[Portlandman]

I own a GE TBX18JMS. Freezer on top Fridge on Bottom.

A few days ago it got warm inside the Freezer and Fridge. Food spoiled. The light still worked and when I put my ear to the side of the fridge I could hear a motor running. In addition, the outside sides of the Fridge were cold.

Twenty four hours later the Fridge and Freezer started to work. One day later they broke down again. Same as above. In addition, I do not "feel" the air blowing as strong as when it worked into the Freezer.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[Icehouse]

Originally Posted by Portlandman

I own a GE TBX18JMS. Freezer on top Fridge on Bottom.

A few days ago it got warm inside the Freezer and Fridge. Food spoiled. The light still worked and when I put my ear to the side of the fridge I could hear a motor running. In addition, the outside sides of the Fridge were cold.

Twenty four hours later the Fridge and Freezer started to work. One day later they broke down again. Same as above. In addition, I do not "feel" the air blowing as strong as when it worked into the Freezer.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Two things come to mind. 1. Defrost problem which you may be able to handle. 2. Moisture in system which freezes and blocks capillary tube. System warms ice melts system works again. This requires a technician.

[Portlandman]

Thanks for the reponse Ice House.

Looks like when I unplug and plug it in again it seems to work ok for a short while.

Would that support the idea that it is either the defrost or the capillary tube?

How shoud I go about debugging the defrost?

[Portlandman]

I forgot to add that the fan at the bottom of the fridge does not seem to be turning.

[Portlandman]

I should have said the fan at the bottom of the fridge is not turning even as the fridge is getting cold right after I plug in the fridge to jump start it again.

[Icehouse]

Originally Posted by Portlandman

I should have said the fan at the bottom of the fridge is not turning even as the fridge is getting cold right after I plug in the fridge to jump start it again.

There you go the condenser fan motor (on bottom) needs replacing. Partselect.com - GE Refrigerator Parts And All Brands of Appliance Parts

[Icehouse]

Originally Posted by Portlandman

Thanks for the reponse Ice House.

Looks like when I unplug and plug it in again it seems to work ok for a short while.

Would that support the idea that it is either the defrost or the capillary tube?

How shoud I go about debugging the defrost?

Partselect.com - GE Refrigerator Parts And All Brands of Appliance Parts
start with this.

[Portlandman]

First - thanks again Icehouse for you help!

Is it possible that a condenser fan motor not coming on is a sign of another problem? Or pretty much that is it.

Lastly, for my own understanding, if the condenser fan motor is busted, when I unplug and replug in the frig it works for a short while. What about the bust condenser fan is making the fridg first blow cold air and later hot air?

Is it because a busted condenser fan sends the fridge into defrost mode?

Thanks again

[Icehouse]

Originally Posted by Portlandman

First - thanks again Icehouse for you help!

Is it possible that a condenser fan motor not coming on is a sign of another problem? Or pretty much that is it.

Lastly, for my own understanding, if the condenser fan motor is busted, when I unplug and replug in the frig it works for a short while. What about the bust condenser fan is making the fridge first blow cold air and later hot air?

Is it because a busted condenser fan sends the fridge into defrost mode?

Thanks again

The condenser fan motor helps condense the refrigerant back into a liquid. It also cools the compressor. When you unplug the refrigerator the compressor will cool enough to restart, however without the condenser fan motor it overheats and shuts down on thermal overload.
Ice on the coils would indicate a defrost problem.
2 problems 1 refrigerator. Things happen.

[Portlandman]

Thanks makes a lot of sense!