Can't locate defrost timer - GE GSS25LGM Side by Side Refrigerator

The defrost timer is usually located in the top of the refrigerator compartment or in some older models its located in the base of the unit. Normally you will see a small 3/8" hole in front of the timer that is used to move the defrost timer manually with a regular (flat type) screwdriver.

If your model you listed is a TFX27PRBWW it will have a defrost timer located in the fresh food compartment and behind the controls. It's location is 257 in this photo HERE I would like you to turn the timer clockwise slowly until youi hear the compressor and fans stop. This should put the refrigerator into defrost if the defrost heater is still working. Did you hear any crackling or sizzle when place into defrost this way? Wait up to 35 minutes for the timer to come out of defrost and it should restart the refrigerator compressor and fans. If it does not come on automatically then simply turn the timer slowly clockwise again until they do restart. If you need to turn timer again to start refrigerator you will need to replace the timer=> WR9X489 Defrost Timer

If the defrost timer is not the problem then we move to the freezer side, remove the rear panel of freezer and defrost the frost covering the evaporator as in this photo HERE The model TFX27PRBWW takes a=> WR51X10055 Defrost Heater Assembly

and the defrost thermostat=> WR50X122 Defrost Thermostat

The defrost heater is location 230 and the defrost thermostat is location 24 in this photo HERE Instructions in testing these parts are located on the parts pages I listed above. Please let me know if the model number is different than the one above your post so I may help you better, Thanks Sea Breeze

First, locate the defrost timer which may hidden behindcorners of the fridge at the back bottom, in some models located in the ceilingof the fresh food section or behind the cold control cover. Once you locate thedefrost timer, slowly turn the screw in the middle of the defrost timer withstraight screwdriver until the fridge shuts off. Now it's in defrost. If thedefrost heater(s) starts, replace the defrost timer and defrost thermostat. Ifthe heater(s) does not start, unplug wire cord to check ohm test for continuityof heater. If continuity is there, plug cord wire which gives power 120volts(check specification) to heater. If heater no starts, bypass defrost thermostatby join the 2 wires in the defrost thermostat. If the heater now comes on, replacethe defrost timer and defrost thermostat. If the heater itself is bad, replaceit. Thanks and hope helpful.

It's common problem. You have to check Defrost timer, thermostat and defrost heater. Any one malfunction, you will get over frosting. How to check?
First, locate the defrost timer which may hidden behindcorners of the fridge at the back bottom, in some models located in the ceilingof the fresh food section or behind the cold control cover. Once you locate thedefrost timer, slowly turn the screw in the middle of the defrost timer withstraight screwdriver until the fridge shuts off. Now it's in defrost. If thedefrost heater(s) starts, replace the defrost timer and defrost thermostat. Ifthe heater(s) does not start, unplug wire cord to check ohm test for continuityof heater. If continuity is there, plug cord wire which gives power 120volts(check specification) to heater. If heater no starts, bypass defrost thermostatby join the 2 wires in the defrost thermostat. If the heater now comes on,replace the defrost timer and defrost thermostat. If the heater itself is bad,replace it. Thanks and hope helpful.

First, locate the defrost timer which may hidden behindcorners of the fridge at the back bottom, in some models located in the ceilingof the fresh food section or behind the cold control cover. Once you locate thedefrost timer, slowly turn the screw in the middle of the defrost timer withstraight screwdriver until the fridge shuts off. Now it's in defrost. If thedefrost heater(s) starts, replace the defrost timer and defrost thermostat. Ifthe heater(s) does not start, unplug wire cord to check ohm test for continuityof heater. If continuity is there, plug cord wire which gives power 120volts(check specification) to heater. If heater no starts, bypass defrost thermostatby join the 2 wires in the defrost thermostat. If the heater now comes on,replace the defrost timer and defrost thermostat. If the heater itself is bad,replace it. Thanks and hope helpful.

If you have a defrost timer you can test it. It can be located under the fridge behind the kick panel on the front. Some are in the fridge with the controls at the top. You can turn the defrost timer till it clicks and everything shuts down. The heater should now come on. If it does, replace the timer because that means the timer is not running. If it doesn't, check the heater and defrost thermostat. Turn the timer again till everything starts back up to end the defrost cycle.

If you have an adaptive defrost control instead of a timer, replace it if the heater and thermostat test good. It is located in the fridge with the controls in some models and on the back in others.
You can post your model number into one of several appliance parts sites on the internet and search for defrost components to find your parts.

Repair the defrost system, defrost timer,defrost thermostat and defrost heater.

you might have a defrost problem. Frost free models have a heating element that is controlled by a timer to automatically defrost ice, defrost timer turns on defrost heating element every 12 hours to melt ice in freezer and allow good air flow.
You can test defrost element with an ohm meter(located inside freezer coils-will have two wires going to a plug connection), if OK replace defrost timer (located in various places depending on make and model

Hi

The defrost timer is sometimes found behind the front grill of the refrigerator. It may also be found behind a cover plate inside the refrigerator or freezer, in the temperature control console, or behind the refrigerator near the compressor.
The timer is usually held in place with one or more screws. Remove the screws and gently pull the timer out far enough to disconnect the wiring connector.
Locate the timer switch and turn it clockwise until you hear it click. One click and the refrigerator shuts off = defrost mode, second click the compressor and fans come back on = run/cooling mode.
*Some defrost timers are a constant or continuous run timer, which means when ever the refrigerator is plugged in the defrost timer is powered up and running. Some defrost timers are an accumulative run timer, which means when the refrigerator is off the defrost timer is off and not running, when the refrigerator is running the defrost timer is running. This is also sometimes called a demand defrost. The power for the defrost timer goes through the cold control first on an accumulative defrost system. The timers are often the same but will be wired differently to get the different operations.

Please do rate the solution as FixYa and revert for further assistance.

Thanks
Rylee

http://www.us1internet.com/FRS24XGCW2_141846.htm

The above URL will take you to an exploded view of the controls. Look at number 23 which will be located behind toe plate below door on the left side. That is the defrost timer. Rotate the clutch head screw Clockwise SLOWLY until you hear a loud click. That is the defrost timer starting the defrost. If the unit restarts after 18-22 minutes and defrost does not take place you problem is most likely the defrost thermostat.