[carolann001@msn.com]

Help! My side by side is not cooling! Ice was built up on the inside of freezer and now isnt cooling either side! The fan is working. What should I do?

[Simon / APP Team]

Hi.

Sounds like there is a defrost problem. Please provide the complete model number. Look at the right side bottom grill.

Simon

[carolann001@msn.com]

The model is TFX20SABK WW serial # HZ278044. I unplugged the unit and the freezer is working but the refrigerator side still doesn't feel like its cooling. Thank you for your help Simon!

[Simon / APP Team]

Hi.

Remove the rear panel in the freezer and check if the evaporator is blocked with snow. If it is then go to the refrigerator side take the control panel off, locate the defrost timer shaft and turn it slowly CW until the unit stops.
After 5 min check if the defrost heater inside the freezer is on.
If the heater on - replace the timer Part number: WR9X489

If not - replace the defrost heater kit Part number: WR51X10031

Here are the breakdown diagrams and Replacement parts for General Electric TFX20SABKWW Refrigerator | AppliancePartsPros.com

Defrost the fridge completely before plugging in.

Good luck. Post the results.

Simon.

[WifeSaysFixItPlease!]

Ok thank you so much for the guidance.

I did these tests to my similar model GE side by side refrigerator. (model # TFX25QRCB AA).

The defrost heater works fine (red glow from lower back panel of freezer), and the timer must have been stuck, because manually turning the control port CW turned the compressor off, then the heater came on & defrosted.

Timer must have been stuck, cause now it cycles fine.

So I'm confused, because the temperature is still not cold enough, despite these things working as they should.

The only 3 things it could be, still:

1- Temperature Contol is broken ? (on FF side, under control panel, next to timer)

2- Freon is low ? Haven't heard much of recharging refrigerant - ideas ?

3- Bottom Coils still too blocked by dust, etc. (I used coil brush, but access was limited.)

Thanks for any help you can provide, Gene, Simon or anyone !

David in E. Texas

[Simon / APP Team]

Hi.

Please explain the original problem.

Simon.

PS. You can access the condenser coils from the back.

[WifeSaysFixItPlease!]

Simon:

The original problem is same as the poster who started this thread.

Not cooling well in either freezer or fridge.

Lots of snow & ice dam built up on freezer coils. (ie defrost heater not working).

Turns out the defrost timer was stuck: rotating the rheostat a cycle or two apparently unstuck it; now it heats element & runs defrost cycle.

However, this improvement hasn't materially effected the main issue: not enough cold temps.

It is still too warm to keep foods fresh in the FF section, and the freezer will barely make ice.

Does this suggest low freon / refrigerant ?

Coils have been cleaned reasonably well & both evap fan & internal fan operate & compressor, too.

Hope that is a clear enough description.

( Model GE # TFX25QRCB AA )

Thank you, David

[Simon / APP Team]

Hi.

Check two things, please:
- is the evaporator coil frosted evenly and completely?
- are the supply and return air ducts clear of snow?

Thank you.

Simon.

[WifeSaysFixItPlease!]

Ok, I'll check behind the freezer panel.

on # 2, making sure here, where are the supply & return air ducts ?

Do you mean the damper controlled duct between the FF and freezer section ?

Thx, David

[Simon / APP Team]

Yes. These is supply, the return is at the bottom behind the crisper drawer.

Simon.