Fridge issue - how long to thaw?

[2na]

defroster motor issues are common in my apartment business, a hair dryer is the quickest safest way to thaw it out

also, if I remember right, the freezer cools the entire fridge - there is no coolant mechanism in the fridge compartment, there is a channel or pathway between the fridge and freezer and cold air travels from the freezer to cool the fridge. Make sure that that area is free and clear, if it is blocked by ice the fridge compartment won't cool down.