I recently replaced the defrost heater element, something I have done in the past with this refrigerator. The heater element I was replacing was single element, but the replacment part I received was double element. I replaced the old element with a single element taken out of the double element unit, because it seemed to be exactly the same. Now a month later, the freezer has frosted up again. Should I have used the double element unit, or should I have had a different, single element replacement part? If I should have used the double heating element configuration, do you think I can take the single element that has been in the refrigerator for the last month, and put the original double element unit back together to use?
GE has redesigned the defrost heater and there are two heating elements instead of one, used previously, for better heating performance. Both elements must be installed during the repair.
If the heating element you already installed is a part of the new kit and it is not damaged yet, you can just add the second one. Both heating elements must be wired in series.
Make sure the defrost thermostat is good, otherwise it’s better to order the defrost heater assembly which included the defrost thermostat as well.
Here are the breakdown diagrams and Replacement parts for General Electric TFX22KPDAWW Refrigerator | AppliancePartsPros.com
Gene.
Thanks for the very useful information! How do I check to make sure the defrost thermostat is working?
Sorry for the delay.
The defrost thermostat can be checked for continuity while it’s really cold.
Gene.