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Currently have a whirlpool gold . model:gx5shdxva00 . Not sure the age because it came with the house but I would say 5-8 years old. On going issue for about a year more so in the the summer. Coils continue to get frosted over. I’ve changed the defrost thermostat, defrost heater works fine, my only options left I would assume are the defrost timer. When I force the fridge in defrost mode it melts the frost but doesn’t not do it regularly. Any ideas???
Solution 1: The Evaporator Coils are Frosted Over The defrost heater assembly turns on a few times throughout the day to melt away any frost that may have accumulated on the evaporator coils. If the defrost heater assembly is defective, frost will continue to accumulate on the evaporator coils, and the coils will become plugged with frost. If the evaporator coils are frosted over, the airflow through the coils will be restricted, causing the refrigerator not to cool. Check the evaporator coils to determine if they are frosted over. If the evaporator coils are frosted over, test each component of the defrost system. Solution 2: Evaporator Fan Motor The evaporator fan motor draws cold air over the evaporator coils and circulates it throughout the freezer. If the evaporator fan is not working, the freezer or refrigerator will not cool adequately…. Solution 3: Defrost Thermostat The defrost thermostat monitors the temperature of the evaporator coils. When the coils drop below a set temperature, the thermostat contacts close to allow power to flow to the defrost heater during the defrost cycle. In the defrost cycle, the defrost heater melts any frost that may have accumulated on the evaporator coils. If the defrost thermostat is defective, the thermostat contacts will not close. As a result, the thermostat won’t provide power to the defrost heater. To determine if the defrost thermostat is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the defrost thermostat does not have continuity when it reaches the low temperature of its operating range, replace it.
Hey Carlos. Your model frig doesn’t use the electro-mechanical defrost timer, as the defrost cycles are handled using the control board. Also, it may be worth your while to consult an owners manual for your model, as many helpful diagnostics can be performed (quite simply) by following the procedures outlined in the manual. If you’ve already ensured both the bi-metal thermostat and the defrost heater are working fine, the failure is likely with the thermistor located in the back of the freezer compartment. This part measures the evaporator temperature and signals the control board to initiate a defrost cycle. When it’s integrity fails it also can effect damper operation allowing the flow of air between the freezer and the frig compartment, as well. Thermistors can be tested for continuity using a multi-meter. Replacement parts are available as kits, usually, with the new thermistor (equipped with it’s two wire leads) and two connectors. Replacing the thermistor requires cutting the wires attached to the old thermistor and connecting these wires with the wires on the new replacement part. Hope this might help.
