Freezer Not Freezing Food

is the top of the freezer full where it can breathe remove something to help it breathe

Good day,
Yes. Domestic appliances will not work properly below approx 55 degrees.
The freezer suffers most simply because the machine runs rarely at 55 degrees and degrades as the temp goes lower.
They are designed to balance properly when in an environment where people live. Ideally 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
The machine is not broken.
Moving it inside, is the only solution.

Thank for using Fixya

Over what period of time did this variation occur?

The freezer should have an automatic defrost cycle. The temperature will rise while it is going through this cycle.

It is probably the control board and since it's new it's still under warranty so a certified Frigidaire repair man will fix it without charge. There should be a telephone number with the paperwork you received when you bought it.

The light indicates the need for a new battery (9V)

Hi dgh1,
The freezer should stay within 5 degrees of 0 while in operation. While in defrost the freezer may reach as high as 20 to 25 degrees. If any higher temperatures are reached your food will spoil as they are defrosted and refroze everyday. If you find that the temperature is allowing your food to defrost you may want to replace your defrost thermostat. This device is located on top of the evaperator coil inside the back of the freezer. It is made to turn the heater off when a temperature of 55 degrees is reached. One other possible problem could be your defrost timer is taking to long to restart the cooling cycle after defrosting. I hope this will help you and please send any other questions you may have, I am happy to help. and dont forget to rate me.
Mike Anderson
Anderson Appliance
(865)945-3808

I would be more worried about constant power disruptions

you have a refrigeration issue partner let her go 16 yrs. is good service you can replace it for 3 to 5 hundred the repair will be that IF you can find someone with the r-12. don't go for a top it off and go deal the food you lose is to expensive for that to be economical.

not necessarily, is it maintaining temp? all food staying frozen? especially ice creams if stored in there. most newer freezers displace the heat generated while cooling the food through copper lines running through sides of unit, helps to cut down on air temp differences between the inside (0 degrees) and outside temp to prevent moisture and possible condensation causing premature rusting of unit

Service:
http://mrappliance2.reachlocal.net/land/
http://www.sears.com/sr/service_order/so_productinfo.jsp
DIY repear and diagnosic help:
http://www.acmehowto.com/howto/appliance/freezer/freezer.php
http://www.repairclinic.com/0047_3.asp
http://www.fridgedoctor.com/