30year old side by side ge frost free fridge just stopped working. any suggestion to try?

The problem you describe is that your defrost circuit has failed. The fridge should stop the compressor periodically and turn on the defrost heater to melt the frost buildup. Since the frost in building up on your coils, the fan can't blow the cold air into the fridge compartment. It defrost is controlled by a module that turns on the heater. Most of these failures have to do with the defrost heating element burning out. It can be replaced by someone who has some mechanical ability.

The coil and heater is located in the back of the freezer compartment behind the panel in the back. You can obtain parts from appliance repair outlet or online like appliancepartspros.com or repairclinic.com.

Good day,
The cause of your problem is the auto defrost system isn't working, or working properly.
If it's new, under one year old, it would be covered by warranty. Just call your dealer or GE factory service if it's available in your area. The repairs will be free.

It sounds like the main control board is bad , IF , there is no frost on the inside rear freezer wall . The old board ( yours ) is under a factory recall . I would suggest calling GE factory service , to have this replaced under warrenty .
http://www.scribd.com/doc/13371507/Ge-Motherboard-Concession-Letter
The new board part number is WR55X10656 .
If there is a frost build up , then that would be a defrost problem , with a different solution . Please reply back , if that is the case .

Probably the condenser fan motor is going out they will often make noise for a long time before anyone notices. Get it looked at soon. overheating the compressor on that old of a fridge could spell trouble.

do you have any frost on the wall of the freezer? and do you still have your old control board? if yes check in the back of the board if there are any burned connections black connections, and feel free to put your nose on it and smell for a burning smell i dont know how much will it smell now but that is the easiest way to check the board ge side by side fridges have the control board problem which you replaced and the defrost heater if you have a lot frost on the back freezer wall you need a new dual defrost heater if you dont check the new board you put in for burning  if thats ok too check your compressor if its really really hot if it is try cooling it down with some paper towels and cold water put about 5 so so wet towels on top of compressor and 5 on bottom and use a couple to wipe down the middle of the compressor
if you got any questoins feel free to ask  good luck

1. Checking/changing a common light switch
   
2. Common frost free fridge parts learn "what" is called "what" before starting your repair
   
3. Compressor won't run or it is "clicking' on and off
   
4. Cleaning the condenser coils
   
5. Can my fridge be moved on it's side?
   
6. Defrost drain freezes and then overflows
   
7. Freezer door pops open when I shut the fresh food door
   
8. GE Arctica repair tips...frost free trouble, freezing food, ect 
9. How refrigerators work
   
10. How a common defrost cycle works
    
11. How to change a common condenser fan motor
    
12. How to reverse the refrigerator doors on your refrigerator
    
13. Help for storing an appliance
    
14. How to change a common Whirlpool evaporator fan motor
    
15. How to install or remove common shelf supports
    
16. How long can I store food in my frost free refrigerator freezer and how?
    
17. I heard a sizzling noise inside my freezer section and it looked like something on fire when I opened the freezer door. What should I do?
    
18. I feel heat or warmth around my refrigerator doors...help!
    
19. Important Disclaimer
    
20. My fridge is running but not cold enough  - with Frost free repair information as well
    
21. My refrigerator is leaking water inside the fridge
    
22. My fridge is leaking onto the floor
    
23. My fridge is freezing things
    
24. My fridge makes a bang noise when it shuts off
    
25. My Frost free fridge will not run at all
    
26. My fridge is making   screeching/squeak noises
    
27. My GE SxS fridge door has dropped and/or won't open or close properly
    
28. My water dispenser has white flecks in the water...what's up?
    
29. Mending a crack in the refrigerator liner
    
30. New adaptive defrost information
    
31. Ohm meter testing a start capacitor
    
32. Odor complaints with your fridge
    
33. Replace a door gasket on a refrigerator
    
34. Sample wiring diagrams
    
35. Stainless Steel Cleaning
    
36. Some help for an Amana refrigerator fan motor that will not run
    
37. Will my freezer or refrigerator work ok in my garage?
    
38. Whirlpool built refrigerator defrost timer installation help
    
39. Water line "Y" hose for icemaker broken helps
    

1. Checking/changing a common light switch
   
2. Common frost free fridge parts learn "what" is called "what" before starting your repair
   
3. Compressor won't run or it is "clicking' on and off
   
4. Cleaning the condenser coils
   
5. Can my fridge be moved on it's side?
   
6. Defrost drain freezes and then overflows
   
7. Freezer door pops open when I shut the fresh food door
   
8. GE Arctica repair tips...frost free trouble, freezing food, ect 
9. How refrigerators work
   
10. How a common defrost cycle works
    
11. How to change a common condenser fan motor
    
12. How to reverse the refrigerator doors on your refrigerator
    
13. Help for storing an appliance
    
14. How to change a common Whirlpool evaporator fan motor
    
15. How to install or remove common shelf supports
    
16. How long can I store food in my frost free refrigerator freezer and how?
    
17. I heard a sizzling noise inside my freezer section and it looked like something on fire when I opened the freezer door. What should I do?
    
18. I feel heat or warmth around my refrigerator doors...help!
    
19. Important Disclaimer
    
20. My fridge is running but not cold enough  - with Frost free repair information as well
    
21. My refrigerator is leaking water inside the fridge
    
22. My fridge is leaking onto the floor
    
23. My fridge is freezing things
    
24. My fridge makes a bang noise when it shuts off
    
25. My Frost free fridge will not run at all
    
26. My fridge is making   screeching/squeak noises
    
27. My GE SxS fridge door has dropped and/or won't open or close properly
    
28. My water dispenser has white flecks in the water...what's up?
    
29. Mending a crack in the refrigerator liner
    
30. New adaptive defrost information
    
31. Ohm meter testing a start capacitor
    
32. Odor complaints with your fridge
    
33. Replace a door gasket on a refrigerator
    
34. Sample wiring diagrams
    
35. Stainless Steel Cleaning
    
36. Some help for an Amana refrigerator fan motor that will not run
    
37. Will my freezer or refrigerator work ok in my garage?
    
38. Whirlpool built refrigerator defrost timer installation help
    
39. Water line "Y" hose for icemaker broken helps
    
    

Although this machine is supposed to be frost-free (i.e. automatic defrost), there was a build up of frost. We manually defrosted the machine, then restarted it - the noise has stopped and the freezer and fridge are now working. However, this may be a temporary solution.

Most common problem on GE's is the defrost heater(s) has gone bad. They are a glass tube and when they go bad the tube will have a burnt or black color to it. A good heater will be clear. I bet that is your problem. Seems to be the problem about 90% of the time on GE not defrosting.

I am experiencing the same problem with my GE fridge. We have already tried the Turbo Cool, but nothing seems to help.
Thanks
Carol