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HomeRepair HelpTappan Refrigerator RepairTappan Refrigerator has frost or moisture buildup around the door Repair
Tappan Refrigerator has frost or moisture buildup around the door
Frost or moisture collecting around the center mullion flap or door seam is usually a seal or heater issue rather than a cooling failure. The most common cause is a mullion heater that no longer cycles or has an open circuit; you can test it with a multimeter and replace it if it shows no continuity. Next check the door support and door guide for wear or misalignment that keeps the mullion flap from forming a tight seal, then inspect the door gasket for twists, gaps, or tears that let warm, humid air in. Less commonly, prolonged door openings can leave frost that clears after a defrost cycle. These faults often show up when a fridge door is not sealing properly or when the refrigerator is not defrosting correctly, so start at the mullion heater and work outward. If you need replacement parts like a mullion heater, door support, door guide, or gasket, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your refrigerator.
01 - Tappan Refrigerator Mullion Heater
A defective mullion heater flap may not be able to heat up periodically to melt any frost or moisture that forms on the flap due to increases in room humidity. You can use a multimeter to test the mullion heater for electrical continuity to determine if the component is working. If the mullion heater has no electrical continuity you should replace it with a new one.
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Common
02 - Tappan Refrigerator Door Support
If the mullion heater flap has frost or moisture buildup, it's possible the door suport is damaged or misaligned and not allowing the flap to form a tight seal between the refrigerator doors. Inspect the door support for wear or damage and replace if necessary.
Common
03 - Tappan Refrigerator Door Guide
If the mullion heater flap has frost or moisture buildup, it's possible the door guide is damaged or misaligned and not allowing the flap to form a tight seal between the refrigerator doors. Inspect the door guide for wear or damage and replace if necessary.
Common
04 - Tappan Refrigerator Door Gasket
A door gasket should form an airtight seal around the appliance's frame to keep the cold air in and the warm air out. If the door gasket is twisted or torn, gaps can form that will allow warm air in, resulting in the freezer not freezing properly. Inspect the door gasket for any damage and replace with a new one if necessary.
Common
05 - Refrigerator or freezer door left open
If the freezer or refrigerator door was left open for an extended period of time (more than 4 hours), frost may have accumulated on the food and around the door opening. The frost should go away after the door is closed and the refrigerator goes through a defrost cycle.
Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my refrigerator not cooling and I have frost or moisture around the door?
Fridge not cooling but freezer works, could frost on the mullion heater flap be the cause?
Refrigerator door not closing properly — how do I fix frost build-up on the mullion heater flap?
How do I test the mullion heater to see if it needs replacing?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?
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