Is this the problem?

My refrigerator/freezer stopped cooling. I unplugged it and it started working again. Then it stopped again. Finally, I had Sears take a look at it. The repair man said that when I plugged it in, if the temp in the freezer got down to 0 degrees, then it is the computer board acting up and I can replace the board. However, he said if it does not get down to 0 degrees, then it is a compressor and there is a leak somewhere so I might as well get a new refrigerator. Does that sound right? He was very helpful and seemed honest, even gave me tips on how replace the computer board myself . Thanks

My refrigerator is about 7 years old

well, about 3/4 right. The mother board may be bad, and not letting it go into defrost. Or, the defrost heater on the coil, could be bad, if its freezing up.

Also, the compressor has a start cap and an overload that could be bad, causing the compressor not to run.

Next time it happens, check these few things.
See if the compressor is running. If not, touch the compressor and see how hot it is to touch. Or if it’s cold and not running,either way pay attention to both.

Look in freezer cabinet and see if the evap is frozen.

John - Thanks for the response.

How do I know if the compressor is running? I can tell when the fan starts, but, not sure how to tell if the compressor is running.

Also, what is the evap in the freezer cabinet?

Sorry, I am really new at all this stuff.

Thanks

John is way off on his comments.
You probably have a bad motherboard behind a panel in the back, part AP4436216, Also, sometimes the power relay terminals on the back of the board will unsolder themselves, just check

Yea. Don’t listen to me, I’m way off. Spend money w/o troubleshooting.

Go to my comments in the sticky "GE refrigrerator (GSS and HSS models).