GE side by side Model GSL25JFPABS is not defrosting. The circulating fan is running OK. I removed the heating element and applied 110vto it and it heats (although the glass surrounding the element is darkened). The thermostat closes at room temerature. There are no instructuin sheets with the unit so I don't know if I need to check for anything when the coil is cold.

I was told by my parts supplier that the mother board was bad. I purchased a new board (pt# WR55X10942) and installed it. The new board is a one board fits all replacement. There are more wire harness connectors that the original board. I plugged in the connectors that were applicable to the old board. The others remained hanging loose. There we instruction with the new board that certain green wires had to cut in the harness ONLY IF the the unit had a bottom freezer. Being a side by side, I did not cut any wires. The unit ran for 16 hours and was still building frost and ice on the coil. The door gaskets are sealing OK.

I notice in other post that some new boards may need programming. Does anything like that apply here? I am assuning that when cold, the thermostat opens. I'm not certain what sure from this point what else takes place. I'm sure the compressor will stop running and the heater will come on for a specified period of time with the circulating fan running. I see no termination thermostat. Is there a way to force a defrost cycle in order to check things out?

Can you fill me in on something I may have missed? My concerns go back to the thermostat now. What else should I check out concerning the board circuit and how do I do it? Thank you very much.