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Thread: Fridge runs continuously, cool not cold, frost on freezer panel

  1. #1

    Fridge runs continuously, cool not cold, frost on freezer panel

    Model Number: GSS20IETAWW
    Brand: GE
    Age: 6-10 years

    I have a GE refrig model GSS20IETAWW. Runs continuosly, freezer and refrig only get cool, not cold. Has frost on back panel of freezer. Not sure of the age, it was here when I moved here about 3 1/2 years ago. Hoping someone could suggest a part.
    Thanks,
    Tom

  2. #2
    Doc
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Posts
    709
    I cannot suggest a part as you have to do more investigation.
    Remove the cover panel at the back of the freezer so you can inspect the evaporator coils.

    If they are heavily frosted over then odds are that you have a defrost problem.
    If there is just frost in one area (usually where the freon enters the coils) or blotchy then you have a sealed system problem.

    Also check that the evaporator (freezer) fan is running. You will probably have to hold the freezer door switch closed to do this,

  3. #3
    denman - thanks so much for your help! I got the panel off inside the freezer and saw that the evaporator coils were caked with frost/ice all over. I unplugged the refrig and let frost/ice melt completely. With the help of youtube I identified some parts: temperature sensor, defrost thermostat and defrost heater. This morning, after all the frost/ice was melted I started the refrig again. It sounded normal and the fan I think was operating ok. After about 15 minutes I looked in the freezer and the evaporator coils were frosting up and touching the defrost heater I didn't feel any warmth. After about 4 hours the evaporator coils were very frosted and I still didn't feel any heat from the defrost heater. Freezer was then about 22 degrees and the regular refrig area was about 40 degrees.
    Does the defrost heater know when to go on or does it rely on the defrost thermostat or temperature sensor to tell it what to do?
    I'm not sure what to do next?

  4. #4
    Doc
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Posts
    709
    Below is a link to a service manual
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzI...xRN3VZWkE/view

    Yes the unit knows when to defrost see the following.
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzI...YzR2tTTkU/view
    I could not find how to force a defrost.

    The defrost heater should be about 20 ohms. This is the most common cause of no defrost so check it with a meter.
    The defrost thermostat should be 0 ohms when frozen.
    The evaporator thermistor values are given in the manual.

    Note: If you Google "defrost problem GE GSS fridge" there are a couple useful videos available.

  5. #5
    Thank you denman!!

  6. #6
    Doc
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Posts
    709
    You are welcome.

    I hope it turns out OK for you!!!

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