, pushed new switch into place. There was no way you could place wires on wrong prong. When done, plugged refrigerator back in & checked if working. I CAN SEE THE LIGHT and the food in the freezer now. Thank you for making an easy repair.

I pulled down the wire around the glass cover. . . Released on end of the wire from its holder being careful to not let the glass cover drop. Unscrewed the bulb and replaced with replacement. Easy, easy.

very easy

removed top hinge, lifted door off bottom hinge, replaced cam, installed door.

I followed the other web notes with one change .Since I too forgot the lube , I used a pry bar and block of wood to lift the door and a tooth pick to glob some lube in the lower hinge.

My husband took the plastic cover off and took out old bulb and screwed in the new one. Then put the cover back on.