GE refrigerator PGCS1RKZASS getting warm intermittently

GE refrigerator PGCS1RKZASS getting warm intermittently

Our refrigerator is getting warm intermittently. Fridge gets warm and freezer mostly seems to stay working, although has warmed a little a couple times but we have not had to pull the food out of it yet (can’t keep perishable food in the fridge. The compressor seems to be working, as well as the fan that blows on it (fast enough that can’t really see the blades). The fan in the back middle of the freezer seems to be spinning well enough too. There are two vents on the left side of the fridge that connect to the door with the ice maker, these vents sometimes get very warm (almost hot to the touch) as well as the area around them. It seems like this is connected to how warm the fridge is getting. When it warms up, it does it pretty quickly and gets to high 60’s by morning (happens often at night). I can usually get the refrigerator working again by messing with it, but haven’t found a consistent method. Sometimes I unplug it for a bit, sometimes just using “turbo cool” for a little while seems to get it going again. I have also put it in diagnostic mode and tried reset and a few other things. I have tried the command to toggle defrost cycle, but it is difficult for me to know what the current state is. Usually some combination of these things gets it working again. I thought it was the thermistor in the fridge but it seems to read the temperature okay and the diagnostic test for those said pass for all of them. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Asked by: Guest | Views: 226

Total answers/comments: 2

Comments display order:

Guest [Entry]

"Climate, Weather and Indoor Environment

Most refrigerators are in the kitchens of air-conditioned homes. You might expect a refrigerator to be mostly unaffected by exposure to extreme shifts in temperature and humidity. However, the regional climate, weather events and your indoor activities in the kitchen can greatly influence how often your fridge needs to go through a defrosting cycle. A humid climate near bodies of water, such as the seacoast, can cause a buildup of moisture in your home that turns to frost when you let that moisture inside the freezer. A stationary front can dump record amounts of rain as well. Indoors, if you generate a lot of steam while cooking, that moisture will enter the freezer, causing frost buildup.

Automatic Defrosting Capabilities

Many modern refrigerators automatically control how often the defrost cycle takes place. A defrosting timer is very common to make sure frost removal happens on time, every time, no matter if it is necessary. However, high-tech refrigerators have sensors that can intuitively detect when there is frost buildup and then turn on the heating coils after powering down the compressor. The computer programming in these appliances is so advanced that it keeps record of the number of times you opened and closed the freezer door -- which, again, contributes to frost buildup.

The Numbers

For the refrigerators that use basic automatic defrosting technology, with a timer, the compressor turns off after cooling the refrigerator and freezer for 8 to 12 hours. The heating coils turn on and remain on for about 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the brand, model and general cubic-foot capacity (size) of your freezer compartment. Again, adaptive fridges are autonomous.

Troubleshooting

The unusual frequency of the defrosting cycle in your fridge might be the result of a defective or malfunctioning freezer. Use a wet cloth or paper towel to wipe gently around the seal on the freezer door. This action removes dust and food debris that is preventing a lock-tight seal. Use a flashlight to inspect the seal for cuts or tears. You may have to replace the seal or contact a service technician. If your fridge doesn't return to normal defrosting time cycles, you may have internal mechanical issues that need professional repairs."

Guest [Entry]

"Hi I was just having this problem on my GE and thought I’d share a likely solution. In another forum a few members were having a similar problem (hot left vent, poor ice making) and the solution was to open up the bottom of the fridge and clean the condenser fan. You need to remove a panel from the back of the unit, and use compressed air, a leaf blower, or a powerful vacuum to remove dust and debris. There should be a condenser fan under there, make sure it’s spinning freely after cleaning.

Read here for the info source, and good luck! https://forum.appliancepartspros.com/pos..."