This defrost timer will cycle for 25 minutes after every six hours of run time. The timer itself is made of plastic, and its terminals are bent, the leads are internal, and the label is orange. If you notice that your fridge is too warm, the fridge is running for a long time or is leaking, it could be due to the defrost timer becoming inactive. The defrost timer is found underneath the light cover (may need to remove lightbulb) and will need to be removed along with the air inlet assembly and housing.
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Troubleshooting
This part fixes the following symptoms:
Fridge too warm | Freezer section too warm | Freezer not defrosting | Fridge and Freezer are too warm
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Vestel
August 10, 2017
Both fridge and freezer started warming up and didn't stop, now, no cooling taking place
For model number TPX24ZPKRWH
Hi Vestel,
Thank you for your inquiry. Where the refrigerator and the freezer section are warming up, the part that will fixes this issue is the defrost timer . I hope this helps. Thank you and have a great day!
7 people found this helpful.
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Stephen
December 20, 2017
My GE monogram refrigerator stays running all the time freezer and fridge compartments are at correct temp. I ordered this part installed it and the fridge would not turn on after plugging back in waited half hour and even left freezer and fridge door open. Put old part back in now back to fridge running all the time. Any ideas or thoughts on this issue?
For model number Z1SB48DYB
Hi Stephen,
Thank you for your question. I would suggest maybe also checking your defrost thermostat as well. Usually when you are having defrosting issues it is because of either the timer or the thermostat. However you may want to also check your run capacitor and your start relay as well. Just to cover all of your bases. You would be able to test all three parts with a multi meter. I hope that helps. Good luck with your repair.
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George
February 26, 2019
Where is the defrost timer located at wrx502 GE model #tbxi9jaterad
For model number TBX19JATERAD
Hello George, Thank you for the question. The Defrost Timer is located inside the control panel there the thermostat knob is to control the temperature. Hope this helps, good luck with this repair!
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Eddie
March 17, 2018
Put defrost timer in an evaporator fan as well an plugged it in an compressor and fan are not on everything is connected correctly???
For model number GTS16GTHJRBB
Hello Eddie, Thank you for your inquiry. The defrost timer is actually located in the cold controls housing in the top of the fresh food compartment. Although we do not have a repair video for this exact part number, I have included a link for a similar GE defrost timer to assist you, and also a link for a repair video that has the cold control housing in the top of the fridge compartment as yours does. Hope this helps!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Zcdzr58kdk&list=PL3EB33F2356EAFCD4&index=9&t=0s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKYvssvclvA&list=PL3EB33F2356EAFCD4&index=72&t=0s
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Susan
August 21, 2019
Will the defrost timer fix a GE refrig. Model tfx24rma that is defrosting too many times a day.
For model number TFX24RMA
Good Day Susan. Thank you for your question in regards to your unit (Model Number TFX24RMA). Based on our research the Timer that is compatible with your unit is PartSelect Number PS310858. You may also need a Defrost Thermostat Kit (PartSelect Number PS303545) to fix your issue. Hope this helps. Best Regards.
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Welby
August 22, 2019
Defrost timer: A small screw driver slot permits some kind of adjustment of defrost timer (turn it and you hear clicks). What is being adjusted?Refrigerator section was too warm. i turned defrost timer adjustment and refrigerator began cooling normally.
after powering down to clean refrig. and freezer compartments, refrig. section no longer cools properly.
suggestions??
thanks,
welby ward
For model number GTS19QBMARWW
Hello Welby, thank you for writing. Doing such with the screw driver is opening and closing the internal contacts inside manually. The first click you hear is the compressor shutting down and the defrost heater coming on. It sounds as though the Defrost Timer in your refrigerator has become faulty and is not operating on its own anymore. This part number PS310869 is the correct replacement for your model. Good luck with your repair!
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William
July 19, 2019
Refrigerator is too cold. No control of temperature with dials. Any setting gives the same temperature which freezes contents of fridge. Freezer seems to work fine as far as i know, everything is frozen.
For model number GTL18JCPDRBS
Hello William, thank you for writing. You will want to consider replacing either the Temperature Control Thermostat part PS783760 or the Defrost Timer part PS310869 for your model. I hope this helps!
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Brandon
March 4, 2019
Having an issue where the evaporator fan is freezing with ice on the bottom of the tray. Have thawed it out, chipped away the ice multiple times, the fan still works but freezes again. There was ice on the evaporator coils as well so going to defrost them, unhook the ice/water (maybe there was a leak)? Any other suggestions? Defrost timer (not sure where it's located to test)?
For model number GE PTI22MFMARBB
Hello Brandon, First things first you need to check to make sure that your freezer is not over crowded with food blocking the airways. If that does not fix things then I would definitely check the fan, and fan motor for any physical damage. The defrost timer is located in the back, at the bottom of the fridge. Hope this helps!
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John
August 16, 2019
Our refrigerator (freezer section) generates large clumps of ice - the cubes are melted together and unusable for our patients. The freezer is currently empty (except for the ice), which may be part of the problem, but it did this before it was cleaned out. The seal is in good condition (no visible damage). Could this be defrost timer related or another issue?Thank you
For model number GTS18DCPBRWW
Hi John,
1.Check the freezer light if this is applicable. Confirm that the light turns off when you close the door.
2.Check the contents of your refrigerator and freezer to ensure it is cooling properly. Insufficient cooling can cause ice to melt and clump together.
If the freezer is not cooling properly then it is likely the defrost timer.
Thank you for your question and good luck with your repair!
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DEAN
February 14, 2019
Freezer acting up. Inside of freezer ice forming on side under icemaker. The inside roof of freezer had frost formed on it. Clicking sound can be heard occasionally and ice cream not frozen.
For model number JENNY
Hello Dean, thank you for your question. Please resubmit your question on the site with the model number of your equipment so that we can find the parts and information for you. Thank you.
Keep searches simple. Use keywords, e.g. "leaking", "pump", "broken" or "fit".
Sorry, we couldn't find any existing installation instruction that matched.
refrigerator was not cooling but the freezer worked fine.
My husband put on the defrost timer. At first I thought the part was not going to fix the problem. After about 5 hours my refrigerator was still warm. I went to work and when I got home that evening my refrigerator was cooling and down to 28 degrees. So if you replace this part wait at least 12-24 hours. Give it time to stablize. My husband says it has to go through its cycle. It works on a 24 hour timer. My refrigerator is working fine and this has saved me alot of money. My husband says, once you put on the timer you may have to use a flat screwdriver and turn the small dial clockwise one click to start it. He removed the kick grill and replaced the part. Dont forget to shut breaker off to replace this part. Turn power back on and start the timer. We are so happy that we now have a working refrigerator.
Wanda from Cabins, WV
Difficulty Level:
Really Easy
Total Repair Time:
15 - 30 mins
Tools:
Nutdriver, Screw drivers
84 of 96 peoplefound this instruction helpful.
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display showed dE
popped off front grille, removed 2 screws for bracket, then had to remove one screw for timer. unplugged old timer, reversed procedure, all works.
Nancy from Hamburg, NY
Difficulty Level:
Easy
Total Repair Time:
Less than 15 mins
Tools:
Nutdriver
73 of 114 peoplefound this instruction helpful.
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Refrigerator section would slowly warm up.
Reading other after action write-ups I diagnosed the problem to be either the defrost timer or defrost thermostat so I decided to replace both. The timer was hard to find. Turns out it was inside the kickplate grill which made it hard to demount and remount while maneuvering the wire connector around. Just took a few minutes longer than expected. The thermostat was inside the freezer compartment requiring the refrig to be off and defrosted (heavy ice buildup on the coils confirmed diagnosis). Had to cut old thermostat wires and reattach new with crimp style wire nuts (provided with thermostat). Directions said to use silicone sealant in wire nuts - NOT provided. Need to attach new thermostat on top of coils with tie wrap (not provided). Overall reasonably easy with great results. Parts arrived very fast.
The defrost timer was very easy to replace. Two screws and one electrical bracket and that was it. The defrost thermostat required the removal of the freezer shelves and rear panel. A philips for the panel screws and a slotted screw driver to wedge in-between the side and rear panel. The rear panelcame right out. The defrost thermostat is very accessible simply mounted to a metal bracket on the evaporator coil. My only problem was the new thermostat did not include instructions or a picture of a correct installation. The old thermostat did not seem it was installed correctly and it wasn't. It was simply hanging away from the evaporator coil, sort of out in space. Seeing the "V" shape on the new thermostat and metal mounting bracket configuration it was simple to see that it was suppose to fit snug against the evaporator coil. In addition to using the provided twist-on wire insolators I soldered the two electrical connections leading from the frig to the new thermostat. Reverse the above procedure and the job it finished. Now running better than new.
easy as 1.2.3 remove and replace before even thinking. just to let you know i also do this for a living but it is one of the most difficult thing when you have to stop and fix your own
HANCEL from ELMONT, NY
Difficulty Level:
Really Easy
Total Repair Time:
15 - 30 mins
Tools:
Nutdriver, Screw drivers
25 of 55 peoplefound this instruction helpful.
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refrigerator would not defrost
Look were timer was located, in my refigerator is next to the dial to ajust the temperature. used a screwdriver to get panel off. replaced timer then used a straight screwdriver to advance timer to turn on compessor . monitor temperature . checked out.
Donald from worthington, OH
Difficulty Level:
A Bit Difficult
Total Repair Time:
15 - 30 mins
Tools:
Screw drivers
20 of 22 peoplefound this instruction helpful.
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the freezer worked but the refrigerator did not cool. The freezer iced up and did not defrost.
Replaced the defrost timer . It plugged in under the cover for the lights and controls in the refrigerator area. Replaced the deforst thermosat, took the rear cover off (at the back of the freezer) , cut the two wires and relaced the thermosat using wire nuts. Total repair time 30 minutes.
Refridgerator wouldn't cycle into defrost mode without doing it manually.
I removed the shield over the timer and the part that supported the timer. Just unpluged it and pluged in new timer and put back shield. I had already replaced the defrost heaters which had totally burned up. I also replaced the thermostat while I was making the repairs although the old one was still o.k. All the information that I needed to make the repairs I obtained through your website. After looking at several websites to compare prices-etc, I found yours to be the best overall. Thanks-a-million your website is worth it's weight in Cold Food !
Ben from Warrior, AL
Difficulty Level:
Easy
Total Repair Time:
15 - 30 mins
Tools:
Screw drivers, Socket set
9 of 14 peoplefound this instruction helpful.
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Ice in freezer running down sides
This is a built-in unit. Remove the external bezel at the top of the unit. Reach through the unit and unplug the frig. On the compressor unit, you'll see a vertical metal panel. Remove the metal panel and the timer is right behind it. Remove one wire at a time and switch it to the new timer. Remove timer and replace with new one.
Just an added comment, GE Service wanted to put an "ice kit" into my unit. The full repairs would have cost $1,000. While I described how to replace the defrost timer, the problem was the tray heater. But that's another story.
P. Michael from Tustin, CA
Difficulty Level:
Easy
Total Repair Time:
15 - 30 mins
Tools:
Nutdriver, Screw drivers
8 of 9 peoplefound this instruction helpful.
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defrost system kept freezing up
took out 4 screws - lowered timer cover - replaced timer- put it back together
Keep searches simple. Use keywords, e.g. "leaking", "pump", "broken" or "fit".
Sorry, we couldn't find any existing reviews that matched. Try using some different or simpler keywords.
★★★★★
★★★★★
Alan G - August 7, 2022
Verified Purchase
Quick repair
The repair went quickly and the refrigerator is running great .
★★★★★
★★★★★
DEBRA M - May 22, 2020
Verified Purchase
Satisfied!
The part came a bit slower than I paid for, but it seems that all is moving slower with the virus scare and shutdown.
I ordered this part just in case the other part did not fix my problem since it was also a high percent that it may solve the issue I was having.
The other part solved my problem and I gave a great working fridge again. I got the parts and great video instructions from Steve for a quick, easy, much cheaper fix than a service call. Thank you!
Thank you also to, I think it was Amber, for good, helpful customer service!
★★★★★
★★★★★
Jose B - May 29, 2019
Verified Purchase
Is the right part
Really good quality part easy to install thank you so much
★★★★★
★★★★★
Mike R - March 19, 2019
Verified Purchase
Easy repair
Received part kwik enough,10 minutes job was done
★★★★★
★★★★★
Gordon S - October 11, 2018
Verified Purchase
Parts did not fix problem. Had to buy a new refrigerator?
The parts did not fix the problem. I have returned the parts and am awaiting a credit!!!
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