Rank: Member
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Joined: 3/13/2013(UTC)
Posts: 7
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My GE Side-by-side freezer goes into the defrost cycle and stays there way too long. The ice melts and refreezes into a big chunk, some frozen foods get soft and refreeze multiple times. It always comes back out of the defrost cycle though.
I replaced the motherboard as was suggested in multiple posts and I thought it was working fine until about 24 hours after I plugged it back in. It did the same thing. My next shot is the defrost limiter thermostat.
My question is, with a bad defrost limiter thermostat, would the defrost cycle ever stop? That's why I thought it was a bad motherboard. I figured if the thermostat never opened up, it wouldn't tell the computer to stop defrosting. Maybe the metal strips in the thermo got corroded some how and are set to a much higher temperature.
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: APP Team
Joined: 2/12/2012(UTC)
Posts: 5,556
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Hi. There is the temperature sensor, mounted on the top of the evaporator coil.This sensor is overlooking the defrost cycle. The defrost limiter is more safety then cycling devise. Replace the evaporator sensor Part number: WR55X10025
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Rank: Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/13/2013(UTC)
Posts: 7
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I replaced the defrost thermostat and now just have to wait for the cycle to get there I guess. However, I tested the thermostat for continuity. After sitting in a glass of ice and salt water for several minutes it read 0.2 ohms. I then sat it in hot water running from the tap (hot enough for me to not want to hold my hand there) for several minutes and it read the same.
Also, the old thermo rattles when I shake it. I'm assuming everything in there should be fairly solid.
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Senior Expert
Joined: 9/10/2007(UTC)
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Was thanked: 2 time(s) in 2 post(s)
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That is a special thermostat that opens above 125 degrees.Rather rare it shorts, but possible. Most probable problem is the evaporator thermistor, a long, thin, plastic item clipped to the top of the evaporator. I would replace both items.
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Rank: Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/13/2013(UTC)
Posts: 7
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Thanks. I ordered the thermistor and will replace it when it gets here. I'll post the results.
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: APP Team
Joined: 2/12/2012(UTC)
Posts: 5,556
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Please do so.
Good luck.
Simon.
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Rank: Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/13/2013(UTC)
Posts: 7
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Just replaced the thermistor and am waiting on the fridge's cycle to get to the defrost portion. The old thermistor, however, had no continuity at room temperature or in a glass of ice water. I think this may have been the problem.
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Rank: Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/13/2013(UTC)
Posts: 7
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Several days now and no problems at all. The thermistor did the trick.
Even with ordering two incorrect parts (one of which I was able to return), this repair only cost me around $40. If I would have asked someone on the forum, it would have been about $15. Hiring someone would be easily $150 or more. I love this website! To date, saved me several hundred dollars and earned me a ton of man-points with the wife.
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: APP Team
Joined: 2/12/2012(UTC)
Posts: 5,556
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Good work!
Enjoy the special points...
Simon.
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