[johnshamblin]

My old side-by-side works great for a couple of weeks, then the ice maker stops, the fridge starts warming up, but the freezer is still working. If I defrost it, everything works fine again for a couple of weeks, then it starts the same thing again.

When this happens, there is frost build up on the back panel in the freezer section, and I was told that it's probably the defrost timer that's failing. The part is only about $25 but I'm wondering if this would be a job of biblical proportions, or a simple plug in.

Any advice is appreciated.

[kayakcrzy]

the defrost timer is real easy. Unplug the refrigerator, and open the refrigerator door, and take of the dials for the controls, and pull off the plastic shield. There will be 1 1/4' screw holding the control housing in place. Take it out, and pull up on the housing to remove. Then unplug the big molex plug, and take the thing out of the refrigerator, and the replace the timer, and reinstall, there is only one hitch, and that is it could also be the heaters, and the termination switch. I think you are doing the right thing, if you don't have a meter to check the components. Make sure that you defrost the refig again. Or else it will not work.

[denman]

Should not be a big job

Here is a link showing you what it looks like
http://www.partselect.com/assets/par...310858_1_M.jpg

Here is a link showing where it is. Inside the fresh food section
GE CSX20BIYFWH Parts List

To check it rotate the round shaft, use a dime or whatever to turn it
It only turns one way
You should hear a click. Does it start the defrost. Usually defrost will shut off the freezer fan. Does the freezer defrost if not your problem is probably elsewhere.
If it does defrost, mark the shaft and case with a pen so you can tell if the timer is working. It usually rotates once a day or so. Leave it for half an hour if it does not turn your timer motor is shot and you have to replace the timer

[johnshamblin]

Thanks for both of your prompt responses. I had found the part and the exploded drawing, but still couldn't really tell where the part was located (I thought it was on the freezer side). To answer denman's question; the freezer built up some frost on the back panel, but other than that, seemed to be working normally. The ice maker stopped working and the fridge became warmer. I'll order the part and see if that solves the problem. Thanks again.

[johnshamblin]

Well, I found the part at a local appliance parts store last weekend. It was simple to replace, but apparently didn't solve the problem. I don't have a lot of time on my hands, but was hoping this would be a simple plug-in fix. Guess I wasn't that lucky. Should I tackle the heater/termination switch repair, or start looking at new fridges?

[kayakcrzy]

If you have a meter check the heaters. If you get continuity they are fine. Replace the termination switch. If you don't have a meter replace them both and be done with it. It is a normal repair. You don't need to buy a new refrigerator. Good luck Tom

[denman]

I assume the part you replaced was the defrost timer
How did you decide it was the failed part
Were you able to get it to go into defrost by manually turning the cam?
Then when you marked it, it did not move?