How to replace GE refrigerator defrost thermostat WR50X10108

Is your GE refrigerator on the fritz and refusing to stay cool? A faulty defrost thermostat might be to blame, but don’t fret—this step-by-step guide will show you how to replace it yourself in just about an hour. Watch the accompanying how-to video below and restore your fridge’s icy touch in no time!

If your GE refrigerator isn’t cooling properly or the temperature is fluctuating, the issue could be a faulty defrost thermostat. This part monitors the defrost heater and prevents it from overheating. When the defrost thermostat fails, frost can build up on the evaporator coils and cause temperature issues. 

The good news: You can swap out the defrost thermostat yourself in just about an hour.

You can find a replacement defrost thermostat here. If you need other replacement parts for your GE refrigerator, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find them. It’s that easy! Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of guides to show you how to install your new parts.

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

Watch the full repair here

What you need

• New defrost thermostat (make sure it’s compatible with your model before installing)
• 1/4-inch nut driver
• Wire stripper
• Putty knife
• Side cutters
• Heat gun
• Zip tie
• Heat shrink sleeves
• Connectors 

Disclaimer: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

READ MORE: Refrigerator Not Defrosting: Top 6 Reasons & How to Fix

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it. 
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.

How to replace the defrost thermostat

Follow these steps to swap out the defrost thermostat in your GE refrigerator.

Step 1: Access the fridge interior

1. Unplug the fridge from the power outlet.
2. Open the French doors, then pull out each crisper drawer by lifting the front slightly and sliding them out.
3. Lift the front end of each refrigerator shelf and carefully slide them out.
4. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the two screws that hold the clear plastic deli drawer cover in place. 
5. Lift the front of the deli drawer cover and disconnect the wiring plug by pressing down on the locking tab. Set the cover aside.
6. Open the drawer a few inches, then lift it and take it out.
7. Use a nut driver to detach the screw securing the left side shelf/support bracket. Pull it forward to detach it from the mounting pin.

READ MORE: How To Deep Clean Your Refrigerator

Step 2: Access the evaporator coil housing

1. Use a putty knife to gently pry off the control box cover on the left wall. Press on the locking tab to detach it.
2. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to take out the five screws holding the evaporator cover panel in place. Press the putty knife into the side tab to detach it, then lift and slide out the panel.
3. Squeeze the locking tabs on the wiring plug and pull it free. 
4. Lift out the evaporator cover.

Step 3: Replace the thermostat

1. Carefully use side cutters to clip off the zip tie that bundles the thermostat wires together. Watch out for any wires that fall into the defrost drain pan.
2. Detach the thermostat’s wiring plug by squeezing the tabs and pulling. Grasp and wiggle the thermostat free from the copper evaporator tubing.
3. Use wire strippers to cut the two wires coming from the coil housing and leave enough length to splice. Strip away about 1/4-inch of insulation from each wire end.
4. Slide the heat shrink tubing over the new thermostat’s wire ends. Use butt connectors to join the housing wires to the new wires. 
5. Carefully apply heat to seal the insulation. Pay close attention to avoid melting the liner.
6. Carefully press the new defrost thermostat onto the evaporator tubing. Make sure the defrost thermostat faces away from the coil. 
7. Reconnect the wiring plug.

READ MORE: Why Is My Refrigerator Not Cooling?

Step 4: Reassemble the refrigerator

1. Reinstall the evaporator cover panel and plug in the wiring connector. Make sure the tabs click into place.
2. Use the 1/4-inch nut driver to rethread and tighten the five screws.
3. Replace the deli drawer, shelves, crisper drawer support and crisper drawers. 
4. Plug the refrigerator back in. Give it time to cool down, then use an independent thermometer to check the internal temperature.

READ MORE: How To Keep Food Fresh When Your Refrigerator Fails

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this article helped you replace the defrost thermostat in your GE refrigerator. 

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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