[Dhilb]

Room temperature fridge - everything melted. Trying to figure out if I can fix myself or have to call in the repair guy.

GE - Side by Side - 6 yr old. Lost all cold. Overnight left off (complete defrost) and it doesn't get cold at all today.

Compressor: Room temperature - not buzzing, not clicking, nothing. complete silence - never attempts to start.

Fans: Still working (inside and back panel)
Lights: Still working
Water pressure: Fine - room temp.
Dust/dirt: Some built up - I vacuumed & cleaned out now.
Freezer Drain line: Clear
No changes in the fridge lately - just happened overnight. Working great the day before.

What should I check? Where do I look?
I've got the whole fridge opened up - back panels, and inside panels.
I'm okay at fixing stuff, but not an expert. Looking for tips? Or should I just call in the repair guy?

[misterfixall]

problem may be main board at back of fridge at left side behind panel

[denman]

Here is your parts breakdown
Model Search

Check behind the kick plate for the wiring diagram.
Finding info on the net on GE's is difficult to say the least, they think their machines are top secret.

When you say it is dead, does anything work re: lights etc.

Could be your start relay or overload

Here is a site that should help you do some basic troubleshooting
http://www.applianceaid.com/refrigerator.html

[kayakcrzy]

I second the Mrfixall motion!!!!!!!!!!! Tom www.applianceeducator.con

[misterfixall]

i third +fourth the motion%%%%%%%

[Dhilb]

Denman - thanks for the diagram and parts breakdown - I've been looking for that. I read many of the simple FAQs. But I'm still trying to figure out the best way to determine if it is the board or compressor that is dead. Can I somehow test with a volt meter or something?? The compressor makes zero sound - and is room temperature. Other items in the fridge work fine (lights, fans, temp guage clicks from off to on, water dispensor, etc).

[denman]

Sorry Dhilb, I must of had my head up my you know what, your original post said the lights were working and I did not pay attention.

Take a look at #3 at the appliance aid site link I gave you.

[kayakcrzy]

If you must, take the cover off the compressor, and check for 120 volts. You won't have it. Each product has there own problems, and the motherboard is it. Part # is wr55x10552. Tom ********************************************

I guess I have dibs on the fifth and six motions !@#$%^&*()

[Dhilb]

Denman,
I reviewed #3 on the link. My issue is some kind of black cover casing around the relay attached to the compressor - I can't seem to pull it off with a screw driver and don't want to break something more. Tricks? Tips? I'll post a photo shortly.

Kayakcrzy / Tom-
I'm requesting pricing on the motherboard now via your site. Cheaper than a repair guy showing up in a truck, just to drive away and have him order the part.

[Dhilb]

Photos linked here:
Flickr: dhilb's Photostream

That black cover on the box attached to the compressor doesn't want to come off - I'm assuming that is covering the relay that Denman is suggesting I check?? Tips on getting it loose?