How to fix the freezer section of a GE side by side refrigerator that has frost build up on back wall?

SOURCE: frost build up on the back wall of the freezer

The thermostat is not functioning the way it should leading to frost build up. You need to replace it. Should cost you around 40$

SOURCE: freezer has developed some frost in the back

Hello,
This is a fairly easy problem to solve. First thing you will need to do is defrost the ice on the inside back panel of the freezer. Then remove the back inside freezer panel. You will need to remove your freezer shelves to do this. Once the panel is removed you will need to defrost the coils and surrounding area. Once defrosted you will see your defrost heather on the bottom of the coil and a defrost thermostat on the top of the coil. The defrost thermostat is about the size of a quarter and about 3/4 inch thick. It will be mounted on the coil line. If you have a multi tester you will be able to check continuity through the heater by unpluging it. The defrost thermostat is a bit more tricky to check. It will not read continuity once it is warmer than 50 degrees. The defrost thermostat is a fairly inexpensive part so if your heater is good you may want to just replace the defrost thermostat and see if the problem goes away. The other possibility would be your control board. It is located on the back of the refrigerator and has a metal plate covering it, with sever 1/4 inch screws. This board causes most failures on your model refrigerator. Also a point to remember. This board has had several new upgrades from the one originally installed on your refrigerator. So make sure if you get a new one that you get the listed number I have given you. The older ones are cheaper but they are also not updated and will not function properly on your refrigerator. The following parts listed are the possible parts you will need. Please let me know if you need one and I can ship it to you in about 1-2 days. I do not charge shipping and I give free advise. Thanks and good luck with your frost problem. you can reach us at.
Michael Anderson
Anderson Appliance
(865)945-3808
[email protected]
defrost thermostat. #WR50X10068 $21.57
defrost heater #WR51X10042 $56.50
control board #WR55X10656 $185.50

SOURCE: GE refrigerator side by side-6yrs old

I had this problem...my frige is gss20iejp and it was the defrost heater. Very easy to replace yourself if you're good with a screwdriver. Repair guy wanted 200 bucks. I fixed it myself for 40, but still had to pay the guy 30 bucks to come out. You have to remove everything from your freezer, shelves, etc...

Then take off the back panel.

Coils should be completely frosted up.

Defrost heater is at the bottom. It is metal. Should have 2 screws to remove and Conected by wires on either side, they pull out from the bottom, just tug them. Replace with new defrost heater...your problem will be solved.

If you have any more questions, email me [email protected] and I'll be glad to help you out. I know how frustrating it can be if you don't have the funds to pay the repair guy and know you can fix it yourself with just a little advice. :)

Mike Price

• 744 Answers
• Posted on Jul 21, 2009

SOURCE: Frost build up...refrigerator not cooling

Hi, With the information you supplied i'm going to assume there is an ice build up at the rear of the freezer. Your problem is going to be with your defrost system. I will also assume you have the ability to repair this yourself. This is going to be one of three problems with your refridgerator, 1st thing to do is remove shelfs and panel in the back of the freezer...you should see ice build up on the evaporator...don't worry get a hair dryer and melt the ice. Next locate the wires for the heater...using a multi meter test the heater for condinuity...if the heater is bad replace it, If the heater is good replace the defrost thermostat..the stat normally is a barrel looking part clipped onto the evaporator pipe. The last possible problem could be the evaporator fan, have you heard the fan running in the past few hours?..if you are not sure pull the panel out to where you can see fan and watch it over an hour to see if it turns. I have included links with pictures of what the parts you need to check are: http://romulusappliance.com/manufacturers/maytag/refrigerators/575432.JPG defrost stat http://www.hotekalliance.com/UploadFiles/2008627111553382.jpg heaters http://www.applianceblog.com/archives/EvapMotor1018185.jpg evap fan. Hope this helps. If you have any other questions please feel free to comment again. If you decide to get a repair guy in should not cost you any more then $120 - $200 depending on make/model/problem Good luck! P.s Please don't forget to rate my solution Thanks! Mike

SOURCE: Refrigerator side walls are hot

Hi, I have been in the refrigeration business for over 15 years. I also own a Whirlpool friege with the exact same problem.

a. The condensor fan HAS to work. That fan is not to cool the compressor, it is in place to cool the condensor. If your condensor fan does not work, your compressor may trip.
b. Those emerson fans make a racket because the bearings wear out very quickly. Actually, the bearing does not wear out, the shaft wears out.
c. You can fix this by either fitting a small fan to cool the condensor OR
d. You can buy a similar motor from Whirlpool but they are VERY expensive OR
e. You can buy a similar motor from Micro Instrument Company, 8, Industrial Area Ambala Cantonement, Ambala 133001, India and turn the fan to fit in the space.

Thanks

-d v bhatia

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