Ge side by side refrigerator not cooling - GE (PSS26MSRSS) Side by Side Refrigerator

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. :)

SOURCE: Side by Side GE Refrigerator wont cool and freezer side frozen

Bad defrost heater in the freezer section .

John Tripp

• 4656 Answers
• Posted on Oct 28, 2009

SOURCE: refrigerator not cooling

Look into the back of the freezer and if there is a layer of frost building on the rear panel it's possible that your refrigerator is not defrosting. If yes unplug and remove the frozen goods to the fresh food section. Remove the rear panel and defrost with a hair dryer or by setting a large bucket of hot water in freezer and close the door until the ice is melted.There are a few reasons for this happening and they are defrost heater, defrost thermostat, control board and other things that could cause this because of the way the refrigerator is designed. But the most likely reason is the defrost heater and defrost thermostat. Try defrosting and then letting me know what you find. If you need one one one free assistance I am here for you! Let me know what you find, Thanks, Sea Breeze

Charles T Nevin

• 4070 Answers
• Posted on Nov 17, 2009

SOURCE: GE PROFILE REFRIGERATOR SIDE BY SIDE IS NOT COOLING

The evaporator coil behind the cover on the back wall inside the freezer will ice up under normal conditions. Every 8 to 10 hours for around 20 minutes the defrost timer (or in most newer models the electronic adaptive defrost control) will turn the defrost heater on to melt the built up ice. There is a defrost thermostat which prevents the heater from overheating the freezer by breaking the heater circuit when the temp reaches close to 32 degrees F. The entire cooling system shuts off during the defrost cycle and starts back when the timer advances through the cycle.

If this ice is not melted it will continue to build up until the air can’t flow over the coil to circulate the cold air through the freezer and into the fridge. The temperature change in the fridge is usually noticed first followed by the freezer.

If the defrost thermostat is bad it can prevent the heater from coming on OR it won’t turn the heater off when it gets too warm. It is clamped to the evaporator coil at the top to sense the temp. If it appears to be misshapen it is bad.
With an ohm meter it should show continuity when cold and none when warm.
You can also bypass the thermostat to see if the heater comes on then. If it does then you know the thermostat is bad and needs replaced.

The defrost heater is located on the evaporator. It is in a tube which is at the bottom and can also go up the sides of the evaporator. On some types you can see a burnt spot if it’s bad. With an ohm meter it should show continuity from end to end when disconnected from the wiring in the freezer. You can also test the wiring for voltage when it’s in the defrost mode.

If you have a defrost timer you can test it. It can be located under the fridge behind the kick panel on the front. Some are in the fridge with the controls at the top. You can turn the defrost timer till it clicks and everything shuts down. The heater should now come on. If it does, replace the timer because that means the timer is not running. If it doesn't, check the heater and defrost thermostat. Turn the timer again till everything starts back up to end the defrost cycle.

If you have an adaptive defrost control instead of a timer, replace it if the heater and thermostat test good. It is located in the fridge with the controls in some models and on the back in others.

John Tripp

• 4656 Answers
• Posted on Apr 05, 2010

SOURCE: GE Side by Side Refrigerator no longer cooling.

If not cooling or signs of not defrosting we will need to check the compressor start components, fan mortors and motherboard. Let me know and I can guide you through this. Sea Breeze

Testimonial: "Hi Sea Breez. I have ordered and replace the defrost heating element. I'll check the coils in a day or two. Thanks for providing the service manual!"