The defrost heater is located behind the evaporator which is located behind an access panel to the rear of the freezer.
Where is the defrost heater?
Defrost heaters are commonly located beneath a refrigerator’s evaporator coils. You will have to remove any objects that are in your way such as the contents of the freezer, freezer shelves, icemaker parts, and the inside rear, back, or bottom panel.
How do you force a GE refrigerator to defrost?
To force a GE refrigerator in this category into defrost mode, do the following: Open the refrigerator. Push the refrigerator light switch on five times rapidly. Remove foods from the freezer and place them in a cooler while your freezer defrosts.
How long is defrost cycle on GE refrigerator?
The automatic defrost cycle generally runs every 8 to 10 hours and it lasts for approximately 25 minutes. The defrost cycle may last longer on some models. The defrost water drains down into the drain pan located underneath the refrigerator and the heat created by the compressor evaporates the water.
Do all refrigerators have a defrost heater?
Heaters will be fastened to the bottom of the cooling coils in the freezer section. High-end refrigerators with cooling coils in the refrigerator section will have a second defrost heater. Most refrigerators have one heater. The heat from the heater will melt the frost and ice on the cooling coil.
What happens when a defrost thermostat goes bad?
Defrost Thermostat Specifications. A faulty defrost termination thermostat may result in the defrost heater never heating and a solid frost buildup on the evaporator coil, which results in too warm temperatures. The thermostat contacts are normally closed and have continuity until it reaches 140 degrees.
Where is the defrost drain on a GE side-by-side refrigerator?
Some side-by-side models have the defrost drain hole located on the back wall of the freezer, just up from where the floor slopes up to the back, in the center. In some models it is behind a plastic panel held in place by a screw. Remove screw and panel, and the drain hole will be visible.
How much does it cost to replace a defrost heater?
While DIY replacement is possible, calling in an HVAC technician is your best bet with complex jobs like your defrost board replacement. Combining part costs and labor costs, you can expect to pay around $300 to $450 for a defrost board replacement.
What causes a GE refrigerator to stop cooling?
Check the condenser coils to determine if they are dirty—if the condenser coils are dirty, clean them. The condenser fan motor draws air though the condenser coils and over the compressor. If the condenser fan motor is not working properly, the refrigerator won’t cool properly.
How long does it take for refrigerator coils to defrost?
This heater melts frost off of the evaporator coils and then turns off. During defrost there will be no running sounds, no fan noise and no compressor noise. Most models will defrost for approximately 25 to 45 minutes, usually once or twice a day. You may hear water dripping or sizzling as it hits the heater.
What causes a refrigerator to not defrost?
If the defrost sensor fails to shut off the defrost heater, the fuse will blow in order to shut off the defrost heater. If the defrost sensor fuse blows, the defrost system will not work, and the refrigerator will not defrost. If either the defrost sensor or fuse does not have continuity, replace the defrost sensor.
Do GE refrigerators have a reset button?
General Electric (GE) refrigerators do not have a dedicated reset button, but in the event of a technical issue, you can reset your refrigerator.
What is the defrost cycle of a refrigerator?
A defrost cycle runs when the heating component attached to the evaporator coil is activated. During the defrost, the coil runs hot to melt accumulated frost and ice, which allows the evaporator to resume its optimal heat absorption and freezer cabinet cooling functions.
Do you need to defrost your refrigerator?
A general rule of hoof is if your move is more than a 30-minute drive away, go ahead and defrost the fridge. It’s not difficult to do, and it will be one less thing to worry about on moving day. The good news is many modern refrigerators have automatic defrost controls so there shouldn’t be much (if any) ice build up.
What does a refrigerator defrost heater do?
The defrost heaters are used to melt accumulated frost off the evaporator coil surfaces, and warm the drain pan to allow the defrost condensate to exit down the drain line without refreezing in the pan. A defrost termination control may be used to end the defrost period based on temperature.
How do I get my refrigerator out of defrost mode?
You can manually turn the knob usually in a clockwise direction but it will only turn one way. When you hear a loud click it will be out of defrost and back in the normal cooling mode. Plug the refrigerator back in now and it should start running.
What is the resistance of a defrost heater?
Appliance Tech – Admin Ohming the defrost heater and the defrost thermostat is the best way to test these parts. (with power off-refrigerator unplugged) the resistance of the element – it should measure. under 100 ohms (31 ohms typical).
Can you bypass defrost thermostat?
ABSOLUTELY NOT! No way, DO NOT bypass this thermostat! Doing this is an EXTREME fire hazard! If, for some reason, the timer hung up in defrost, you would have a heater that could potentially remain on to the point of meltdown and fire!.
Can you repair a defrost heater?
Often this is caused by a broken defrost heater, the component set to regulate the temperature of the fridge in order to keep food cold. All refrigerators will have a defrost heater. If your appliance is not working, it is not necessary to get a new refrigerator but rather to fix or replace the broken defrost heater.
How do you know if your fridge thermostat is broken?
Here are some signs that your fridge has a faulty thermostat and some troubleshooting tips to help you deal with them. The Refrigerator Is Not Cool Enough. Unusually Cold Refrigerator. Refrigerator Temperature Fluctuation. Sub-Zero Refrigerator Temperature Troubleshooting Tips. Contact Wilshire Refrigeration.