20 Most Recent Whirlpool GC5SHEXN Side by Side Refrigerator Questions & Answers

Model number please. Needed to properly source answer.

Since both stopped at the same time and are not really related problems (Ice is one feature, water another) the likely culprit is the control board. See this diagram for where it\'s at.http://www.partselect.com/Schematics/Whirlpool/5IRUBZMI.gif

Check that the dispenser is not locked. Some models have a lock feature that deactivates the dispenser levers and control buttons. The lock button is on the dispenser front cover. This feature controls unintentional dispensing during cleaning. Press the "Unlock" or "Locked" button to reactivate the dispenser levers and allow dispenser function. You may need to hold the button for 2 to 3 seconds.

http://whirlpool.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/whirlpool.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=110&p_created=1147725595&p_sid=lTIkCMOi&p_accessibility=0&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9MzEmcF9wcm9kcz0xOTkmcF9jYXRzPSZwX3B2PTEuMTk5JnBfY3Y9JnBfcGFnZT0xJnBfc2VhcmNoX3RleHQ9d2F0ZXIgZGlzcGVuc29y&p_li=&p_topview=1

is the commpressor working there should be a slight hum when you put your ear by it if not there is a relay switch on the side of the compressor usually with two wires going to it . remove the relay and shake it .if it rattles it needs to be replaced

Check out the below website
http://www.partselect.com/

If the center wall was hot then your defrost heater was stuck on, now with no cooling it could be you burnt out the compressor or the main board could be fried. Not good either way, it might be time for a new one. Sorry

You need to see if the fan is bad or not. The blade should spin freely when you spin it. Unplug the fan and check to see if there is any voltage getting to it when the compressor is running. You will need to hold the door switch down to check the voltage.
If it's not getting voltage then the electronic control is the problem. Part 6 in this diagram.

http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/part-model/Whirlpool-Parts/Refrigerator-Parts/Model-GC5SHEXNT05/1198/0165000/W0705068/00010?blt=06&prst=&shdMod=

Generally that means your auto defroster system is defective. It could be a simple switch/sensor. See if you can find a switch to turn off the AUTO DEFROSTER and see if that solves it. If it does, then you have a sensor problem. If it does not, then you might have a short in the system and it would be advisable to have a certified technican look at your unit. If it is a short and it is in the walls, then you are probably S.O.L and might have to disable the defroster and live with it and just be required to manually defrost your refer unit it truly dies. Reason being, if it is in the walls, it is cost prohibative to open the walls and repair a refers wiring, tubes and other components in the foam and such. Sorry for the tough news. Lets hope the techincan you have come out finds a cheap easy fix for you.

Kindly,

Now this is a broad complaint!! LOL! Where do we start? What does the noise sound like? If it sounds like a bird chirping, it's your evap fan motor. If it sounds like somethings hitting the fan blade, your unit's frozen up with ice and needs to defrosted COMPLETELY and a new defrost system replaced. Call us and we'll be sure to ge the right parts out to you right away asap so you can get this unit back up and running again! We look forward to hearing from you and hope to be able to work with you more.

Based on your description, it sounds like you have a defrost system malfunction. The links below, courtesy of www.repairclinic.com, will assist you in diagnosing, repairing your refrigerator. First you need to know how a refrigerator works.
You will need your model number to access your units exact system parts.

Generic description used:

How a refrigerator works: Click this link then click on Automatic Defrost link
http://www.repairclinic.com/0088_4_3.asp

Then click on these links below:

1. Defrost Timer
http://www.repairclinic.com/SSPartDetail.aspx?s=b5a4c221i3348&PartID=3348

2. Defrost Thermostat
http://www.repairclinic.com/SSPartDetail.aspx?s=b5a4c221i888801&PartID=888801

3. Defrost Heater
http://www.repairclinic.com/SSPartDetail.aspx?s=b5a4c221i1022690&PartID=1022690

4. Defrost Control Board...Electronic Controlled system only
(Replaces Defrost Timer)
http://www.repairclinic.com/SSPartDetail.aspx?s=b5a4c221i844415&PartID=844415

When a fridge is layed down the oil in the compressor will flow into the refridgerant lines and will have to be stood upright until the oil can return the the comrpessor. It may be too late for yours but I would try cutting it off for a day before trying it again. This may not be the cause of the smell so keep a nose on that and try to locate exactly where it's coming from.

Behind the fridge , the motor which cools the compressor , is not turning . Either something is blocking the fan blade , or the motor is bad .