How to Troubleshoot & Replace Ge AP2071465 / WR51X443 Defrost Heater With Thermostat (Refrigerator)

I replaced the Def. Heater W/ Tstat for $64.64 and my $1000 ref now works . 

Replaced both heaters and Tstat. 

It appeared to me that the refrigeration system was working properly as ice was forming on the freezer inner back wall. However, after a few days, the temperatures would rise and neither the freezer or the fresh food compartments were holding the correct temperatures . From this, I suspected that the coils were icing up and the flow of air over them was not sufficient to maintain the temperatures required. This led to my disassembling the freezer inner back wall. I discovered that one of the heater coils was burnt through and thus was not defrosting the coils as needed. I ordered the heater assembly and it took about 10 minutes to install the assembly. Also installed a new defrost timer although the one in the unit was probably still working properly. That took another 10 minutes! I just wanted to make sure the whole system was replaced with new components. The refrigerator is now working perfectly! 

Couldn't find the exact model #, so APP researched it for me. Ordered the part and it matched perfectly right down to the molded plug. Only took about 15 minutes and fridge is working fine. Thanks for the Help! 

I ordered a new set of defrost heaters and a defrost timer (as a spare) from AppliancePartsPros.com and the parts arrived quickly. I removed the back panel, manually defrosted the cooling coils with a hair dryer and installed the new heater assembly. The fridge section as well as the freezer are both holding temp well now. 0 degree freezer, 38 degree fridge. The hardest part of the whole repair was taking everything out of the freezer to get to the back panel. I'm lucky enough to have a free standing freezer to put the frozen foods in while I was repairing the fridge. 

Replaced defrost heaters and defrost sensor -- unplugged the old, plugged in the new -- easy! 

Called a repairman and he had to order parts. I waited 4 weeks while calling his office every week. Always the same story that the part would be received next week. I was finally told that the part order was cancelled. I got online and found appliance parts pro online. I ordered the part and it arrived the next day. I will still have my service guy install the parts even though appliance pro parts said that it was not that difficult and offered to walk me through it. The next time I have an issue I will call service pro and do it all myself with their replacement parts and expert sales and service. Definitely recommend and will use in the future. 

Replaced it with a new one. 

Repairman determined the Defrost heater was out. Repairman wanted 3 week to get the part. I have shopped many times before at AppliancePartsPros for other appliance parts. Ordered parts online had them in 3 days. Repairman installed my parts and was shocked I procured what was needed so quickly. 

Ordered defrost heater harness with thermostat, added next day ship and got my part on time!