How do I know if it is the defrost heater or Thermometer ?

[Todd R]

Model Number: PFSS6PKWASS
Brand: GE
Age: 1-5 years

Profile French Door Fridge...
Was experiencing a lot of fan noise would stop when door was opened.
Stopped completely after couple of days...guessing the motor gave out.
removed back cover to find considerable icing... did not seem to be preventing evap fan movement tho.
wondering if the defrost heater needs replaced or if perhaps the defrost thermostat isn't working.
Diagnostic confirmed internal part failure... that's a little vague if that's the best I can get?

[nwhvacdr]

Ohmmeter the defrost heater, some contain thermal fuse in series with the defrost heater, Ohmmeter thermal fuse. if defrost thermostat appears damaged, replace it. This picture is the worst one I ever seen...

Fan noise may be due to blades hitting against ice build up, this could resulted in blocked air flow.

Noticed water poured out of the tray into the unit, condensate water should drain via drain hole going to the evaporator pan behind, the drainage appears clogged.

[Doc Ryan]

Wow that is really iced up! As nwhvacdr said, start by checking the defrost thermostat and heater. Some of these GE refrigerators were made by Samsung and they have a water leakage service kit that may also need to be replaced.

https://partsdr.com/blog/samsung-ref...e-service-kit/