GE GSL22JFPC side by side fridge...ref side warm(suddenly) and freezer starting to defrost. I pulled the fridge from wall cleaned what i could...is this fridge shot?

The wall separating the fridge and freezer section has tubing off the compressor called a mullion heater/ discharge tube heater. It is there to keep that strip slightly warm and prevent sweating during humid times. If it gets overly warm/hot to the touch then either it is due for a cleaning or the condenser fan has stopped. The defrost circuit is not the problem! After pulling the fridge out, remove the back panel and you will see a round condenser on the right hand side. The fan motor is mounted on the side of it. Clean as necessary and make sure the fan is running. Unplug during cleaning and protect your floor before pulling it out

First I would check cold control. Thats where you turn it off, if your temp is not warm. it seems
to be defective and not shutting off. If your temp is warm proceed with the following.
I would check the fan in the freezer. Listen to see if it is running
It moves air to the ref from the freezer
Then check to see if freezer control is turned WARMER, which makes the Ref. colder
Also this might be a common Defrost problem, Ice
is not being melted by the defrost system.The fan can't blow through the coils into the fridge.
Take out back panel of freezer to check for ice buildup. The coils should be clean.
There are three components to a defrost system- a heater,heater thermostat, and a timer unless you have a defrost electronic card.
Its best handled by a Technician but you could possibly do it by taking your model number to the nearest appliance parts store and asking for the parts. They are mostly located in freezer ,behind back panel on freezer coils.except the card which is usually located in ref The parts store will have info
Also check fan undernearh Ref in the rear
Clean condenser coils underneath
Check cold control (thats where you turn it colder)
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Leo Ponder
imufo2
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First I would check cold control. Thats where you turn it off, if your temp is not warm. it can
be defective and not shutting off. If your temp is warm proceed with the following.
I would check the fan in the freezer. Listen to see if it is running
It moves air to the ref from the freezer
Then check to see if freezer control is turned WARMER, which makes the Ref. colder
Also this might be a common Defrost problem, Ice
is not being melted by the defrost system.The fan can't blow through the coils into the fridge.
Take out back panel of freezer to check for ice buildup. The coils should be clean.
There are three components to a defrost system- a heater,heater thermostat, and a timer unless you have a defrost electronic card.
Its best handled by a Technician but you could possibly do it by taking your model number to the nearest appliance parts store and asking for the parts. They are mostly located in freezer ,behind back panel on freezer coils.except the card which is usually located in ref The parts store will have info
Also check fan undernearh Ref in the rear
Clean condenser coils underneath
Check cold control (thats where you turn it colder)
.I'm including my article on Refrigerator Repair for your help and convenience.;
Please click or copy and paste into browser for Article
http://www.fixya.com/support/r5816737-fix_refrigerator_psychologically
Thanks for using fixya
Leo Ponder
imufo2
Please VOTE FOR ME If this was helpful

Sounds like it could possibly be a defrost system problem. I would look for ice build up on the back wall of the freezer this is the major indicator. Usually with a defrost system problem the fresh food side is affected first then the freezer. I would also pull it out and make sure the compressor is running. If its not then I would look towards the main control board located on the back of the ref. Good luck _MJ_

Make sure that the light in the ref side is not staying on when the door is closed. Could have a bad door switch. Probably have a defrost problem in the freezer. Check to see if there is a lot of frost build up on the inside/back of the freezer. If there is then you have a bad heater or defrost thermostat or a bad timer. Also another possibility is make sure the freezer fan is working. If there is no circulation of air then the fresh food side will get warm. Then replace evaporator fan motor.

HI,

if the compressor is running your ref. should be getting cold. Their is a defrost timer but when it is in defrost the compressor shuts off. I think you do have a leak.

any further question let me know.

thanks,

hello.

Defrost the freezer

Clean the condensor coils

Check the door seals

Test the door switch

If you recently adjusted the temperature control, loaded the refrigerator or are in a humid location, it is not uncommon for a refrigerator to run for 24 hours or more before getting cool.

"Fuzzy Ice on the back wall" yep, this sounds like a defrost system problem. You say you cleaned this fuzzy ice but, the real ice is behind that wall. I would get it fixed but call several service people and get a price. My guess is that once the defrost system is working then the Ice maker will work. If the freezer is not getting cold enough then the Ice maker won't work.

Now, the drain can cause a problem too but this is an easy fix. Pull out the bottom drawer in the freezer, look in the back under the cooling coils and you should see the drain hole. Keep this area clear of Ice and any thing else. Some tubing with a little air pressure will usually clear any blockage. A little hot water down that drain won't hurt. The water should drain to the a plastic pan under the Ref. Take the front grate off at the bottom of the Ref, look in the pan to make sure it went through.

This should be checked often, once a month or so.

Defrost heater is open behind back wall. order new heater #wr55x10101 remove 4 screws 2 bottom, 2 top behind light shield, defrost freezer so ice is off of evap, replace heater with new one.

you have a defrost problem, if SxS ref. most likely bad defrost heaters. They are behind interior back wall. Sounds like you have a GE.