Hi.

Based on the information you provided the problem is defrost system failure.
There are three parts involved :
- defrost timer ( Located bottom right behind the grill).
-defrost heater and
-defrost thermostat both located at the evaporator in the freezer.
Turn the defrost timer shaft CW slowly until the fridge stops.
Waite 10 min. You should hear hissing sound from the defrost heater.
If the heater is on - replace the timer.

The defrost timer Part number: R0131577

Thank you for your reply. When I turn the defrost timer shaft (clockwise?) wait 10 min, if it hisses, is it okay or bad? How do I know if the heater is on? What if there is no noise after the fridge stops. Finally, do I need to turn the timer shaft back to the original position after this test? So if it isn't broken then I can move to the next test, or have it work until the order part shows up. Should I just order the two the timer and thermostat because maybe they both wear out and I am inthere working anyway? Someone elses post got a response that said if there is no frost on the back wall in the freezer then its not the defrost stuff. what do you think? There isn't any frost on the back wall that faces my food right now in the freezer. thank you again

Simon, thank you for your help so far. So I did the test of turning the timer, had a winding sound as I turned it about a turn and a half. The compressor shut off and the fridge is quiet no noise. I mentioned in the title there is most definately frost on the back panel in the freezer, and I can tell by a gentle push on the panel that the coils are covered also. After about 10 minutes I didn't do anything but the compressor just kicked on by itself. I never heard any hissing. So what parts can I order to best fix this problem. The weekend is almost here and I would rather not defrost the whole thing again and again if I can just order the part(s), defrost and then install new parts. Thank you for your help, I like to grow in the knowledge of repair but the parts and symptoms are a learning curve. btw is it best when replacing parts like the thermostat that I should just replace the timer at the same time, because they are both worn out so eventually will need to be changed? Thank you again, I plan to order today, what do you recommend? If I really need to do the continuity test I would have to find the meter and if you can include a link where I can follow what I am looking for while doing it and how to set up the meter. unless you think it probably the thermostat because its not the timer. Thank you

You can order all 3 parts, the heater is less probable cause.
You can return any unused parts even if they been installed.

Thank you.

Simon
Is it less likely it is the timer though because it turned on without me doing anything? WIth the panel off in the back coils are covered in snow/ ice and it is clear that the element has not turned on no sign that the ice has melted at all around it, does that mean it is the defrost heater or will that not turn on if the defost thermostat is broken. the ice/snow is in an even layer all over the whole area behind the panel. does this narrow it to the most probable two causes. I wasn't sure also if there is an answer to if it is better to just replace the timer even if it is not bad because I am changing the thermostat? did the symptoms i described so far seem to indicate a bad timer? Seems like the defrost thermostat and maybe the defrost heater depending on how you answered the question above about the defrost thermostat. Thank you. sorry it took me a few to get back on here i didn't get an email that you had answered my post. Thank you.

You are very welcome.

Simon.