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carolann001@msn.com  
#1 Posted : Friday, June 15, 2012 5:20:51 PM(UTC)
carolann001@msn.com

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Help! My side by side is not cooling! Ice was built up on the inside of freezer and now isnt cooling either side! The fan is working. What should I do? :confused:
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Simon / APP Team  
#2 Posted : Friday, June 15, 2012 6:48:15 PM(UTC)
Simon / APP Team

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Hi.

Sounds like there is a defrost problem. Please provide the complete model number. Look at the right side bottom grill.

Simon
carolann001@msn.com  
#3 Posted : Saturday, June 16, 2012 1:57:49 PM(UTC)
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The model is TFX20SABK WW serial # HZ278044. I unplugged the unit and the freezer is working but the refrigerator side still doesn't feel like its cooling. Thank you for your help Simon!
Simon / APP Team  
#4 Posted : Monday, June 18, 2012 8:58:18 AM(UTC)
Simon / APP Team

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Hi.

Remove the rear panel in the freezer and check if the evaporator is blocked with snow. If it is then go to the refrigerator side take the control panel off, locate the defrost timer shaft and turn it slowly CW until the unit stops.
After 5 min check if the defrost heater inside the freezer is on.
If the heater on - replace the timer Part number: WR9X489
Part number: WR9X489


If not - replace the defrost heater kit Part number: WR51X10031
Part number: WR51X10031


Here are the breakdown diagrams and Replacement parts for General Electric TFX20SABKWW Refrigerator | AppliancePartsPros.com

Defrost the fridge completely before plugging in.

Good luck. Post the results.

Simon.
WifeSaysFixItPlease!  
#5 Posted : Tuesday, June 19, 2012 10:36:42 AM(UTC)
WifeSaysFixItPlease!

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Originally Posted by: Simon / APP Team Go to Quoted Post
Hi.

Remove the rear panel in the freezer and check if the evaporator is blocked with snow. If it is then go to the refrigerator side take the control panel off, locate the defrost timer shaft and turn it slowly CW until the unit stops.
After 5 min check if the defrost heater inside the freezer is on.
If the heater on - replace the timer Part number: WR9X489
Part number: WR9X489


If not - replace the defrost heater kit Part number: WR51X10031
Part number: WR51X10031


Here are the breakdown diagrams and Replacement parts for General Electric TFX20SABKWW Refrigerator | AppliancePartsPros.com

Defrost the fridge completely before plugging in.

Good luck. Post the results.

Simon.

Hi Simon:

Does the above advice apply to my model of GE side by side:

TFX25QRCB AA GE Refrigerator ? Here's the problem:

I also have a GE 25 Cu ft Side by Side Refrigerator, barely keeping cool, takes a long time to barely freeze anything.

Until a couple months ago, it ran fine, but took a rapid decline in performance this month.

The Evap fan runs constantly. I did clean the bottom coils using a vac & coil brush. (Got most of the dust bunnies...but feel like it could be cleaned more thoroughly if I could gain more access.)

If it's low on freon, is there a simple way to recharge it ?

Any other 'obvious' things for a layman to check ?

The specific model # is: TFX25QRCB AA - GE 25 cu fit side by side.

Thanks a million ! David A in TX
WifeSaysFixItPlease!  
#6 Posted : Tuesday, June 26, 2012 5:04:55 AM(UTC)
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Ok thank you so much for the guidance.

I did these tests to my similar model GE side by side refrigerator. (model # TFX25QRCB AA).

The defrost heater works fine (red glow from lower back panel of freezer), and the timer must have been stuck, because manually turning the control port CW turned the compressor off, then the heater came on & defrosted.

Timer must have been stuck, cause now it cycles fine.

So I'm confused, because the temperature is still not cold enough, despite these things working as they should.

The only 3 things it could be, still:

1- Temperature Contol is broken ? (on FF side, under control panel, next to timer)

2- Freon is low ? Haven't heard much of recharging refrigerant - ideas ?

3- Bottom Coils still too blocked by dust, etc. (I used coil brush, but access was limited.)

Thanks for any help you can provide, Gene, Simon or anyone !

David in E. Texas
Simon / APP Team  
#7 Posted : Tuesday, June 26, 2012 9:10:47 AM(UTC)
Simon / APP Team

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Hi.

Please explain the original problem.

Simon.

PS. You can access the condenser coils from the back.
WifeSaysFixItPlease!  
#8 Posted : Wednesday, June 27, 2012 4:46:58 AM(UTC)
WifeSaysFixItPlease!

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Simon:

The original problem is same as the poster who started this thread.

Not cooling well in either freezer or fridge.

Lots of snow & ice dam built up on freezer coils. (ie defrost heater not working).

Turns out the defrost timer was stuck: rotating the rheostat a cycle or two apparently unstuck it; now it heats element & runs defrost cycle.

However, this improvement hasn't materially effected the main issue: not enough cold temps.

It is still too warm to keep foods fresh in the FF section, and the freezer will barely make ice.

Does this suggest low freon / refrigerant ?

Coils have been cleaned reasonably well & both evap fan & internal fan operate & compressor, too.

Hope that is a clear enough description.

( Model GE # TFX25QRCB AA )

Thank you, David
Simon / APP Team  
#9 Posted : Wednesday, June 27, 2012 9:50:35 AM(UTC)
Simon / APP Team

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Hi.

Check two things, please:
- is the evaporator coil frosted evenly and completely?
- are the supply and return air ducts clear of snow?

Thank you.

Simon.
WifeSaysFixItPlease!  
#10 Posted : Wednesday, June 27, 2012 2:25:41 PM(UTC)
WifeSaysFixItPlease!

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Ok, I'll check behind the freezer panel.

on # 2, making sure here, where are the supply & return air ducts ?

Do you mean the damper controlled duct between the FF and freezer section ?

Thx, David
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