Diagnosing a Bad Control Board - Part 3: Defrost Issues

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This video is part 3 of a multi-part video series focusing in on how to diagnosing a failed GE control board. This specific video will discuss defrost issues and best practices for diagnosing these issues.

Most of the GE side by side refrigerators are going to use either a WR55X10942, WR55X10942P control board, or some very close variant of this board.
If you need to order a board from this affiliate link:
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The two main types of defrost heaters for a GE side by side will be a longer (12" long version) WR51X10055 and a shorter (9" long version) WR51X10053.
If you need to order a heater, please do so through either of these affiliate links. It helps the channel a lot and is appreciated.

12" longer heater - wr51x10055
OEM GE Part:
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Cheaper aftermarket:
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9" shorter heater - wr51x10053
OEM GE Part: (Not available from Amazon at the time of this video)
Cheaper Aftermarket Part: https://amzn.to/3jmvgIQ

The high limit defrost thermostat is: Wr50X10068
Unlike many fridges that use this thermostat as a cycling thermostat to turn the heater on/off based on a set temperature - the GE thermostat is there as a safety feature. If the heater were to stay on for too long the thermostat will cut power to the heater as a safety measure.
High Limit Thermostat: wr50x10068
If you need to purchase a high limit thermostat:
OEM GE Part: https://amzn.to/3jmKFJ1

The defrost sensor, located on the top left of the evaporator inside the freezer, is a WR55X10025. This part when functioning correctly sends a specific resistance back to the control board based on how cold the evaporator is. The control board uses this information to make decisions on when and for how long to keep the freezer in defrost.
Defrost Thermostat wr55x10025
If you need to purchase a defrost sensor, please do so through this affiliate link. It helps the channel and is greatly appreciated:
OEM GE Part: https://amzn.to/3NWP9UF

If you have not found it already, you should have a wiring diagram tucked in to the temperature control box in the upper refrigerator section. This can be accessed by removing the two screws with a 1/4in nut driver.

Common symptoms or indicators of a defrost issue include:
Freezer has heavy frost build up on back of the inside freezer wall
Warmer than normal freezer and refrigerator temperatures
Decreased airflow in both freezer and refrigerator section

Time Marks:
0:22sec - Tools needed
0:36sec - Symptoms
0:56sec - Resistance test (Ohms test) for heater circuit
1:15sec - Plug identification
1:30sec - Meter hookup
1:40sec - Ohm resistance reading for heater circuit
2:15sec - GE refrigerator adaptive defrost information
2:40sec - Defrost components needed for proper defrost
3:20sec - Jumper wire / manual forced defrost procedure (caution: live voltage)
4:00sec - Attach jumper wire with power turned off
4:27sec - Visual inspection of heater funcation
4:45sec - Reassembly and please subscribe! : )