Running a Defrost Cycle on a Freezer Without Diagnostics

Reference Model: PTS22SBNARBS

Problem:

The freezer is frozen up and no air is going to the bottom. The unit has no diagnostic mode and no unit specific tech sheets from the manufacturer.

Diagnosis:

While there is no defrost cycle the unit can be put in, you can run the defrost heater for a period of time if you wish to do so.

  1. Unplug the refrigerator
  2. Remove the black wire from tab 1 and isolate it so it doesn't touch anything
  3. Remove the blue wire from tab 2 and jump it to tab 4
  4. Plug the refrigerator back in to power

This will run the heater continuously until the defrost thermostat opens, after which you'll have to use a heat gun to complete the process.


Some GE Refrigerator parts for our reference model#

board

Refrigerator main control board assembly with installation instructions

Item Number WR55X10942C

defrost heater

Defrost heater

Item Number WR51X10038

thermostat

High limit thermostat for refrigerator or freezer defrost heater, L140-30F

Item Number WR50X10068

sensor

Refrigerator or freezer temperature sensor, also called a thermistor

Item Number WR55X10025


General Electric Refrigerator Parts


Related Links

  1. General Electric Refrigerator Filter
  2. General Electric Refrigerator Gasket & Seal
  3. General Electric Refrigerator Defrost Timer, Adaptive Defrost Control