Vjb for Model Number GSS25SGPA SS New defrost heater burned, melted gasket on left side. I recently first replaced defrost thermostat and then after that the defrost heater that I realized was burned out by looking at the smoke stained heating tube and broken wire coil inside it. The new defrost heater WR51X10055 that I put in began to smoke and melt after 1 day. I'm not sure the part was genuine GE as it only cost $18 on-line. I will now replace with a genuine GE part but do you think there could be something other than defrost heater that is the problem?
Answer Hello VJB, This sounds like a bad connection. You see, a point of high resistance, (loose connection), will build more resistance and cause more current flow. This produces heat and will burn out even a new component. When you replace the heater this time, make sure the connections on the spade connectors are tight and use either some grease or petroleum jelly on the connections to repel moisture, which will contribute to the situation. Read More... Answered by AppliancePartsPros.com | Friday, May 10, 2013