Okay another update 6 weeks later...

- Been operating satisfactorily, although I haven't monitored temp
- This a.m. noticed water on the floor from melting ice, freezer temp 40F.
- No operating fan in freezer.
- Turned defrost timer to click to start defrost cycle. Used hair dryer to melt ice build-up on coils. Completely melted all visible ice. Left freezer door open half an hour. Had to go to work.
- Returned home after work. Temp now at 50F, but ice built up pretty badly just while at work for 10 hours. Still no freezer fan.
- Turned defrost timer to click to start defrost cycle... kept watching and waiting for heat to start melting some of the ice down low but no heat, no melting.
- Allowed defrost cycle to finish... still no freezer fan.

Alright... and what about my troubleshooting since last time? ;( Haven't done anything.. but tomorrow I will. The lack of freezer fan and lack of heater are new twists...

Then yes its your defrost thermostat thats the problem.

Defrost thermostat with wire harness, clip-on, L48-33 degrees
(The manufacturer has replaced part number 12017823 with this item, part number R0161088.)


Jake

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Thanks Jake. My problem just got worse. The fridge isn't cooling now either(!!) That is a first. Do I have more than 1 problem or could the defrost thermostat be responsible for both the fridge and freezer?

When considering repair vs. replacement, as long as the compressor is still good it's probably worthwhile to fix it I imagine. Now wishing I hadn't waited so long to get the freezer taken care of.

It may be in defrost cycle, give it 30 minutes or turn the defrost timer till it clicks on.

How old is your refrigerator? If you don't know, post the serial# and I can tell you.

Jake

__________________
Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

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I'm pretty sure the fridge was built in '98 or '99. Due to lack of action on my part, I've got a service tech coming out in an hour. The fridge is still not cooling at all either now. Very interested in your opinion on repair vs. replace. Obviously I'm willing to spend a little $ on repair... and after the $50.95 service call charge I guess I get an estimate. What dollar threshold would you draw the line, Jake?

Purchased 1-29-1999 by previous owner. Serial# 9812223151. In 2001, there was a service repair... complaint "freezer not cooling". Tech at the time "replaced defrost terminator and filter".

If we buy new this weekend, any recommendations or fridges to avoid that have similar specs as this one (side by side, in-door water/ice, stainless).

Service tech arrived. I explained what's been happening. He looked in the freezer and instantly said. "You need a new defrost thermostat. $146.55 installed"

Sigh... Guess I'll let him do it.

Fixed. Your diagnosis was spot on - defrost thermostat. I would have saved over $100 if I would have replaced this before it died completely... it's a shame... I had plenty of warning.

Yup, I've replaced so many of those defrost thermostats myself, its a common issue when this problem happens.

Glad its working good again.

Jake

__________________
Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

If you need more repair advice help on your appliance, click Here

Look-Up & Order Parts

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