When the defrost timer GE side by side refrigerator is not working, the refrigerator will not defrost itself. If you’re wondering how to fix it then this guide will help you.
What Is A GE Defrost Timer?
The GE defrost timer is a device that is used to turn the refrigerator’s compressor off and on to regulate the temperature inside the fridge. The timer is located at the back of the fridge, near the bottom. It has two wires that connect to the compressor. One wire is for power, and the other is for the ground.
The defrost timer is used to turn the compressor off and on to keep the fridge at a consistent temperature. It is important to note that the defrost timer should never be turned off completely. If it is, the fridge will not be able to maintain a consistent temperature and could end up damaging the food inside.
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Why Is My GE Refrigerator Not Defrosting?
Defrost Heater
Frost and ice may build up on the evaporator fins if the defrost heater isn’t turned on. Frost will turn to ice if the heater isn’t working, causing issues with ventilation. Defrost heater failure might also be indicated by a warmer freezer over time.
Located behind the evaporator, behind an access panel in the freezer’s back, is a defrosting heater. To learn how to get rid of it, just click on the provided link.
You may use a multimeter to check for continuity after you remove the heater.
Defrost Thermostat
Coil temperatures are monitored via the thermostat. The heater is notified to turn on when the thermostat detects a reduction in temperature. When the defrost process begins, all other refrigerator components, including the compressor, are shut off. As the heater starts to melt the ice in the evaporator, may hear a sizzle.
The heater will not function properly if the thermostat is defective.
A multimeter may be used to check the thermostat for continuity. That being said, this item must be tested at a temperature of 15° Fahrenheit or below.
Defrost Timer
A timer may be seen on certain models. Two or three times a day, the timer activates the heater for 25 minutes. In the case of a malfunctioning timer, the cycle will not be completed, and the heater may not have been started.
Slowly moving the timer to the defrost cycle is a good way to check its accuracy. It should be possible to switch off the compressor and turn on the heater if the timer is operating correctly.
You may need to replace your thermostat if the heater does not come on after 30 minutes of trying to turn it on, or if it doesn’t progress out of defrosting mode after 30 minutes.
Defrost Control Board
The defrost cycle is controlled by a control board on certain models. You don’t need to use a timer. Control boards may have their own set of issues, but defrost difficulties aren’t generally caused by a faulty control board. It’s time to check at the control board if all of the above tests came up positive.
Examine the board for burns, fractures, warps, or any other defects that could be present before using it. If you see any signs of deterioration, you should replace the board.
Freezer Door Gasket
Because this troubleshooter is the most straightforward, I should have put it first. Even if you do this test and discover that a new door gasket is required, you won’t be able to determine whether or not you’ve fixed your defrost issue until you’ve examined the components listed above.
Because of the increased requirement to keep the freezer at a frigid 0 degrees, the defrost heater will not function properly if the air is seeping from the compartment.
What Are The Causes Of A Faulty Defrost Timer?
There are a few different reasons as to why your defrost timer may not be working correctly. The most common reason is that the defrost timer itself is faulty and needs to be replaced. Other potential causes could include a power outage or surge that caused the timer to malfunction or a problem with the wiring between the timer and the fridge. If you’re not sure what the cause is, it’s best to call a professional to take a look.
How To Fix A Faulty Defrost Timer GE Side By Side Refrigerator?
The first thing you need to do is identify whether your GE side-by-side refrigerator has a defrost timer or not. If it does, then you will need to locate it. The defrost timer is usually located in the refrigerator’s control panel. Once you have located the defrost timer, you will need to test it.
If the defrost timer is not working properly, it will need to be replaced. To do this, you will need to follow the instructions in your owner’s manual. Once the new defrost timer is in place, you should test it to make sure it is working properly.
If your GE side-by-side refrigerator does not have a defrost timer, then you will need to troubleshoot the issue. One thing you can try is resetting the refrigerator. To do this, you will need to unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet and then plug it back in. This should reset the refrigerator and hopefully fix the problem.
Another thing you can try is checking the thermostat. The thermostat may be set too low and needs to be adjusted. To do this, you will need to consult your owner’s manual.
If neither of these solutions works, then you may need to call a technician. A technician will be able to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.
How To Maintain A Defrost Timer In Good Condition?
As the name suggests, a defrost timer is used to control the amount of time for which the compressor in your fridge-freezer combination is turned off. This ensures that the ice buildup on the evaporator coils is melted and removed. Depending on the model and make of your fridge-freezer, the defrost timer may be located inside the fridge, behind the kickplate, or even in the freezer compartment.
Since the defrost timer is an electrical component, it is subject to wear and tear. Therefore, it is important to carry out some basic maintenance from time to time, to keep it in good working condition. Here are a few tips on how you can do so:
1. Check the owner’s manual
The first step is to refer to the owner’s manual of your fridge-freezer. This will give you an idea about the location of the defrost timer and how to access it.
2. Clean the area around the timer
Once you know where the timer is located, you can clean the area around it with a soft cloth. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that might have accumulated over time.
3. Check the wiring
Another important step is to check the wiring of the defrost timer. Make sure that there are no loose connections and that all the wires are properly connected to the terminals.
4. Replace the timer
If you find that the defrost timer is not working properly, it is best to replace it with a new one. You can purchase a replacement timer from any major appliance store.
5. Follow the instructions carefully
When you are carrying out any maintenance on the defrost timer, make sure that you follow the instructions carefully. This will help to avoid any damage and will ensure that the timer works properly.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind when it comes to troubleshooting your defrost timer. These tips should help you get started on the right path and help you find the root of the problem quickly so that you can fix it and move on.
If you have followed all of these steps and you are still having trouble, then it is probably time to call in a professional. In most cases, they will be able to quickly diagnose the problem and get your fridge back up and running in no time. Thanks for reading!
