[dankam]

Originally, refrigerator was 60-65 degrees, freezer fine. Completely defrosted unit, turned back on and it worked fine for about 5 days.
Next, replaced the defrost timer, (I have confirmed the cycle starting around 7:00am and 7:00pm.) fridge worked fine for two weeks, now it is stuck at 50 degrees. There is nothing blocking the entry of cool air from the freezer, and from my inspection, the damper is not adjustable, I think it is always open. Is it possible the defrost heater is not working, and when the defrost cycle hits every 12 hours, just enough ice melts without the heater from the coils to allow the fridge to at least stay at 50 degrees.
Thanks for any help!

[denman]

Sounds like you still have a defrost problem.

Remove the evaporator cover from inside the freezer so you can see the coils.
If they are heavily iced/frosted over then you have a defrost problem.
it will show up first in the fresh food compartment and later in the freezer area.

Manually turn the defrost timer cam to force a defrost cycle.
Check that the heater is coming on.
Be careful that you do not burn your fingers.
If it does not come on unplug the unit and check the heater element, should be around 20 ohms.

If OK then check the defrost thermostat.
Should be 0 ohms when frozen.
Note it opens just above freezing and should be 240,000 when open.
If it looks bulged/deformed in any way replace it even if it measures OK.