Model:GSS25JFMC
Serial: DD218474

Hello everyone!

I have a GE side by side 'fridge on the fritz. It's 6 or 7 years old.

Unit has worked well until now, "Ice Door" issues self repaired 3 years ago. Two nights ago wife reported a loud POP from the kitchen, and the next night the fridge quits working.

Have checked the following (after I lost all my food) Power is on to unit, lights work, evaporator coil fan is running, condensing coils are clean and fan is running, compressor feels a little hot, but not horrible, fans quit when door opens, controls for temperature changed and checked (set to off to hear fans stop) then set to coldest setting

Only thing I can sense is a power draw (lights dim down in the unit for about one or two seconds) then a "click" is heard from the front or bottom (I can't tell for sure) and lights come back to bright. I'm afraid it's the compressor fail safe opening the circuit because it's seized. (My fear...) Line from compressor to evap coil is a little cool, but not cold. Evap is clear, no ice at all. No obstructions anywhere in the evap chamber. Evap and compressor fans are running constantly, haven't stopped unless I open the door.

So, since I'm handy and don't want to buy a 'fridge this weekend, any ideas? I'm hoping I can fix this thing inexpensively with the holidays upon us.

TIA,

James

Thanks for the reply Nat.

Uh, EPA can certify whoever they want. I'll work on my own stuff as I see fit. (gg)

It's the compressor. I took the back access panel off, checked the mainboard and the sealed system carefully. Power applied, the compressor's overload clicks off after 2 to 3 seconds. It then sits there for oh, a minute or two, and then does it again.

I removed the overload switch and wired the common direct to post on the compressor. Let it run for a timed one minute. Compressor gets HOT (almost can't touch it) Compressor coils cool, evap coils room temp.

I broke out the trusty analog multi meter and checked the compressor across it's three posts. (I've learned all of this in the last two days.) No perception of resistance across common to start or run, no resistance across run to start. In other words, it looks like we've got a dead short in there somewhere.

I guess I either replace the compressor (I have friends in HVAC, I'm a carpenter, they will help evac and recharge the 134a) or buy a new fridge. Coin toss for me, the wife will decide. (That's a safe bet either way!)

Thanks again Nat!

James