[TP424]

I want to find the defrost timer in my GE TFX27FJC refrigerator. It does not actually show it in all the diagrams of the front freezer door where it is supposed to be located. The part number in the drawings is 257, but it only shows a screw. Is it really there and how do I get to it to test it
TP424

[denman]

Here are your parts.
Replacement parts for General Electric TFX27FJC Refrigerator | AppliancePartsPros.com

I am a little confused when I look up Item 257 is Section 5 it does show the timer. Looks like it is behind the kick plate at the front of the unit. There is usually a hole in it's mounting bracket to ley you force a defrost cycle.
Kick plates normally just snap on.

First remove the evaporator cover in the freezer so you can see the coils.
Do not let them de-ice.

If yes.
Manually force a defrost cycle by turning the defrost timer cam (Item 257 in Section 5) till the fans and compressor turn off.
There is usually a hole in the cover to let you do this without taking anything apart.
Now check the defrost heater to see if it is on.
Be careful you do not want to burn your fingers.
If the heater is on then the timer needs replacing, re: it is probably stalling during it's rotation so is never getting into a defrost cycle.

If not on.
Unplug the unit.
Remove the wire for one side of the heating element (Item 230 in Section 2) from the wiring and measure it for continuity, usually around 20 ohms or so.

If the heater is OK
Remove one wire to the defrost thermostat (Item 240 in Section 2) and measure it, should be 0 ohms when frozen. Note that it opens just above freezing so must be frozen to check it. Also inspect it, if it is bulged at all replace it even if it measures OK.

If both the above are OK then odds are the defrost timer contacts are toast.
Best way to test this is a live test to see if you have 120 volts across the heater/defrost thermostat combo.

[TP424]

Denman,

Thank you for your response, I found it. I had looked there before because that is where I have usually found them. The good part is it was in the defrost cycle when I found it, the water was running in the pan and I could hear the heater working. I think this has two heaters and one of them is not working, when the freezer gets empty I will check it out.

On a side note all the drawings and info I found said it was in the door, and you said it showed in a drawing insection 5. Was I looking at at wrong drawing or not reading it correctly

Thanks again,
TP424

[denman]

I was referring to Section5 (UNIT), in the parts link I gave.

I have never seen a defrost timer in a door but stranger things have happened when a design engineer smokes a little too much wacky tabacky.