I have a gi6fdrxxy00 whirlpool refrigerator. Yesterday I noticed it was getting cool and the freezer was warming up. Took the back off and the coils were iced bad and in the upper right was a big piece of ice around the defrost thermostat. I also couldn’t spin the fan by hand bc it was froze. I thawed everything out. What should I do?

SOURCE: After cleaning coils and in back of fridge, it appears that the defrost keeps cycling every 5 minutes

hi
Step 1: If the compressor runs all the time, turn the control knob to the OFF position. If the compressor still runs, unplug the unit, then pull off the control knob and remove the screws holding the thermostat in place. Pull out the thermostat and remove either the red or the blue wire from its terminal. Plug in the unit. If the compressor doesn't run, the thermostat is faulty. Replace it with a new thermostat.

Step 2: If the compressor runs after the wire is removed from its terminal, there is probably a short circuit somewhere in the unit's wiring. In this case, don't try to fix the problem yourself; call a professional service person.

Step 3: If the refrigerator or freezer runs but the box doesn't cool, unplug the unit and remove the thermostat with a screwdriver. Disconnect both wires from the thermostat. Tape the ends of the wires together with electrical tape, and plug in the appliance. If the refrigerator starts and runs normally, the thermostat is faulty. Replace it with a new one of the same type. Connect the new thermostat the same way the old one was connected.

Step 4: If the freezer compartment is normal but the refrigerator box doesn't cool, set the dials that control both compartments to mid-range. Remove these knobs (they're usually friction-fit). Then unscrew the temperature control housing; you'll see an air duct near the control. Replace the knob on the freezer thermostat and turn the control to the OFF position. Open the refrigerator door and look closely at the air duct. If this duct doesn't open wider in about ten minutes, the control is faulty. Replace the control with a new one of the same type. Connect the new control the same way the old one was connected.

Richard Roth

• 9472 Answers
• Posted on Feb 13, 2011

SOURCE: GE refrigerator//auto defrost not working...coils

We will need your model number that is on the unit to be able to help you.

SOURCE: Why do freezer coils ice up on my Stainless Steel Whirlpool refrigerator (model GB2SHDXTS)?

On your model your cntrl board has a relay that can stick causing the compressor to always run even when the unit is turned off or in defrost. turn the fridge off, move the temp of the freezer to it's warmest setting and it should display a line in the freezer and fridge temp display. listen to hear if the compressor is running in back of the unit. if it is you need part number: 12868513