General Electric Freezer coils frozen: Common Causes & How to Fix

Unplug the General Electric freezer - Unplug the General Electric freezer from the electrical outlet to avoid electric shock.

Remove food and shelves - Take out all food items and removable shelves from the General Electric freezer to provide easy access.

Locate thermostat - The defrost thermostat is usually located behind the back General Electric freezer wall. Consult the General Electric freezer's user manual if you can't find it.

Disconnect thermostat wires - Remove the thermostat cover and disconnect the wiring harness by pulling it off the thermostat terminals.

Unscrew thermostat - Unscrew and remove the old thermostat from the General Electric freezer wall.

Install new thermostat - Screw in the new thermostat and snap the wiring harness onto the terminals. Ensure the connections are tight.

Replace cover and shelves - Put the thermostat cover back on and return the shelves and food items to the General Electric freezer.

Plug in General Electric freezer - Plug the General Electric freezer back into the electrical outlet and check that it starts up normally.

Test operation - Allow the General Electric freezer to cool down completely, then confirm the new thermostat cycles on and off as expected during defrost cycles.

Safety Precautions:

• Prioritize safety by unplugging the General Electric freezer from the power source to prevent electrical accidents.

Prepare the Workspace:

• Empty the General Electric freezer and remove any items from inside to access the defrost timer easily.

Locate the Defrost Timer:

• The defrost timer is typically situated on the rear exterior of the General Electric freezer, often behind a protective cover or panel.

Identify Wiring Connections:

• Carefully note how the wires are connected to the defrost timer. Take a photo or make a diagram to remember the connections.

Release the Old Defrost Timer:

• The timer is usually secured with screws or clips. Remove these fasteners to release the old timer from its mounting location.

Replace with a New Defrost Timer:

• Position the new defrost timer in the same location as the old one, making sure it's properly aligned with any mounting holes or brackets.

Reconnect Wiring:

• Reattach the wires to the new defrost timer, ensuring they are connected in the same way as on the old timer.

Secure the New Timer:

• Fasten the new defrost timer in place with screws or clips.

Plug the General Electric Freezer Back In:

• Reconnect the General Electric freezer to the power source, making sure it's properly plugged in.

Test the General Electric Freezer:

• Power on the General Electric freezer and monitor the defrost cycle. Check that the new timer functions correctly, initiating defrost cycles as intended.

Final Checks:

• Confirm that the General Electric freezer maintains the desired temperature and that the defrost timer performs its function without any issues.

Safety Precautions:

• Prioritize safety by unplugging the General Electric freezer from the power source to prevent electrical accidents.

Prepare the Workspace:

• Empty the General Electric freezer and remove any items from inside to access the defrost heater assembly easily.

Locate the Defrost Heater Assembly:

• The defrost heater assembly is typically located behind the rear panel of the General Electric freezer.

Remove the Rear Panel:

• To access the defrost heater assembly, you'll need to remove the rear panel. This panel is often held in place with screws. Remove these screws and carefully take off the panel.

Identify the Defrost Heater Assembly:

• Locate the defrost heater assembly, which is a coiled wire element typically secured to the evaporator coils.

Disconnect Wiring:

• Carefully note how the wires are connected to the defrost heater assembly. Unplug or disconnect the wires, remembering their positions.

Remove the Old Heater Assembly:

• The defrost heater assembly is often held in place by clips or brackets. Carefully detach it from these securing mechanisms.

Replace with a New Defrost Heater Assembly:

• Position the new defrost heater assembly in the same location as the old one, making sure it's properly aligned and secured.

Reconnect Wiring:

• Reattach the wires to the new defrost heater assembly, ensuring they are connected in the same way as on the old assembly.

Replace the Rear Panel:

• Reattach the rear panel and secure it in place with the screws you removed earlier.

Plug the General Electric Freezer Back In:

• Reconnect the General Electric freezer to the power source, making sure it's properly plugged in.

Test the General Electric Freezer:

• Power on the General Electric freezer and monitor it to ensure the new defrost heater assembly functions correctly and prevents frost buildup.

Final Checks:

• Confirm that the General Electric freezer maintains the desired temperature and that the defrost heater assembly performs its function without any issues.

Unplug General Electric freezer - Unplug the General Electric freezer to avoid electric shock while working on it.

Remove old gasket - Use a flathead screwdriver to pry up the old gasket from the door frame. Remove any remaining adhesive residue.

Clean surface - Wipe down the General Electric freezer door frame thoroughly to remove dirt and debris. Ensure the surface is dry.

Apply adhesive - Run a bead of gasket adhesive along the door frame where the new gasket will be installed.

Install new gasket - Starting at the corner, press the new gasket firmly into place along the adhesive on the frame.

Trim excess - Use scissors to trim off any excess gasket material around the door.

Allow adhesive to dry - Let the adhesive cure fully before using the General Electric freezer, usually 24-48 hours.

Plug in General Electric freezer - Plug the General Electric freezer back in and make sure the door seals properly when closed.

Test seal - Place a piece of paper between the gasket and frame and close the door. The paper should be held firmly in place and difficult to pull out, indicating a good seal.