[murphy7513]

3 weeks ago I emptied fridge and freezer, unplugged unit and removed plastic backing on insideof freezer. Coils and back were completly encased in ice. Melted ice away and put unit back together. Today noticed refridge temp was above 50 degrees. Emptied freezer and removed backing and found rear of freezer/coils/wires completely iced over. Melted ice now fridge temp at 42. Why is freezer back icing up and is that what is causing temp loss in fridge.

[Simon / APP Team]

Hi.

What you have there is a bad defrost system.
Locate the defrost timer in the control box in the fresh food and using flat screwdriver slowly turn the shaft CW until the fridge stops. Check in 5 min. if the defrost heater came on.
If it does - replace the timer Part number: WR9X520

If not - open the rear panel in the freezer and check continuity of the defrost thermostat Part number: WR50X10010

And defrost heater Part number: WR51X464

The defrost thermostat must be ice cold when tested.
No continuity - replace that part.

Here are the breakdown diagrams and http://www.appliancepartspros.com/pa...odel_id=224827

Post the results.

Simon.

[murphy7513]

Originally Posted by Simon / APP Team

Hi.

What you have there is a bad defrost system.
Locate the defrost timer in the control box in the fresh food and using flat screwdriver slowly turn the shaft CW until the fridge stops. Check in 5 min. if the defrost heater came on.
If it does - replace the timer Part number: WR9X520

If not - open the rear panel in the freezer and check continuity of the defrost thermostat Part number: WR50X10010

And defrost heater Part number: WR51X464

The defrost thermostat must be ice cold when tested.
No continuity - replace that part.

Here are the breakdown diagrams and Replacement parts for General Electric TBX18SIXPLWW Refrigerator | AppliancePartsPros.com

Post the results.

Simon.

Simon,
How do I check for the continuity of the defrost thermostat. I turned the timer until the refridge stopped running, it has been 9 minutes and the fridge has not turned back on. I noticed that I did see a blue spark when I turned the timer.

[murphy7513]

Originally Posted by murphy7513

Simon,
How do I check for the continuity of the defrost thermostat. I turned the timer until the refridge stopped running, it has been 9 minutes and the fridge has not turned back on. I noticed that I did see a blue spark when I turned the timer.

also, the unit is 15 years old. Is it worth trying to replace the parts or just to purchase a new unit. Thanks

[Simon / APP Team]

Hi.

To check the continuity of the thermostat you should use the multimeter. If you don't have one you may jump the two thermostat wires and see if the heater will come on.
Unplug the fridge while jumping contacts.

Simon.