the culprit is the control relay that does not energise. thermostats are a thing of the past now and all is electronically controlled. there is a small circuit board under a grey flap ontop on the freezer (where the lights are)
the component is probably a schrack T7NS5H1-24-WG-A.
unfortunately Shrack has been purchased by Tyco so finding an actual relay is turning into a bit of a problem.
I have the same issue and researching the net has thrown up an equivalent , an omron OMRON G5LE-1-VD 24VDC but that too is becoming a problem to find.. at least here in the UK.
Its a 2 minute job to complete witha soldering iron and will save the £400 for a new freezer for the sake of a £1 component!
tim
October 2009