How to Troubleshoot & Replace Ge AP3796816 / WR50X10065 Defrost Thermostat

Replaced all temperature sensors, damper, and the thermistor (all probably were not needed but I was not exactly sure the issue, but I knew my heater, compressor, and the evaporator fan were all working correctly). 

About a month ago the freezer and fridge both started warming up. Took the back off and it was filthy and full of water. Cleaned off all the dust with vacuum and what I could not get I rolled the unit over to the garage service door and completely blew it clean with compressed air. Dried everything with a box fan. Plugged er in and she was running like a red assed monkey for about a month then started warming up same way. This time freezer was icing up badly. Figured the defrost cycle was not working so I changed the defrost heater (which was completely burned up and black). While I was in there also changed as a precautionary the control thermostat and evaporator temp sensor. There are three such temp sensors living on board this unit so I ordered two and kept the other one in abeyance for future issues. The unit is now running great. Wife is happy. Life is once again in harmony and balance!! PS. Also had ordered some other compressor related parts which I returned. Carpe Diem. 

I change the defrost thermostat and the temperature sensor. 

Returned all items 

My husband replaced the defrost thermostat and the refrigerator defrost heater and bracket assembly. 

Replaced the defrost heater and thermostat. 

Replace defrost heater, since it was defective and allowed the coils to freeze up, thus not allowing the freezer to work properly. 

The fix went ok with no problem, but if a person is not limber it will be a challenge though. 

Replace the Defrost Heater, Temperature sensor & Thermostat. I replace all 3 to be on safe side but it looks like it was just the Defrost Heater. The glass was black & I tested with with an Ohm meter and it was open. The Videos on the website were very helpful. Great company. 

Ordered a new defrost heater element, a new defrost thermostat, and two new temperature sensors. Watched some YouTube videos including the ones at Appliance Parts Pros. Bought some heat shrink butt splice adaptors. I cut out the old thermostat and sensors and spliced in the new ones. Unscrewed the defrost heater element and replaced it with a new one. Bundled up the extra wires with zip ties and reassembled the pieces of the freezer I had to remove from the inside to get to the defrost parts. The freezer is working great again. I put a thermo-hygrometer in both the freezer and fridge. I can monitor the temps and watch the graph and see the freezer go through its defrost cycle.