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Ch@rles  
#1 Posted : Tuesday, October 10, 2017 2:20:19 PM(UTC)
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Ch@rles

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Hi,
My GE side by side refrigerator is cycling into the defrost mode, but not always returning to the cooling mode. I notice this when I see my ice cubes melting and frozen food starting to melt. Eventually, I discovered that if I just thump the temperature control knob, it will kick back on. I have to monitor my fridge, though. If I see that it's not returning to the cool cycle, I just give the knob another thump.
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ThatGuy  
#2 Posted : Tuesday, October 10, 2017 4:25:57 PM(UTC)
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It might be the defrost timer is sticking.

Could you post the real model number? I could tell you a lot more if I had it.
Ch@rles  
#3 Posted : Tuesday, October 10, 2017 6:18:00 PM(UTC)
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Ch@rles

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I'm sorry about that. On an earlier occasion, I did try to retrieve the model number, but the tag inside the fridge has been rubbed so many times, that the number is obscure. The best I can make out is L19FAE3T. Hope this helps.
ThatGuy  
#4 Posted : Wednesday, October 11, 2017 3:11:58 AM(UTC)
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ThatGuy

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That model number is no good.

Could you take a picture of the area where you tap to get the fridge to come back on? Maybe the control area too?

I'm thinking it might just take a standard defrost timer. 6Hr, 21 min. defrost
Ch@rles  
#5 Posted : Wednesday, October 11, 2017 11:51:36 AM(UTC)
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Ch@rles

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Yep, here are some pics, ThatGuy. See if you can make heads or tails of those numbers.:)
Ch@rles attached the following image(s):
e8sky0.jpg
fvwylz.jpg
2yw93fd.jpg
ThatGuy  
#6 Posted : Wednesday, October 11, 2017 6:08:47 PM(UTC)
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ThatGuy

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The control panel in your second picture should come off. Just pull the thermostat knob straight out. Then lift near the bottom and pull it up and off. Underneath on the right side should be a hole, like the one you can see in this video at 0:43

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Zcdzr58kdk

The defrost timer can be advanced by inserting a flat blade screwdriver in the hole and turning clockwise.

The next time your refrig. starts melting, try turning the defrost timer. If it comes on, the timer is going bad.

If it doesn't come on, try tapping the thermostat knob. If it kicks on, its probably a bad thermostat.
Ch@rles  
#7 Posted : Wednesday, October 11, 2017 7:46:55 PM(UTC)
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Ch@rles

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Thanks for your help. I have watched the youtube video. If my problem is the defrost timer, the part# given in the video wouldn't be the one that I need would it? Conversely, if it's the thermostat, I will have to track down that part#, as well. Is any of that information on the tag that I showed you useful for tracking parts down?
ThatGuy  
#8 Posted : Thursday, October 12, 2017 1:36:26 AM(UTC)
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The defrost timer should have a part number on it. Same for the thermostat.

Your pictures were very helpful and detailed. That model number is missing two or more digits. Couldn't get it to come up.
Ch@rles  
#9 Posted : Thursday, October 12, 2017 9:55:57 AM(UTC)
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Ch@rles

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I'm thinking there may be an actual GE model# on the back of the unit. The number inside the fridge compartment is from the contracted manufacturer that GE was using in Canada. I guess I have to pull that puppy out and give it a look. I've also tried searching for it on the Discontinued Models page at GE.ca.
Two weeks ago, I knew nothing about how refrigerators function. Now I feel confident that I can make repairs. Thank you, again, so much, for your help in this regard.:)
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