[rolltide23]

Hi all,

After reading numerous forums and blogs, I have come to the realization that I own one of the dreaded GE SxS models with a faulty motherboard...

Here's my story:

Noticed a week ago that my beer in the frig was not as cold as usual... Torn apart the freezer and found that the evaporator coils were frozen in a block of solid frost, and some of the food was thawing. Defrosted coils, tested continuity of defrost heater and thermometer (both checked out good)... Evaporator fan is running, compressor coils are as clean as I can get them, door seals are good, etc... However, I also realized that the ice dispenser flapper is open a little, due to a rusted/bad solenoid (another project to tackle once the frig is cooling again). Stuffed flapper opening with a dish cloth to temporarily block 1/4" opening .

Anyone else experienced the same issue?... Was the fix the motherboard? Getting ready to purchase the motherboard tomorrow. Anything I missed before I drop $100.00 on the part.

Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Brandon

[abadfish66]

Did you check continuity of the heater with one of the wires disconnected, if not check again. Also, was the whole evap frosted over in ice, or just the top half of the evap?

[rolltide23]

Heater was completely disconnected from wiring when tested... entire evap coil was frosted over. Thanks

[abadfish66]

How did you check the "thermomiter" and which one are you talking about? Normally a defrost problem on these is not the board, although it cant be ruled out. Look at the termination thermistat, the round device at the top of the evap with the blue top, is the blue top flush with the device, or is it popped up a bit?

[rolltide23]

It's popped as a matter of fact... not flush.

I actually traced the wires back to the motherboard and tested continuity there.

[abadfish66]

There is your problem, you need a new termination thermistat, if it's popped up it's no good and will never defrost, Part# wr50x10068

[abadfish66]

No need to buy a board, this part is only $10-$15 BUCKS

[rolltide23]

Thanks! You may have just saved me a $100.00 bucks... I'll send out an update when the part is installed.

Thanks again! - Brandon

[abadfish66]

When you splice in the new one, make sure you seal the connections with a kitchen and bath caulk, this will seal out moisture so the wires don't corrode.

[abadfish66]

Here's that part if you need it------>Part Details - GE THERMOSTAT DEF, part number: WR50X10068