FIXED GE Refrigerator Temperature GTS17JBSERWW

[PandaHouston]

Model Number

GTS17JBSERWW

Brand

GE

Age

More than 10 years

We have a GE refrigerator GTS17JBSERWW (basic white freezer top model) that is around 15 years old. We place a thermometer in there to gauge the temperature in both the freezer and refrigerator. Last month, we noticed the freezer temp went up to 65. The refrigerator on the bottom was a normal temperature (below 40). Subsequently, we 1) Replaced defrost timer but when we did this, it seemed like it happened more often so we returned it and put the original back. 2) Replaced temperature control 3) Replaced condenser fan motor, cleaned condenser fan blade. I don’t think this part has anything to do with the temperature issue in the freezer but the appliance was a little noisy and now it is very quiet. 4) Vacuumed coil.

All was good for almost 3 weeks. Freezer pretty consistent at 0 degrees.

Then, a few days ago, the refrigerator started acting up. Even after setting it to the coolest temperature, it refuses to go below 50. Meanwhile freezer temp is still good. Does anyone have any idea what is causing this issue?

Thank you for any insight anyone can provide.

 

[Jake]

Hi,

Do you hear the freezer(evaporator) fan motor running inside the freezer when you open the freezer door? On some models you need to press the door switch in while the freezer door is open to make it run.

If NOT--->Its either the fan blade on the evaporator(freezer) fan motor is slipping or the fan motor itself is going bad. You can check for 120 volts going to the freezer fan motor with a multimeter, when it should be running, while the compressor is running.

Here's the evaporator(freezer) fan motor for your model: Evaporator Fan Motor WR60X31522
Video Included in part link.

Here's the fan blade for your model:

GE WR60X10204 Evaporator Fan Blade (AP3868989) - AppliancePartsPros.com

This is an evaporator fan blade. This is a genuine OEM part and has been sourced directly from the manufacturer. This part is intended to replace a worn, damaged, or detached evaporator fan blade on multiple different models of refrigerator. This evaporator fan blade is essential for providing...

click.linksynergy.com

Video Included in part link.

Jake

 

[PandaHouston]

Jake,

Forgot to mention in the original post that last year, the unit was noisy so we replaced 1) Evaporator Fan Motor (WR60X31522) 2) Lid Bumper (WR02X10540) 3) Evaporator Fan Blade (WR60X10204). So those parts are new. When I open the freezer door, I do hear a humming but not sure if that is the motor running. I believe so. When we replaced those parts, we accidentally broke part of the Foam Air Duct (WR02X20092). It was made out of flimsy styrofoam. Do you think we just need to purchase and replace it with a new one?

 

[Jake]

hen I open the freezer door, I do hear a humming but not sure if that is the motor running. I believe so.

You will need to remove the back panel inside the freezer and see for sure.

When we replaced those parts, we accidentally broke part of the Foam Air Duct (WR02X20092). It was made out of flimsy styrofoam. Do you think we just need to purchase and replace it with a new one?

Yes, I would replace it if its broken.

Jake

 

[PandaHouston]

Jake,

We unplugged the fridge, removed the plastic Air Duct (WR17X11891) so we could see the Evaporator Fan Blade (WR60X10204). Then we plugged it back and we could see the fan was not moving. I think this proves that there is something wrong with the Evaporator Fan Motor (WR60X31522) and we need to get a new one. Funny thing is that we had replaced this last November and it already gave out - not even a year. Maybe it was a bad part.

We also removed the Evaporator Cover Panel to look at the coil. There was frost on the top portion of the coil which I think further proves that the Evaporator Fan Motor is not turning the Fan Blade.

Ordered a new Evaporator Fan Motor which should be coming in a few days. For now we aren't going to replace the Styrofoam Air Duct (WR02X20092) because upon visual inspection, it looks like air is moving to fresh food section and there is no obstruction.

Hopefully this all works - will update next week. Thanks Jake for all your help!

 

[Jake]

Then we plugged it back and we could see the fan was not moving. I think this proves that there is something wrong with the Evaporator Fan Motor (WR60X31522) and we need to get a new one.

Just to be 100% sure--->I always check for 120 volts going to the freezer fan motor electrical connector with a multimeter, when it should be running, while the compressor is running.

Funny thing is that we had replaced this last November and it already gave out - not even a year. Maybe it was a bad part.

Did you order it from AppliancePartsPros or RepairClinic ?

AppliancePartsPros and RepairClinic Always has a 365 day warranty on ALL parts.

Jake

 

[PandaHouston]

Jake,

We actually don't have a multimeter. If we did, are you saying we can check the Evaporator Fan Motor by removing the plug or do you check it against the plug that plugs into the Fan Motor? We actually bought the part on Amazon because it was much cheaper ($20 vs $70). I assume because it is not GE OEM. But that is probably why it gave out so quickly.

 

[Jake]

We actually don't have a multimeter. If we did, are you saying we can check the Evaporator Fan Motor by removing the plug or do you check it against the plug that plugs into the Fan Motor?

Exactly.

We actually bought the part on Amazon because it was much cheaper ($20 vs $70). I assume because it is not GE OEM. But that is probably why it gave out so quickly.

Your are right again, parts from amazon are aftermarket and not OEM and they do not last long. Its best to always buy OEM parts when doing appliance repair.

Jake

 

[PandaHouston]

Jake,

The evaporator fan came in and we replaced it last night. So far so good. Temps in the freezer and fresh food section are as expected. We did order the styrofoam air duct and it is on back order so we will replace that as well. Ordered the evaporator fan thru amazon and it was cheaper ($20) vs the OEM $70 one. Hopefully it lasts more than a year. Thank you so much for your help! I really appreciate it.

 

[Jake]

Lets hope so, but I seriously doubt it will last over a year. Aftermarket parts a low price for a reason.

Jake