Why Is The Panel Between My Side By Side Fridge Doors Hot As Hell!

Fridge Stopped Cooling… Pulled Back Off, Turned Off For 2 Days. Plugged Back In. Compressor Would Click On And Off. After About 2 Hrs. Big Pop, Burnt Smell, But Its Been Working Fine For 24 Hours. Just Noticed The Panel Separate Between The Freezer And Fridge Door, Where The Rubber Seals Touch Is Hot, Hot Hot !!! Any Idea Why This Is Happening? Is There A Short Somewhere? I Ordered The Start Kit, But The Fridge Is Actually Working Fine. Actually To Hot To Keep Your Hand On It. Thanks For Any Input.

A model number may help others help you.

Are the condenser coils clean.
Are the vents in the kick plate and rear cover clean?
Is there room for air circulation at the back of the unit?
Is the condenser/compressor fan running when the compressor is running?