[ErnestB1619]

Our side-by-side has the freezer section frosting up on the coils and no cooling going into the fresh food section. Is the problem with the automatic defrosting timer? Or could it be something else?

[PS Staff - Sheila]

Yes it could be the defrost timer or the defrost heater or the defrost bi metal.

Locate the timer in the fridge side in the control panel.

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

The fridge will now be in the defrost cycle.

The defrost cycle takes about 20 to 25 minutes.

Check the drain pan to see if the fridge defrosted.

If the freezer defrosted you will need a defrost timer.

If it did not defrost then it is a problem with the heater or the bi metal.

You will need a meter to check these.

IF the fridge did not start back up you will need to turn the knob on the defrost timer again to start the compressor.

Here is a link to your fridge model RSWA278AAE.

Here is your defrost timer.



Here is the defrost heater.




Here is your defrost bi metal.

[ErnestB1619]

I have turned it to defrost twice, but the compressor only stays off for about 10 minutes. I don't see any defrosting and no water in the drip tray. Should I turn off the unit and manually defrost it? How do I check the heater and the bi-metal? I have a multi-meter.

[ErnestB1619]

No reply on my query regarding how to check the heater and bi-metal. Please let me know.

[PS Staff - Sheila]

Find the wires for the heater and bi metal and check for continuity.

The bi metal must be cold to get proper reading.

Defrosting the freezer will work for a couple of days.