[tonybalo]

How do you narrow down a defrost problem since they've eliminated defrost timers on refrigerators that have a mother board?
I'm from the old school and I'm having a heck of a time trying to figure this new stuff out. thanks for any help

[denman]

Depending on the unit many of them have diagnostics or a method to force a defrost.

Another way is to measure the defrost heater (usually around 20 ohms) and the defrost thermostat (should be 0 ohms when frozen) with a meter. If both measure OK then assume it is the defrost/control board.

FYI: The defrost thermostat must be frozen as it opens just above freezing.
: If the defrost thermostat is deformed/bulged replace it even if it measures OK.

[richappy]

You mean they close around freezing temp, the GE mothrboard type open around 100 degrees to terminate defrost.

[denman]

Just semantics.
What I want to convey is that defrost thermostat's should be checked when frozen!!!