Frigidaire refrigerator FGHN2866PF1 defrost timer?

[thump911]

Model Number

FGHN2866PF1

Brand

Frigidaire

Age

6-10 years

I have a Frigidaire refrigerator FGHN2866PF1 . The evap coils continually freeze up and blocks the topside cooling in the fridge. I've replaced the thermostat and heater element and confirmed both of those are working with continuity tests. Testing through the system diagnostic on the control panel shows the defrost timer continuously OPEN regardless of temp in the freezer. So that indicates, to me at least, there's an issue with the defrost "timer" on this fridge.

I'm assuming, however, there is NO manual timer on this model?!? Is this an issue now with one of the control boards? I can enable manual defrost mode but no power to the heater element since it states in the diagnostic papers that it will not work when thermostat is in OPEN state... Any help with this issue? It's frustrating having to tear things apart every couple weeks to melt ice off the evap coils. Thanks in advance.

 

[Jake]

On your model you have a adaptive defrost control on the main control board. No defrost timer.

Control 241996363


This video gives you the general idea of how to replace it, disconnect power to the refrigerator first!

 

[thump911]

Hi Jake.
That's what I was afraid of.
So is there no other way to manually override the defrost cycle if the board is "toast"? It says in the diagnostic sheets that the manual defrost cycle won't work if the thermostat remains Open...there's no way to force it Closed? Is it worth bypassing the thermostat by taking it completely out via a simple solid wire (making the control board think it's closed....or would that still be open?!?) and then manually defrosting every week or so? 😁
I guess the only way is to pony up for the new control board then...

 

[Jake]

So is there no other way to manually override the defrost cycle if the board is "toast"?

Correct.

It says in the diagnostic sheets that the manual defrost cycle won't work if the thermostat remains Open...there's no way to force it Closed?

Put the defrost thermostat in a glass of ice water for at least 5 minutes and it should close if its good.

 

[Jake]

Is it worth bypassing the thermostat by taking it completely out via a simple solid wire (making the control board think it's closed....or would that still be open?!?) and then manually defrosting every week or so?

No.

 

[thump911]

Thanks for the responses, I do appreciate it.
I've tested the thermostat out of the freezer, it does close and registers as such correctly on a multimeter. The refrigerator cannot either register the thermostat as closed when its connected in the freezer or as you mentioned, the board is toast. Hopefully there's only the one main board to replace that could cure the problem. I'll look into the one you posted earlier....thanks again

 

[Jake]

Yes, then its that control board I posted the link to above, that will fix it.