dH
GE Profile
Defrost Heater Overrun / Long Defrost Time
Display shows dH and refrigerator may show warm temperatures or excessive frost in freezer.
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Defrost heater stuck on, Faulty defrost thermostat not opening, Shorted defrost relay on main control board, Misreading evaporator thermistor
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Unplug the refrigerator immediately if you suspect a heater stuck on, as this can be a fire risk.
- Inspect evaporator area: Remove the freezer rear panel and check for signs of overheating, melted plastic, or strong burnt odor near the defrost heater.
- Test defrost thermostat: With the evaporator warmed to room temperature, the defrost thermostat should be open (no continuity). If it remains closed, replace it.
- Check heater resistance: Disconnect heater leads and measure resistance. A shorted heater may show abnormally low resistance or visible damage.
- Thermistor check: Ensure the evaporator thermistor is properly clipped to the coil and not damaged. Replace if corroded or reading out of spec.
- Control board evaluation: If the heater and thermostat are normal, the main control board may be keeping the heater energized too long. Replacement of the board is typically required and is best done by a professional.
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Repair Difficulty
Professional Required
5/5
Required Part
Defrost Thermostat
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