[FIXED] GE Fridge/freezer not cooling - Intermittent problem

[jasper60103]

Model Number: GTH22SHSARSS
Brand: GE
Age: 6-10 years

Hello, Doc Ryan and all.
I just joined the forum and could use some help troubleshooting a problem.
I have a GE fridge/freezer Model #GTH22SHSARSS. Freezer on the top.
Bought it new 2004.

The problem is the fridge/freezer stopped cooling several times over the past couple months.
I cycle power (at the breaker) and it starts working again for a couple weeks.
On the last event, I pulled the fridge away from the wall and vacuumed/dusted off the condenser.

After turning power back on, the fridge/freezer started worked again, but only for about 3-4 days.
I cycled power (at breaker) again this afternoon, and once again it appears to be cooling at this moment.

I've read an old "FIXED" thread and determined I first need to check if the compressor is
running when it fails to cool. I do know for sure warm air was blowing in both freezer and fridge compartments.

I know this may be tough to troubleshoot being a intermittent problem, but I do appreciate your input and
patience. Is there anything else I should check when it fails again?

Thanks in advance.

jasper

[Doc Ryan]

Until it starts to act up on a more regular basis, it may be hard to diagnose. One thing that comes to mind is to check to see if the condenser fan motor is running. This is the fan behind the refrigerator near the compressor that dissipates the heat. When the compressor is running, this fan motor should also be running. Let me know what you find.

[jasper60103]

Thanks, Ryan.
I'll keep you posted.

jasper

[jasper60103]

Doc Ryan,
I received the new motherboard today. Thanks for the quick delivery service.
I pulled the old board and see the tell-tale sign of a bad motherboard. See burn marks under R53.

The new motherboard is installed and fridge/freezer is cooling now. Will update after a week.
Thanks again.

jasper

[Doc Ryan]

I am glad the new control board seems to be working. Sometimes when you see a burned resistor on the control board, it is because another part on the refrigerator is bad. Keep a close eye on the other components to make sure they are all working properly. A bad fan motor, ect can cause a resistor to burn up like that. I did some research, but I could not find what the R53 resistor is related to. Let me know how it works. I have updated the status of this thread to FIXED for the time being.

[jasper60103]

I learned on another site that J2 supplies power to the evaporator fan motor. Also, the resistor is R55, not R53. My bad.
I may just replace it to have peace of mind.
It doesn't look like you carry this part (WR60X10228)?

Thanks.

[Doc Ryan]

Yes we do carry that part, see the link below.

Evaporator Fan Motor - WR60X10228

[jasper60103]

Doc Ryan,
I replaced the evaporator fan motor, and the fridge/freezer is still working perfectly.
Thanks for your help.

jasper

[Doc Ryan]

Great! Hopefully it keeps working for a long time!

[jasper60103]

Update. Over 6 months now and still working great.

[Doc Ryan]

Update. Over 6 months now and still working great.

Good deal! It sounds like the problem is definitely fixed now.