GE Freezer not staying cold - Replace defrost heater

*My GE fridge/freezer was not keeping the food frozen. The heating element in the defrost system was broken and I replaced it. I'll show you what I did to diagnose it, repair it, and how I defrosted the freezer.
More details on my website: frugalrepair.com
Here is the link on amazon to the replacement part*: amzn.to/2qHNW8S
Join me on INSTAGRAM → / frugalrepair
RECOMMENDED Tools & KZbin Equipment (my amazon shop page)* → www.amazon.com/shop/frugalrepair
Tool Gifts I Recommend for Fixers → geni.us/toolgifts
My GE fridge model: GSH25JSXNSS
Defrost Heater Replacement Part: WR51X10055
* We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

[@enerobouie3454]

What do you say when someone's video saves you $1,300 bucks! I thought my frige was dead! My wife was shopping for a new one, but I followed your video step by step, and now it's working again! Can't THANK YOU enough!

[@FrugalRepair]

Glad it helped!

[@zeemwashere712]

5yrs later...still helping people. Thank you!

[@dalet7300]

Your the only video I could find with the right refrigerator! Thanks for making the video! 👌

[@FrugalRepair]

Glad to hear it helped!

[@Teknojc]

Thanks man... 5 years later and still saving fridges and money...

[@FrugalRepair]

Thanks!

[@IKLabs]

Thank you! I did a general search for GE fridge not cold and your video was the first hit. Your model was the same as mine. Your directions were on point and exact. Parts # was exact. Install was exact. Followed this video from beginning to end and my unit is back up and running. Many many many thanks!!!!

[@FrugalRepair]

So great to hear you fixed your fridge!

[@tedconder9254]

Thank You for taking the time to do this. Very informative video and very good information. Your videographer did a nice job also.

[@kalants]

This is a great video! Helped me a ton. The only thing I would mention is that my defroster tested fine with my multimeter but didn’t work. After I replaced it with a new one, my freezer is freezing again!

[@markcooke4866]

I could've save $100 if I had watched this before I called a repairman. Very informative video! Thanks for sharing!

[@FrugalRepair]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Sorry it couldn’t help in time but if the defrost heater breaks again, you know what to do.

[@MarshMarlowe12]

Thanks so much for this video. This was the problem with my GE fridge, and this walk thru was a big help

[@FrugalRepair]

That is great to hear! Glad you got it fixed.

[@DumbSkippy]

Thank you so much. I really must reiterate that you are a really nice guy and express my thanks for sharing so many great tips to help others. Kudos sir!!

[@FrugalRepair]

Thanks for your kind words!

[@arnoldoarana4236]

Thanks, my refrigerator had the same issue…applied your resolution, purchase the parts and I had to replaced the cables for new improved water probe..putted together an it work… excellent my appreciation for the camera operator great job..

[@FrugalRepair]

Congratulations on the repair!

[@bobbischutz4944]

This helped me more than any other GE side by side fridge video!

[@FrugalRepair]

Glad to hear it helped!

[@ThomCordeiro]

This was so helpful! We are having the same issue. This video makes it look like it's something I can do myself!

[@FrugalRepair]

Thanks! Yes, you shouldn’t have any trouble doing it yourself.

[@ThomCordeiro]

@@FrugalRepair I am going to take the back off the fridge tonight and if I have the frost on the coils I will know this is the fix!

[@redraif]

Lol... I defrosted with a hairdryer... 3 hours later... finally all defrosted. Now I know how to test the heater if it frosts up again!!! thank you!

[@FrugalRepair]

Thanks for posting! Hope you get it all working again.

[@davidswain4502]

Thanks for sharing. Excellent help and detail!

[@dennistaylor9982]

Thankyou Brother for taking the time to make this video just fixed my GE fridge after watching this and it fixed it perfect have a great day

[@FrugalRepair]

Congrats on the repair!

[@bigwil91]

Thanks a lot man...ordering it today

[@outgoin313]

Thank You, i have the same model with that problem & just fixed it $10 bought at a used appliance store on a Sunday lol !

[@FrugalRepair]

Awesome to hear!

[@tclark108]

Thank you for this video! Helped out tremendously.

[@FrugalRepair]

So glad to hear it helped!

[@csouthern8692]

God bless you for sharing this we thought we needed a new fridge and the tech we paid 100 dollars to diagnose said it was a 1300 dollar computer part !!!!! I am so thankful to you for sharing this information 🙏👍👏🙏👏👏

[@FrugalRepair]

Yes, it’s more like a $15 part. Glad it helped!

[@csouthern8692]

@@FrugalRepair I used your Amazon link and it will be here Wednesday!

[@FrugalRepair]

Great! Thank you. Hope the repair goes well!

[@toddvien5435]

Thanks so much for your help

[@bustajoy]

Thanks a Lot! Saved me a ton

[@marcosoares47]

Obg por sua ajuda... Consegui resolver o problema com o vídeo... Até mais... Marcos, Brasília DF Brasil

[@FrugalRepair]

That is great to hear! I am happy that you fixed your freezer.

[@GotchaplumberGotchahvac]

Enjoyed video.

[@prakashsheth184]

You are awesome! This worked so good. Perfect step by step. Thanks for saving money sir.

[@FrugalRepair]

Thanks!

[@suzuki400sm]

I just fix my fridge Thank you 😊

[@FrugalRepair]

Great to hear! Congrats!

[@soldier4life1999]

Thanks Sir

[@janetneris3508]

Thank you so much, helped me do it myself and save alot 🙌 $$$ 🙂

[@FrugalRepair]

That’s awesome!

[@rigobertogordillo2439]

Thank you

[@leod3963]

Will keep this in mind I have a GE side by side

[@edwinhamer3319]

Same fridge, same problem. Landlords of this very expensive apartment have done zero. Sent a service guy who didn't even unplug the fridge we had emptied out. He did nothing. Said since it was working, nothing he could do. Gonna check this ourselves. Thanks for this video. Hope it's the problem. Sure sounds like it.

[@FrugalRepair]

I hope it helps! This is a common problem.

[@jungapo2]

although the heater is easy to replace in this ge refrigerator, i think the samsung rs267lash/xaa has better design heater. it is directly in contact to the each evaporator loop which make it quicker to defrost the refeigerator during the defrost cycle.

[@davidlindstrom7356]

We are! Thanks.

[@FrugalRepair]

Penn State! I hope that was what you are referring to. Otherwise, I will feel dumb. =)

[@joseescamilla352]

Hi i have a GE fridge model GSH25JSTA SS I have problems with the freezer does not thaw and I changed the thermostat of the thaw and the resistance of the thaw and remains the same, could help me solve my problem

[@loisosborne2204]

Is there supposed to be any frost on the coil things after you change thermostat ?

[@ilsungkim5075]

Thank you so much! I fixed the problem

[@lofenoialof5320]

How do you get to the thermostat ? I checked the heater and it's working fine. Thanks !

[@FrugalRepair]

I haven't taken it apart in a while so I don't remember off hand. I bet you can find another video that can help you find where it is.

[@chrislnflorida5192]

U forgot 1 wire, looked like the ground, U had it pinched inbetween the panel. Great video 👍👍

[@jonleone777]

A much easier way to test the heater is to remove the control board panel on the rear of the fridge anx use a jumper wire connected to thd j9 and j11 terminals. This will manually turn on the heater. If it glows yoyr good to go. If nof replace it.

[@raymondray3232]

I have a whrildpool frig, the ice dispenser motor works sometimes, any ideas how to change it or see if that is the problem. It is odd that it works sometimes and nothing is preventing it from spinning. I have not found any videos on KZbin. And can't afford to buy a new fridge

[@FrugalRepair]

Could it be frozen? Mine recently had that issue. Water had gotten into the unit and froze the motor. I had someone push the button while I manually turned it to get it unstuck.

[@theFLshark]

You should replace the thermostat and the thermocouple (black with an orange and pink wire and a white thermocouple with 2 white wires - no polarity) that connect to the refrigerant tubes just under the light bulb. They frequently go bad too and if the thermostat is bad the element will stay on for too long and keep burning out.

[@jpreza]

Thanks for the video. I'm about to try out a fix. My GE GSS25 side by side fridge / freezer side has two vents - one at the top near the icemaker and the other at the bottom. The bottom one has no air coming out at all. Were you experiencing anything similar?

[@FrugalRepair]

I just had to do this repair again today. The air is moved by a fan so it would likely be coming in at the bottom and out the top

[@jpreza]

@@FrugalRepair thanks! I just removed the back panel and the coils were completely iced over top to bottom. I'm surprised that the freezer was still making ice cubes. I used the same trick you did with my heat gun. It took almost an hour to completely defrost everything. My heater part number is G7102. Is that link to Amazon for the same part number?

[@SG-gc7mn]

My heater has continuity but glass cylinder is loose from both end caps, is that normal!

[@mutien27]

Extremely useful. I just wonder how you identified the problem in the first place? I have a GE refrigerator that recently stop cooling down as expected - the freezer goes to 33F regardless of how I set the temperature. There is also a buzzing noise every 10min or so. Do you think mine has the same problem? Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@FrugalRepair]

How did I figure it out? I watched other YT videos and thought the problem through. This is an automatic defrost freezer and the ice was not melting on the coils so it led me to the heating element. I don't know what is wrong with yours. Did you make sure your evaporator fan is working properly? It pushes the air around and it may be frozen stuck. Just a guess.

[@anatmargo5802]

General Electric. model GSL25XGWASS. electricity went out in the whole house. After switching on, the screen where the temperature controller on the front side of the door did not light up. there is light in the refrigerator. if possible tell me the reason? thanks.

[@FrugalRepair]

I don’t really know but I would guess that maybe there’s a stuck relay on the power supply board?

[@Giannina2000]

I have a GE refrigerator model GSS25SGSA SS. I am a single mom on a tight budget, i have been dealing with this issue for months and couldn't afford to pay a repair man to come out. I went ahead ordered the defrost heater and replaced it myself with your help. I could not have done this without you. I was able to test if the freezer was working by making ice cubes and it worked, I do not have the tester gadget, therefore was not able to check and see if i need replacing other parts. Although the problem has been solved, do you think it is necessary to replace the defrost sensor and thermostat just to be on the safe side. Again thank you very much for your help cheers from Denver, CO

[@FrugalRepair]

Wow, I'm so glad I could help! Congratulations on getting it repaired yourself. That is what this channel is all about. If replacing the heater element solved the issue then you shouldn't need to do anything else. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[@purplepanda001]

@@FrugalRepair i installed a 3 in 1 hard start and now my compressor won't click on do you have any ideas?

[@FrugalRepair]

@@purplepanda001 I'm not sure I know what you mean by 3 and 1. I would only know to track down where the power stops. Probably at a relay on a control board.

[@dng2393]

How long did your defrost heating element last? I just trying to buy an oem part, but it seem there are nothing that can last for years!

[@FrugalRepair]

It is still working fine.

[@snoopy2themoon]

Will this help lower the fridge side temperature as well?

[@FrugalRepair]

Do you mean that the frost would be the cause of a lower temp on fridge side? From what I know the fridge gets the cool air from the freezer side. So the temps probably even out when the coolant line freezes.

[@howmanyu]

How's your refrigerator been? Did the heater solve the problem?

[@FrugalRepair]

howmanyu it has been working great! The heater coil was broken and a new one fixed it.

[@TruckDriver326]

I like to repair the main board. it have a burn Resister that controls a fan motors find out what size resistor at is to replace it. I think it for the Condenser motor.

[@FrugalRepair]

What symptoms were you having with the fan motor?

[@TruckDriver326]

@@FrugalRepair it not getting cold all the time. Then one day it cold. The freezer get ice on the back wall like your video. I replace that heat element and two sensors. This would be the second heat element I replace. There a Brun resistor on the main board in the back of the refrigerator. From what I know that controls the evaporator motor

[@cindyp5132]

@@TruckDriver326 Did you replace the motherboard? If not I did and I can share instructions.

[@TruckDriver326]

@@cindyp5132 screw the back panel off. And remove four screws. Clips on plugs.

[@erickelley4083]

Hi there, I just replaced this heater element last night and my fridge still hasn’t cycled off yet. What’s another possible problem? The element was definitely burnt out.

[@FrugalRepair]

I’m not sure what you mean by cycled off, but if you melted any frost off the coils, then it could be another sensor.

[@erickelley4083]

@@FrugalRepair cycled off, I meant the fridge turn off when cold enough. A day later everything seems to be working as it should. Thanks for your video!!! Helped !!

[@haleybristol5465]

What size socket do you need for the bolts?

[@FrugalRepair]

1/4”

[@tulincreech1524]

Had this done today but the freezer still isn't freezing. How long does it usually take to reach the correct temp? Its been 5 or 6 hrs.

[@FrugalRepair]

It should be getting cold after that time. I’d put a thermometer in there to see what the change is over time.

[@vrichmarketingrenewableene9418]

I want to ask something. I am repairing refrigerators for some time now, but I didn't solve this problem I encounter sometimes. After I recoil the evaporator of the refrigerator, I test the unit and it works fine, the pressure on both sides are normal. after 5-15 minutes the pressure in the low side begins to drop to negative and also in the high side lower to about 120 psi. I turn it off and the pressures take some time to normalize. Sometime, I just change the filter drier to solve the problem, but sometimes the problem continues even I change the filter drier. what causes the pressure to drop?

[@bonniesoileau3189]

Will this help the frig part cool better as well?

[@FrugalRepair]

Yes, The coolant lines that you see me defrost in this video are the only coolant lines inside the box. So the cold air is forced into the refrigerator side by a fan

[@bonniesoileau3189]

The part has been ordered through Amazon and will be delivered to night. Thanks so much. Another question, i have a pool of water every now and then in the front of the freezer door. Could this be from the same problem?

[@FrugalRepair]

I doubt the water is from the defrost heater failing. Because if the heater is not on it’s not melting the ice. My first guess may be that the icemaker is refilling the tray before the other ice has been ejected and some of it is going to the floor. But I’m not really sure.

[@bonniesoileau3189]

FrugalRepair okay, I’ll check that. Thanks so much for your video, it has given me hope that we can get it fixed ourselves.

[@BruceSoileau]

@FrugalRepair, thanks so much for the video and answering Bonnie’s questions so quickly! We did get the replacement heater in yesterday and I replaced it...and your video was spot on. Checked fridge this morning and freezer is working great, and the fridge side is very cold, as it should be. Ice maker is making ice again. On the water leak in front of freezer, it was a stopped up drain pipe that drains from freezer to pan. Bonnie blew it out and we rinsed out...working beautifully now! Your videos rock! Oh, and total repair cost: about $24.00 for part from Amazon + same day shipping of $2.99. The part cost from a local Dallas appliance part store was $80, but wasn’t in stock, so glad I looked on Amazon.

[@KyleSee]

Will a bad defroster cause parts of the fridge to overwork itself? Like the cooling fan for example?

[@FrugalRepair]

Not sure what you mean by over work itself. The evaporator fan would probably be unaffected.

[@KyleSee]

@@FrugalRepair I ask because my GE dual 25.3 stopped maintaining cool temperatures. Listening carefully to the fan it sounded louder even my wife noticed it unprompted. I replaced the evap fan a month ago, and noticed that the defrosting coils were frozen solid. I melted the ice and replaced the fan. The fridge was doing good now it's starting to show the same signs again. That's why I asked the question. Could it be a bad defroster heater?

[@FrugalRepair]

Seems like bad defrost heater to me. You can do a continuity test across the element so see if it’s burned out or not.

[@uweschmautz7169]

I have the opposite problem, my fridge freezes the food and the temperature cannot be regulated.

[@tee228]

My GE freezer isn't getting as cold as it usually gets. The coils are completely frost free and the defrost heater looks fine. Is there anything else causing the freezer to not freeze like before? My GE model looks identical to this one. Please help. Thank you

[@sonjah9273]

hello. any luck? What did u end up finding to be the problem? mine is doing something similar.

[@tee228]

@@sonjah9273 i found a loose thermistor wire. thermistor is basically a temperature sensor. there are 2 or 3 in the freezer side and some on the fridge side. i replaced it with a new one and connected it properly and that fixed it. it could be that if u see loose wiring but could also be other things

[@sonjah9273]

@@tee228 . Thanks for responding. Will dig into it more.

[@eduardosabelkin7708]

how to change refrigeration to celsius

[@cindyp5132]

PLS help... Right before I could replace the heater my electric went off and the fridge is not coming on now!! I did replace the heater (all good), the lights inside work but not the display on the door... from what I've read I need to reset the compressor but I don't know where it is?? Do you, we have the same one? I took off the back but didn't see anything with a small hole to turn...

[@FrugalRepair]

Sorry to hear, I still have this same fridge but I'm not sure where the rest button is.

[@CzarPharo]

Did you ever resolve this issue? I'm having the same problem. Thanks

[@cindyp5132]

@@CzarPharo YES! If your front panel is not coming on at all it's the motherboard and VERY easy to fix yourself. You can order a new one from Amazon for around $145. You just remove the back panel, unplug the board and plug the new one in and GOOD to go! About a $400 job if you call someone out. I called GE service to ask their advice and they told me right off it was the motherboard (as if it's very common). The key is whether that front panel is lighting up. I meant to come back here to explain... Let me know if you have any questions.

[@CzarPharo]

@@cindyp5132 Yes. Thank you for responding so quickly. This is very useful information. My front panel is completely dead. It's not lighting up at all.

[@cindyp5132]

@@CzarPharo Without a doubt it's your motherboard, I spent about 10 days going around in circles with other things it could be until I called GE... Once you look up your motherboard model # (or call the manufacturer they will give it to you) then order from Amazon (GE wanted $100 more for the exact same board). Then here is the instruction video I followed to replace the motherboard kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXaqmmuerKepaq8

[@gautyable]

So my GE repair personnel came in and inspected the issue, i have the same refrigerator with same problem. But apparently he din;t have the defrost heater. He said he will be back in a couple of days. The part is 70 bucks they are charging me 300 bucks lol! U think i can change it? Never used a multi-meter but i do have one at home

[@FrugalRepair]

You can do it! You saw what it takes in the video. You may not have a drill like I do but you can easily use a screwdriver by hand. There is a link in the video description above to the part on amazon. It is $12. Let me know if you have any questions. It sounds like if he already diagnosed the issue you don't need the multi-meter to check for continuity. But I can help with that too if needed.

[@debrastrickler6941]

I have a big question --- My freezer is having a problem staying cold so that is effecting the freezing of my ice machine to make cubes. However I get the blinking green light on my ice machine then I turn it off. Press the reset bar WR30x10055 Press bar 3 times, turn the unit back on, which there are frozen cubes waiting to dump. Then they dump but it won't keep makiing ice. Which I feel the heater element is the main issue. I had a repair man come out and he said all is working fine cause he saw the ice already made in the tray and he just turned it off, reset it and back on - like I have been doing for the last 2 months. I think by watching YT video's that its my defrosting heater element, Haven't taken the back plate off yet for money wise and being disabled makes it also income wise harder.What advise would you suggest? Thank YOU Kindly.

[@FrugalRepair]

I think you need to take the back cover off and look at the coils to see if they’re frozen. And I would also test the defrost heater to see if it’s working. I’m not sure if the repair person tested that or not.

[@debrastrickler6941]

@@FrugalRepair Thank you so much for your reply on this. I have lots of automotive tools and a grounding tool. Could I use that to see if my defrost heater is working or not? Yes, I am going to empty out my fridge tomorrow, fridge is keeping cool and even the fan is running in the freezer, so I know that is working.... Thanks Lots!

[@FrugalRepair]

I’m not sure how to measure the heating element without a multimeter.

[@debrastrickler6941]

@@FrugalRepair Thanks - I'll see if any of my friends have a multimeter. :-)

[@alliewilcox8622]

Just out of, where did you get the new heating element?

[@FrugalRepair]

The link is in the video description.

[@alliewilcox8622]

If it’s not the heater defroster what else could my problem be? I tested it like you did, and it beeps, not consistently but it beeps

[@alliewilcox8622]

I also noticed that one of the rubber seals on the very end of the element was broken off, not sure if that makes a difference

[@FrugalRepair]

It could be a problem with the thermostat. It could be that the electrical connection is not being made on the plug to the heater. It could be a problem with your evaporator fan not pulling the air across the coils.

[@oregoneagain]

We do this every 6 months to a year. We buy the part ahead of time.

[@FrugalRepair]

I’m trying to figure out if it’s cheap heaters or if moisture is the culprit and is shorting out the heating element. LMK if you have ideas on what causes them to fail.

[@happynuchem]

I have the same model and I keep on having problems only with the freezer while fridge is working fine I had to pay for repairs changing Heater Coil Compressor + And now my freezer has to be set on coolest but every while it stops freezing Why does this keep on happening

[@FrugalRepair]

Have you made sure the fan in the back (below the ice tray) is spinning? I had another problem where water somehow leaked back there and froze the fan blades and they stopped spinning.

[@reynaldocasas8887]

i have a same problem i took out my heating element and noticed it other terminal is burnt but when i test it still beeping so what now any idea?

[@FrugalRepair]

Which part is burnt? Is it on the heating element? My guess is that you probably need a new heating element if you're having the same issue (not defrosting).

[@reynaldocasas8887]

@@FrugalRepair the wire harness terminal that you plug ins

[@reynaldocasas8887]

i order one already at amazons for 13 dollars just like yours and see what happen

[@FrugalRepair]

@@reynaldocasas8887 Ok, hope it fixes it!

[@candidcapture]

the decorative educational alphabet letters made me look twice.... Almost the exact same locations as our fridge.

[@FrugalRepair]

Haha! Are you constantly picking them off the floor too?

[@domsooch]

These GE fridges are complete pieces of crap. So badly made. Never ever buy American!

[@JK-hd2zb]

You are an angry person. You must be lonely