ApplianceGeneral Electric Refrigerator
ModelGTS22KBPBPRWW
Level of DifficultyDifficult
Time to do repair1- 2 hours
Age of Appliance5 - 10 years
Tools
Pliers
Nutdriver
No instructions came with new parts. Access to element was impossible until I accidentally discovered that the two styrofoam cushions at the ends of the coils were removable. Once removed, access to the heater and thermostat was very easy.
Unplug appliance, remove freezer shelf, cold air ducts, back of freezer, disconnect light, (My model does not have ice maker. This may also need to be disconnected.)
1.Remove styrofoam cushions at end of coils
2.Locate element between bottom two coils
3.Disconnect the male/female connections
4.Remove support clip under center of element
5.Remove element
6.Replace new element in reverse
Connecting the thermostat wires was challenging because they were somewhat behind the coils.
1.With styrofoam removed, unclip thermostat from coil
2.Carefully cut wires (leave enough to connect new wires)
3.Connect new thermostat wires (color of wires matched on my fridge)
4.Clip new thermostat in place
5.Replace styrofoam
6.Button it all up
With these steps, this job would take maybe 30 minutes; somewhat longer if your model has an icemaker.
Hope this helps.