Non-defrosting self-defrosting fridge

[rupert the dog]

My (about) 7 yr old Bosch fridge has recently decided not to defrost itself any more - the very bottom of the freezer becomes a solid block of ice about half a cm thick, which I can usually remove in one piece, but have to do about weekly. Any ideas what causes this? Or is my fridge dead - otherwise it's working fine, and is without doubt the best fridge we've ever had.

[Chrisgr31]

Have you tried totally defrosting it? Need to turn it off and leave it for a day or two (longer the better)! Then find the little drain hole in it, and make sure it is not blocked. If it is try and unblock it using small bit of flexible wire, but if the fridge is not fully defrosted there will be no hope as it will still be frozen. If that makes sense

[Simpo Two]

I'm thinking drain hole as well. Have you got the 'structions?

[jeff m]

Lift out the big lump of ice as you did before.
Then get a spray bottle of hot water and spray area until you get water flowing/dripping into the evaporating tray.
You will need a couple of old towels to act as a dam and to mop up excess the water.

[TorqueVR]

Chris is right, I had the same problem a few years ago. Totally defrost it and use a pipe cleaner or a skewer to make sure the drain holes are not clogged.

[FourWheelDrift]

Check the door seal as well, freezers with gaps or even left open slightly (does it bounce open when closed?) will ice up very quickly.