The freezer on the Ge. side by side refrigerator is not defrosting I have already replaced the thermostat and have checked the defroster, it is good. I know my only other option is to replace or repair the mother board. I would rather not replace it there are quite expensive. I need someone that can tell me what component on the mother board i need to replace. Thanks Bill

On your model I would go straight to the defrost heater and defrost thermostat and check them first after defrosting the evaporator first with a hair drier. Both parts need to be replaced=> WR51X10055 Defrost Heater Assembly and the=> WR50X10068 Defrost Thermostat APPLIANCE 911

Hello,

Since the heater has continuity it is good and does not need to be replaced, the other parts that can make a ref. not defrost are the defrost thermostat or the defrost control (mother) board.

To check the defrost thermostat it must be checked when cold,when cold it should have continuity on it. The defrost thermostat is in the freezer clipped to the TOP of the evaperator coil usually on the right side...this is what it looks like

If the defrost thermostat has no continuity when cold it is bad and thusly the problem...if it is good and has continuity and already having determined the defrost heater is good..the problem is going to be the motherboard since a part of it is the defrost control.it is the back of the ref.on the left.

The part numbers are

DEFROST THERMOSTAT...... WR50X10068

MOTHER BOARD..... WR55X10942

Your defrost system is at fault.
With this brand it is most likely the defrost thermostat and defrost heater located behind the back freezer panel.
Remove the shelves and bin,then remove the freezer panel. Defrost the ice manually.
Replace the thermostat and heater assembly.

How to check everything
http://www.acmehowto.com/howto/appliance/refrigerator/refrigerator.php
If the evaporator coils behind the back panel of the freezer are icing up because of auto defrost failure that will stop the circulation of cold air

check defrost timer, defrost heater, defrost thermostat. In most newer models the timer has been replaced by an electronic control board. If the heater and thermostat are ok it’ll be the control.

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. 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 the evaporator coils behind the back panel of the freezer are icing up because of auto defrost failure that will stop the circulation of cold air and eventually affect the freezer too.

check defrost timer, defrost heater, defrost thermostat. In most newer models the timer has been replaced by an electronic control board. If the heater and thermostat are ok it’ll be the control.

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. If it doesn't, check the heater and defrost thermostat. Turn the timer again till everything starts back up to end the defrost cycle.

Possible defrost problem. If the evaporator coils behind the back panel of the freezer are icing up because of auto defrost failure that will stop the circulation of cold air.Since you've already replaced the motherboard Checkdefrost heater, defrost thermostat
How to check everything
http://www.acmehowto.com/howto/appliance/refrigerator/refrigerator.php

How to check everything
http://www.acmehowto.com/howto/appliance/refrigerator/refrigerator.php
If the evaporator coils behind the back panel of the freezer are icing up because of auto defrost failure that will stop the circulation of cold air and eventually affect the freezer too.

check defrost timer, defrost heater, defrost thermostat. In most newer models the timer has been replaced by an electronic control board. If the heater and thermostat are ok it’ll be the control

if u have frost build up in the freezer it will affect the temperature
and it needs to defrost
problems could be
defrost timer.
thermostat.
terminator.
heater s.
unit problems (unlikely) if even frost coating.

Replace the defrost heater and defrost thermostat located behind the freezer panel inside the freezer compartment.

this is a problem that is no stranger to most GE side by sides; GE has used a glass type defrost heater in the freezer which often fails. If you manually defrost your appliance (unplug and leave doors open for 24 hrs) then plug back in, it will appear to work normally for a few days and gradually build up frost on the evap panel (back panel in the freezer) and eventually the refrigerator side will seem to loose cooling due to frosted damper, or lack of cold air transfer over the evap coil. The fix for this is to replace the defrost heaters (s). While not as common, defrost thermostats can open causing the unit to skip defrost, and even less likely is the defrost control (either mechanical timer or adaptive defrost). First, defrost your appliance, then remove the evap panel and ohm out the heater(s), if open, replace. If they check ok, check your defrost thermostat (small disc like object attached by a clip on the evap. coil itself) for signs of popping open or open ohm readings at normally closed temperatures. Its a good idea to change this anyway when replacing defrost heaters as the two work hand in hand. Last, check the defrost timer by manually advancing the screw advance clockwise until you hear the first click, then check voltage to the defrost heater and thermostat, if no voltage present replace timer. If your appliance is equipped with a adaptive defrost board, refer to the schematic for proper diagnostics.