[sheila bibeault]

refrigerator not cooling. heavy frost builds up in the freezer. Took off the back panel inside freezer and can see the frost build up in less than 2 days in between the divider wall. Can this be the defrost timer, defrost thermostat or defrost heater?

[woodchuck]

Yes, you can check them here Refrigerator Repair Guide: How To Fix a Refrigerator - ACME HOW TO.com

The newer units don't have the timer but have an evaporative defrost control board you have to replace.
I couldn't tell from the model number you gave what you have.

[shellyhillman]

I have an Electrolux Model FRT18KG3DWO

The freezer works fine. However, the main refrigerator is not getting cold, spoiling the food. A neighbor said it might be the defrost thermostat or defrost timer. At times
he has come into the house and rattled something on the top of the interior of the
main refrigerator near the light bulb housing, and the refrigerator kicks back on.

I also looked at the parts list and saw a part called Control Temperature.

Can someone advise me on the correct part to order and replace for the circumstances
I am describing? Single mom and son in Sherman Oaks, CA at (818) 783-2760
or email lildraws@speakeasy.net

Thanks

[gwr]

from you you wrote about yuour neighbor and sfter looking at the diagram. I would say it to be the defrost timer. It is located in that location. If you have a small screw driver there should be a small cap over the timer you can advance the timer (it will only go in one diection) and see if the compressor cuts off and you should hear the frost melting. If so replace the timer if not you may have a bad defrost thermostat . parts can be found here
FRT18K Parts List

[shellyhillman]

Hi George.
Thanks so much for your thoughtful reply and telephone calls.
Lou and I are going to order the defrost timer and see if we can effect
a repair. My son and I repaired our garbage disposal that was stuck
recently, so I am learning how to do some of these things myself.
Who knew??? haha Anyway, it was very kind and thoughtful of
you to take the time to call and speak with us. Wishing you and your
family a very happy new year.

PS We will keep you posted on whether or not this worked!