I am having the common problem of ice buildup on the evaporator coils in the freezer. I had a repair man come to the house and told me that the heating element was working as was the thermostat. He told me that I needed to replace the main board. He noted that the heater was coming on, but the compressor wasn't shutting off.

I replaced the main board and defrosted the coils, but several days later, the fridge is warm again. I noticed that the repair man didnt use any type of testing equipment, and honestly after talking to him, I dont have much faith in what he says. He did put his hand near the heater and said it was getting hot. Is there some other relay that could be keeping the compressor from turning off? Would this cause ice build up even if the heater is working? Would a faulty thermostat cause the compressor to stay on. (I have noticed that the compressor wont turn off)

Any help would be appriciated.
GE model: GTS22WCMBRBB

Luke

Gene,

Thanks for the quick reply. I have a digital Ohmmeter and took the freezer section apart this evening to melt the ice again. (trying to save our food) I did a little research and was able to test the heating element and defrost thermostat. The heating element appears to be ok, as I was able to get a current to go through the element. In checking the defrost thermostat, I wasnt able to check it cold, although I tried. I put it in a container of ice, but I doubt it got cold enough. I was able to get current through the thermostat when it was warm, as well as in the glass of ice.

I would presume that the defrost thermostat is ok since current passes through and its in line with the heating element.

Any other testing suggestions or instructions would be greatly appriciated. There was ice build up around the heating element so its possible its not coming on at all. Also the compressor seems to run all the time, or at least whenever I check it. This may be due to the fridge being a little on the warm side.

Luke