Freezer Defrost Cycle

Refrigerator & Freezer Repair
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1

I have a GE GSL25JFTABS, side by side fridge/freezer. The freezer side hits the defrost cycle and gets warm to the tune of about 50-60 degrees for long enough to partially melt the ice in the ice bin. Ice Cream goes very soft and refreezes, making it really nasty. The ice bin refreezes into a lump that I have to break up with an ice pick. Small amounts of water leak down into the other items in the freezer below the bin and refreeze. Its a mess.

There is no ice/frost build up on the coils. The freezer maintains a nice cold temperature when not in the defrost cycle. The fridge side seems fine.

I have replaced the defrost thermostat and the defrost heater. What’s next? Is there something else I should do before I change out that expensive motherboard? I have checked the door, it appears to seal, the flap over the door despenser looks like it is closing and sealing as well. I think it passed all the checks on the front panel display (pressing all 4 buttons at once, putting in codes to test), but I’m not completely sure because the manual I found on line is for a "near model" but not exactly the same.

Thoughts? Advice?

Thanks for anything you can offer.

Fryyo

3

I do not know if the manual you have gives the specs for the thermistors but I would check them first. I would do it from the control board end then you are not only checking the thermistor but also the wiring. Also check the plug/receptacle for them.

4

Let me explain, what is happening here. I am technician, and there are certain things that happen to a motherboard. Sometimes it slows the evaporator fan motor down, where it would cause that condition. Sometimes it actually stops the evaporator fan motor from turning. Also, sometimes it kills the circuit to the compressor, and the refrigerator sounds like it is running, but the compressor is not, untill the compressor relay on the motherboard cools off, and make the cuircuit again. GE has an inherited problem with the board. So, you all ready replaced the defrost circuit, so, that is what I would do. Replace the motherboard. I had one yesterday afternoon. Same thing, replace the board. Back in business. I keep 2 on my service truck. That ought to tell you something. Tom http://www.applianceeducator.com