Freezer works, Fridge not cooling, fan still runs

Refrigerator & Freezer Repair
1

Freezer is fine but fridge is not cool - about 49 degrees. The screen on the fridge says the fridge is 37 degrees but that isn’t right…and no, it’s not the set temp. The fan runs, and we have tried to take off the back panel in the freezer but it is very difficult and don’t want to make things worse. You can kind of see the coils in the freezer, and the lower ones have frost but not the higher ones. If we manually defrost the coils, will this just happen again?
Also - anyone know where the sensor is to measure the temp in the fridge? Something is wrong with that as well.

Thanks
Jill

3

jmessick said:
Freezer is fine but fridge is not cool - about 49 degrees. The screen on the fridge says the fridge is 37 degrees but that isn’t right…and no, it’s not the set temp. The fan runs, and we have tried to take off the back panel in the freezer but it is very difficult and don’t want to make things worse. You can kind of see the coils in the freezer, and the lower ones have frost but not the higher ones. If we manually defrost the coils, will this just happen again?
Also - anyone know where the sensor is to measure the temp in the fridge? Something is wrong with that as well.

Thanks
Jill

Jill, We really need the model number from the refrigerator, That allows us to properly assist you. Temp sensors or thermisters don’t fail that often, and based on your information, there are a few other possibilities. Improper air flow over the evaporator due to failing fan, Improper or partial defrost due to faulty defrost heater or thermostat. If your refrigerator has one , the auto damper is malfunctioning, and not allowing the air to flow from the freezer to the refrigerator. A model number would be a big help.

4

sorry - it is a GE PSDS5YGXCFSS

The fan is running and I think the compressor is ok since the freezer is still working. Could it be a Defrost Timer issue?? Is it difficult to put in a new one?

THANKS

5

— Begin quote from jmessick;801503

sorry - it is a GE PSDS5YGXCFSS

The fan is running and I think the compressor is ok since the freezer is still working. Could it be a Defrost Timer issue?? Is it difficult to put in a new one?

THANKS

— End quote

Jill, Your refrigerator does not have a defrost timer. The defrost circuit it controlled through the main control board

[part]AP4481481[/part]

located on the back wall of the refrigerator. Based on inputs from sensors inside the compartments, the control determines when and how long the defrost cycle will occurr.

In your case, you will also want to check the "Custom Cool" assembly (lower bin) in the refrigerator, if it is not operating properly it can cause warm refrigerator tmperatures as well.

Thanks, the model number is a big assist.

6

thanks for your help. We got the back panel off in the freezer and it looks like the coils are NOT frosted over.

7

— Begin quote from jmessick;801522

thanks for your help. We got the back panel off in the freezer and it looks like the coils are NOT frosted over.

— End quote

Jill, Ok, then it’s not likely a defrost issue. Now look at the lower right side bottom corner of the freezer, There should be an air tunnel in that area, check and make sure it is not restricted or blocked. If you have a multi meter handy, unplug the harness to the fan motor or slip the meter probes into the connector and check for 12.5 VDC across the yellow and white wires this circuit is the variable speed evaporator fan circuit and should draw at least the 12.5 VDC on the high speed.