[crewsn8]

Freezer was not cold, ice maker barely working. Bottom 3 rows of condenser coils were caked in ice. Turned off frig and manually de-iced. Bottom 3 rows of coils iced up again.
Replaced defrost thermostat and frig when then enter the defrost sequence several times a day with defrost heater operating. Frig freezer still doesn' t get cold enough to freeze water. Frig section is cool but not cold. Have both freezer and fridge knobs up to 9. Just changed that to freezer on 9 and frig on 6. Could the problem be the temperature sensor (thermistor) in the upper freezer on top of the coils? Thanks for your time and assistance.

Steve

[WifeSaysFixItPlease!]

Originally Posted by crewsn8

Freezer was not cold, ice maker barely working. Bottom 3 rows of condenser coils were caked in ice. Turned off frig and manually de-iced. Bottom 3 rows of coils iced up again.
Replaced defrost thermostat and frig when then enter the defrost sequence several times a day with defrost heater operating. Frig freezer still doesn' t get cold enough to freeze water. Frig section is cool but not cold. Have both freezer and fridge knobs up to 9. Just changed that to freezer on 9 and frig on 6. Could the problem be the temperature sensor (thermistor) in the upper freezer on top of the coils? Thanks for your time and assistance.

Steve

Hi Steve:

Have slightly different model of GE refrigerator, TFX25QRCB AA, but same issue you describe.

Now that defrost timer is functioning, unit will cycle & turn off compressor & fan, but still ices up badly on lower part of coil.

Defrost heater heating intermittently, can't figure out if there is some other component that controls it.

Waiting to see how they answer you....

Cheers, David in Texas

[Gene]

Hi Steve,

If I got it right, only 3 rows of the evaporator coils are covered with frost? If this is correct, pull the refrigerator out of the wall and clean the condenser coils. Make sure the fan next to the compressor works properly.

Wait about 24 hours after you've done with cleaning and recheck the temperatures. If it's still not good, then very likely the sealed system is low on Freon. In such case you have to hire a certified tech for further diagnosis.

Gene.

[crewsn8]

Hi Gene,

Thanks for the response. You have it right in that the bottom 3 rows of coils iced up. Now that the defrost thermostat is functioning the heater is turning on and deicing the coils several times a day.

Initially I did clean the coils in the back and the fan in that area was working fine. Also the fan in the freezer section works as well coming on at high speed and off during the defrost heater sequence. I turned the frig control down from 9 to 6 and that didn't help the freezer get any colder. Water in a closed container in the freezer still doesn't freeze. Ice cube maker will make really small ice cubes that are basically wet on the outside.

It seems like freon needs to be added. Any idea as to a rough cost. i am not in love with this side by side and my wife has come around to the same decision as it is so difficult to put platters, etc into the fridge. We will be doing the kitchen over soon and replacing the appliance so I am thinking it is time to pull the plug on this 9 year old fridge and choose a unit with the freezer on the bottom. Any recommendations on brands that currently have good repair records? Again thanks for your time and expertise and have a great 4th of July.

David,
Thanks for contributing and I hope you are able to solve your problem. Have a great 4th also. I hope it is cooler there this year vs. last.

Regards,
Steve

[Gene]

Hi Steve,

If it's low on Freon, then such repair can be something between $300 to $450. It might be not worth it, especially if you are planning to replace it anyway.

In regards of a new refrigerator...I would buy one with the freezer on top, especially if you want one with ice maker, made by Whirlpool and without any electronics. You will save at least a thousand dollars and have more reliable fridge.

Happy 4th of July!

Gene.

[crewsn8]

Hi Gene,

Thanks for the estimate and your recommendations on name and type fridge to buy. Take care.

Steve