[tsbrandt]

This is a frigde that has the freezer on the bottom. Freezer is working fine. But, fridge is not cooling at all. I pulled the thermostat and can feel no cool air coming up the vent. From other postings it seems like there may be a problem with the defrost timer? Does that seem like a good place to go to next? If yes, where is it located on this type of refrigerator? GE Model 21 ...PDS21SBM,

Thanks.


Great Forum!

[PS Staff - Sheila]

Check to see if there is ice built up on the coils of the evaporator.

If there is a ice build up then it is a defrosting problem.

If there is no ice check to see if the fan is working.

Here is a link to your fridge model PDS21SBM. with ABS at the end.

If there is an ice build up locate the defrost timer at the back of the fridge in the bottom right corner.

With the compressor run turn the little button on the timer until the compressor shut off.

The fridge will now be in the defrost cycle.

Check in the freezer and see if the ice is melting.

If the ice melts then you will need a new timer.

If the ice does not melt you will need a new heater or defrost thermostat.

If the fridge does not start on it own after about 25 minutes turn the dial on the defrost timer again until the compressor starts.

[tsbrandt]

I did the defrost timer test. Ice did not melt. But, the compressor and fan did turn back on after a while.

Are there other tests to verify whether it is the heater?

Looking at the diagram provided and parts list...I don't see a heater. Closest thing is something called the DRYER & FILTER ASS'Y (FILTER&DRYER). Does this have anything to do with defrosting?

Thanks,

tb

[PS Staff - Sheila]

The dryer and filter assembly is a part of the sealed system and does not have anything to do with the defrost cycle.

You will have to look at the controls and light covers breakdown to see the heater and defrost thermostat. The heater is number 77 and the thermostat is number 76.

You can test the continuity of the heater and the thermostat. The thermostat has to be at operating temperature to be tested.

[jbmatthews]

My freezer is cold, but no cold air coming through to the ice box side, its a side by side, I wonder if mine is the defrost times also???? Turned the temp in ice box down to the lowest, fan came on for a little while, them i'm assuming it froze up again.

[woodchuck]

Defrost timer, defrost heater, defrost thermostat. Check here. Refrigerator Repair Guide: How To Fix a Refrigerator - ACME HOW TO.com

Make sure the damper is open where the air is supposed to be blown from the freezer to fridge. Is fan in freezer running.