GE
Defrost System Failure
Excessive frost or ice buildup on the evaporator cover or back wall inside the wine cooler.
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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
Failed defrost heater, open defrost thermostat or sensor, defective control board defrost circuit, door gasket leak causing excess moisture
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Unplug the unit and prepare for water from melting ice.
- Manual defrost: Remove all bottles, unplug the cooler, and leave the door open until all ice melts. Use towels to absorb water.
- Inspect gasket: Check the door gasket for gaps or tears that could allow moist air in. Replace if damaged.
- Access defrost components: Remove the interior rear panel to expose the evaporator, defrost heater, and defrost thermostat/thermistor.
- Test heater: With the unit unplugged, disconnect the defrost heater and measure resistance. An open circuit indicates a failed heater that must be replaced.
- Test thermostat/sensor: Check continuity of the defrost thermostat when cold (should be closed) or measure thermistor resistance per GE specs. Replace if faulty.
- Control board: If heater and thermostat are good, the main control board may not be initiating defrost and should be replaced.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
Required Part
Defrost Heater
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