Refrigerators Logo
Posted on Dec 18, 2009
Answered by a Fixya Expert

Trustworthy Expert Solutions

At Fixya.com, our trusted experts are meticulously vetted and possess extensive experience in their respective fields. Backed by a community of knowledgeable professionals, our platform ensures that the solutions provided are thoroughly researched and validated.

View Our Top Experts

Ge frig tfx20jrbkwh is freezing up . defrost htr is burnt . does this unit have a def timer ? where and how do i test it ?? also the wiring going to the htr has a round thing clamped to coil should this be checked or replaced ??

1 Answer

Anonymous

Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

President:

An expert whose answer got voted for 500 times.

  • Master 1,218 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 18, 2009
Anonymous
Master
Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

President:

An expert whose answer got voted for 500 times.

Joined: Oct 10, 2009
Answers
1218
Questions
2
Helped
277286
Points
3870

Good day,
The timer is located behind the plastic light guard in the fresh food compartment. Remove thermostat knob, then unclip the guard.
The timer is behind the guard and is behind the metal panel.
It has a small hole where you can insert a small screw driver to advance it.
It will only turn clockwise. With the machine running, turn it clockwise until the machine shuts off. With the machine still turned on wait a minimum of 35 minutes. If the machine comes back on on it's own, then the timer is O.K.
If not, then the timer must be replaced. Remove the screws holding the the panel on. Remove the screws holding the timer, and remove the electrical plug.
P.S. This timer rarely fails.
To replace the heater, I strongly recommend you use the new kit that has 2 not one heater. The round thing your describing is the defrost thermostat. Always replace it if installing new heaters.

The parts are available at any appliance parts house that carries GE parts. Take your complete model number and request the parts I described. This is a common problem, and any good counterman will know what you need.

Patience is your friend here. Those quartz glass radiant heaters are easily broken if handled roughly.
Thanks for using FixYa.

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

0helpful
2answers

Refrigerator GE Model GSS23QTAWW. Freezer temp at 0 deg F frig temp at 35 deg after remove frost from back of freezer. After a day frost builds up in freezer & temp increases. Suggestions.

Before replacing any part make a thorough check of the heater, freeze sensor, and the defrost timer coil or contacts. If contactsopen and closes when you rotate the timer manually, contacts are okey. If the coil have no resistance, it is defective. Replace the timer by unscrewing the two metal screws holding the timer. Make sure to install the terminal lug clips to the correct location and rescrew the new defrost timer. For heater, remove the terminal clips and remove the clamps holding the heater. Install the new heater and fix the desired clamps then connect the terminal lug clips. Freeze sensor should close contact when frozen. If the sensor does not contact when frozen replace the freeze sensor.
0helpful
1answer

The engine is still running, but the frig is warm a friend turned the timer and the freezer is freezing now, but the frig is still warm. Do I need a new timer?

Hi,

Check out these tips...they can help you figure out whats going wrong with your refrigerator and why it is not cooling

Refrigerator not Cooling or Fridge not Cooling

How to Defrost Refrigerator Defrost Timer Problem

Water Running in refrigerator from Freezer

heatman101

2helpful
2answers

Freezer coils freeze up then frig warms

this is more than likely a defrost sensor or timer that is not allowing the fridge to go into a defrost mode.you could also have a problem with the thermastat the allows the fridge to run for longer periods of time.
0helpful
2answers

Frig Freezing Up/Frig side warming up Maytag MSD2454GRW

I think your voltage is fine I just believe the defrost timer is worn out and not cycling properly resulting in less defrost and higher refrigerator temperatures. Thanks, sea Breeze
0helpful
1answer

Ge frig does not freeze on freezer side

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.
0helpful
1answer

Frig freezes the food and then thaws it out and then refreezes again

If freezer is icing up, 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
0helpful
1answer

How do I force a defrost on a ge sxs gss20iepcww It is not a touch pad control ref. It has 2 knobs

on all ge electronic models produced since 2000 the main power lead to the main board can be jumped to test either defrost or compressor operation.to do this unplug the unit and locate the 3 wire plug (usually blue in color) .unplug the harness from the board and create a jumper wire to by pass the board.the terminals on the board will be identified as line,compressor and heater.to put unit in defrost install jumper between line and htr or def .this will ck the defrost sys.once unit is plugged in with jumper in place the heater will come on.if the heater does not come on look for a defective heater or defrost t/stat.hope this helps.
0helpful
1answer

Kenmore side by side frig not cooling in frig comparment and

Something has failed in the defrost circuit-

Defrost thermostat
Defrost heater
Defrost timer

Reply back if you know how to diagnose electrical circuits, and I'll help you further.
0helpful
2answers

Upright freezer

Three things could be the problem. Most likely would be the defrost thermostat which clips onto the evaporator behind the panel in the freezer. 2nd would be the timer or control board (will have one or the other). 3rd would be a bad defrost heater. Alot of times the def. therm. will show obvious sign of being bad by the cap on top popped open. You can check resistance on the heater. Any resistance at all on the heater means it is good. If it has a standard timer turn it clockwise until it clicks. This is putting it into defrost. If the heater comes on the timer is bad. If it has a control board you would unplug the unit then unplug the power supply to the board and jump line 1 to the wire going to the heater. While unplugged from the board and jumped, plug the freezer back in. If the heater comes on then the board is bad. If you are not sure how to test replace the def. thermostat, which is the cheapest part and see what happens. Note: When conducting the test for the timer or board the def. therm. must be freezing so don't defrost first! Hope this helps.
Oct 06, 2007 • Freezers
Not finding what you are looking for?

216 views

Ask a Question

Usually answered in minutes!

Top Refrigerators Experts

vince

Level 3 Expert

2530 Answers

Cindy Wells

Level 3 Expert

6688 Answers

Johnny 1000

Level 2 Expert

94 Answers

Are you a Refrigerator Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

Loading...