[Pikespeakbob]

The DE error light keeps blinking even after running the diagnostics, all others ok. The freezer and refrig seem to be working ok as they are keeping things frozen and cold, doesn't seem to be any ice build up in either side of unit.

[PS Staff - Sheila]

There is a problem in the defrost circuit or with the circuit sensor.

You will not see the frost build up if there is one unless you remove the panel that is on the inside of the freezer at the back.

Here is a link to the parts of your fridge model TFX24E.

For a more detailed breakdown of your fridge you will need the last part of your model number.

[Pikespeakbob]

Originally Posted by PS Staff - Sheila

There is a problem in the defrost circuit or with the circuit sensor.

You will not see the frost build up if there is one unless you remove the panel that is on the inside of the freezer at the back.

Here is a link to the parts of your fridge model TFX24E.

For a more detailed breakdown of your fridge you will need the last part of your model number.

The complete model is: TFX24ELB
There looks to be a removable panel behind the dianostic panel on the freezer side (inside of door). I was hoping that there might be a circuit board that contains any sensor that might be bad but it sounds like that might be in the back of the refrigerator/freezer unit.

[Pikespeakbob]

Originally Posted by PS Staff - Sheila

There is a problem in the defrost circuit or with the circuit sensor.

You will not see the frost build up if there is one unless you remove the panel that is on the inside of the freezer at the back.

Here is a link to the parts of your fridge model TFX24E.

For a more detailed breakdown of your fridge you will need the last part of your model number.

The complete model is: TFX24ELB
It looks like there may not be a lot of parts available for this 15-17 year-old unit. I could take a chance on ordering a sensor or circuit board if I knew which one would be the correct one.

[PS Staff - Sheila]

It looks like you that you are right a lot of the parts for your fridge are no longer available.

Have you checked inside the freezer behind the back panel to see if there is a frost build up on the coils?

The DE flashing is saying that the sensor has not sensed a defrost in the past 48 hours.

The defrost cycle is easy to check.

In the fridge control panel locate the defrost timer.

It is either a white or a black box with about four wires and a motor on it.

There is a knob that sticks out one side of it.

With the compressor running turn the knob until the compressor shuts off.

This will put the fridge in to the defrost cycle.

Look in the freezer section and see it you can hear the frost melting, it will be a sizzling sound.

You may even see the glow of the heater.

If all this happens your timer motor may have gotten stuck or has failed and will have to be replaced.

If the heater does not come on you may have a faulty defrost thermostat or heater.

You will need a meter to check these out.

The defrost thermostat can only be check when it is at operating temperature.

The sensor is locate in the door but it is no longer available.

If when you do this test and the fridge defrosts the DE should stop blinking.

If the fridge does defrost and the light does not stop blinking the sensor is bad.

Here is a link to the part of your fridge model TFX24ELB.

[Pikespeakbob]

Originally Posted by PS Staff - Sheila

It looks like you that you are right a lot of the parts for your fridge are no longer available.

Have you checked inside the freezer behind the back panel to see if there is a frost build up on the coils?

The DE flashing is saying that the sensor has not sensed a defrost in the past 48 hours.

The defrost cycle is easy to check.

In the fridge control panel locate the defrost timer.

It is either a white or a black box with about four wires and a motor on it.

There is a knob that sticks out one side of it.

With the compressor running turn the knob until the compressor shuts off.

This will put the fridge in to the defrost cycle.

Look in the freezer section and see it you can hear the frost melting, it will be a sizzling sound.

You may even see the glow of the heater.

If all this happens your timer motor may have gotten stuck or has failed and will have to be replaced.

If the heater does not come on you may have a faulty defrost thermostat or heater.

You will need a meter to check these out.

The defrost thermostat can only be check when it is at operating temperature.

The sensor is locate in the door but it is no longer available.

If when you do this test and the fridge defrosts the DE should stop blinking.

If the fridge does defrost and the light does not stop blinking the sensor is bad.

Here is a link to the part of your fridge model TFX24ELB.

Thanks for your info, I will try your suggestions in the future but right now the light is out and stays out even after running the diagnostic cycle. I had started to look at the back panel of the diagnostic unit that's inside the freezer door and had also moved some of the items around in the freezer compartment and then noticed that the light had gone out-go figure! I may have caused contact to reseat in the control panel when I attempted to take off the back of the diagnostic panel inside the freezer door but stopped when I couldn't decide or not if the back panel just pulled off or if there was something else that was holding it on. It looks like it just might be connected by some sort of plastic tabs and is just pushed on, kind of a force fit when pushed on and maybe just pulls off if removed carefully.