Question about replacing thermostat/defrost heater

Hello everyone, I have a GE side by side GSS22JETA that is having the typical defrost problem. My question is this. I replaced the thermostat and the defrost heater but in the process had to cut 2 wires (1 orange that runs from back wall to thermostat and 1 pink that runs from thermostat to the defrost heater) to get the new ones in. I still am having the same problem and I am wondering, was I supposed to "Seal" the connection where the new wires spliced together? I did cover the connection with a cover, for lack of a better name, but wonder if that’s right. I have bought a new motherboard, but want to make sure that I did the first part right before putting the new motherboard in. Thanks for any reply. Paul

The connection should be fine , my GE has two defost heaters. Check that out first , before spending money on a mother board.

When the fridg is running, unplug it, remove the motherboard cover and locate the large, three pin power connector. Unplug it and check which connector pins mate with the motherboard pins marked line and def. Put a wire jumper between these connector pins, then plug in refrigerator. If you get defrost action, this confirms a good defrost circuit and most probably a bad motherboard.