HVAC Refrigerator repair

[NJ2017]

I'm 17 and I'm exploring many career options. I am considering HVAC, do you recommend it? How did you get into it? Should I go to a trade school to learn or a community college? Thanks, great video!

[DrZarkloff]

@NJ2017 Yes, I recommend the HVACR trade highly. I'd take up HVACR in a community college. The tuition won't be as much as a trade school. Even after you graduate don't give on the education. The continuing education is almost never ending in the HVACR trade. Also, at some point you'll want to work as an apprentice at an HVACR company. That will give you some practical experience that you can put down on your resume. Keep up the interest.

[roboboro]

thank you so much! to you and all the people that upload this things to the internet! we dont have the money to pay someone else to repair our home appliances and when i look through the internet and see all the websites and videos that people like you upload, always interested in teaching us without any compensation, I get very very happy and gratefull

[DrZarkloff]

@roboboro Thank you very much for watching.

[roboboro]

@DrZarkloff Guess what? my dad and I fixed the problem last night and is working perfect!

when we were fixing it I noticed that the evaporator fan wasn't working (strange, because I was so sure it was working before), so we noticed that the repair guy (that came to check the problem before) cut the fan cable. My dad re-attached it anyway :)

so: here's a lesson for you kids! Be carefull with the strangers that you hire to fix your stuff!!!

:D

[nasser4812163]

Frost accumulates on the evaporator and ofcourse on the evaporator cover.

My fridge is a Leonard, 35 years old; going well except for the defroster thermostat, I replaced it with a new one, unfortunately that did not fix it, next thing I replaced the heater defroster again that also did not fix it.

I do not know what should I do next, could it be the wiring connection, please advise me what should be done next.

My email is nasser4812163@yahoo.com

[DrZarkloff]

@nasser4812163 The defrost timer could be stuck, not allowing the system to go into defrost.

[habs4life41]

hey im 17 and am exploring different careers. i am thinking about taking the hvac course. is this a good career to get into? with no knowledge at all about hvac

[DrZarkloff]

@habs4life41 I think that HVAC is a great career. You don't need to have any knowledge about the trade to start learning it.

[NJ2017]

@habs4life41 same here bro!!

[airconguy1]

If the timer is accessible, you could speed up the defrosting process by advancing the timer forward, and running it through a couple of cycles

[merengueardiente]

@airconguy1 ,

WELL THAT IS THE CASE WHEN THE DEFROST TIME IS MECHANICAL, HOW ABOUT ELECTRONIC BOAD, WHERE IS NOT TIMER KNOB TO ADVANCE THE TIME IN THE TIMER

[DrZarkloff]

@davemustainee2 You'd do well on an air conditioning version of survival.

[MrMadden73]

@davemustainee2 Thats what im talking about

[russofamerica]

Good upload, thanks!

[kingdingaling6600]

I am so absolutely frustrated that i can not find the "defrost timer" on my refrigerator. I have a GE fridge GSH25JFTAWW. PLEASE help.

[DrZarkloff]

@kingdingaling6600 You might want to go to an appliance parts store. The counter help is usually very knowledgeble.

[MrMadden73]

@kingdingaling6600 You will never find it because it doesnt have one. It has adaptive defrost which controlled by the motherboard

[ziggy7770]

@kingdingaling6600 , Your refrigertor doesn't have a traditional defrost timer, it has been replace with a Control Board part # WR55X10715. Sears sells them @ $148.49. Before you change that out, check your defrost thermostat part # WR50X10065, and your heating element part # WR51X10055.

Respectfully, Garza Appliance Service. TX

[jasongoestohell123]

uncle instead of using a blower to remove the ice use hot boiling water and that will be faster especially put hot water on the accumulator, that will send the oil back to the comp

[DrZarkloff]

@jasongoestohell123 Possibly if the refrigerator has an accumulator.

[Prozackityzac]

@jasongoestohell123 dude, you'd make a mess in the customers home!

[ab9957]

When you're doing work for friends, how much do you charge?

[DrZarkloff]

@ab9957 Nothing.

[captivity]

@DrZarkloff When money is tight, appreciation can be great payment. Sigh. Wish I could pay for more things with fresh baked goods or food.

[deadeye316]

I am having the same problem. I called a repair shop they came charged me 70 to replace the defrost thermostat. Frosted back up and then 150 to replace the heating element. Same thing. Since this will be there third trip should I call some place else or complain to there supervisor.

[kdubeightyseven]

THANKS !!!!!! ALLOTT!!!! MINE WENT OUT TOO, AND NEEDED TO KNOW WHAT THE HELL IT WAS THAT I ORDERED ON LINE ...AND HOW TO INSTALL THIS PART. THANK YOU !

[DrZarkloff]

@kdubeightyseven Thanks for watching.

[rhondalawwon]

thank you so much! God Bless you for the information and taking the time. Exact problem with our 6 yr old GE!

[shinviroz]

hey, thanks for the video.

I have the same fridge, and I have the same defrost heater, but I bought this (It said that it was an upgraded form of defrost heater with dual light bulbs). The product number is AP4355467. you can google it to find images of it. i cannot post any links here.

how can I go about installing this? Do I have to melt everything? How can I tell if it's working or not without waiting a few days?

thanks again

[DrZarkloff]

@shinviroz You'll have to melt the ice to properly install the new defrost heater. You should know in just a few days if the system is going into defrost. It will ice up again if it isn't. If the defrost heater is good then you'll have to replace the main control board that has the defrost timer embedded.

[shinviroz]

@DrZarkloff my defrost is new so it should be fine. what if my thermistors are bad? i used a ohmmeter to test the J1 connecters on the motherboard, but there is no response.

[DrZarkloff]

@shinviroz The defrost thermostat will open or close depending on the temperature of the coil. If the coil is caked in ice, the defrost thermostat should be closed.

[shinviroz]

@DrZarkloff I found out that my defrost thermostat was looking bloated up, so I replaced it, and everything's back to normal! Thanks for your help

[DrZarkloff]

@shinviroz Cool

[crawhip2]

@DrZarkloff

How would you know if the heater is functioning normally and that the timer is the problem.

[DrZarkloff]

@crawhip2 Many times the defrost timer is integrated in the main control board. It's really difficult to pin point that as the main problem. That's why it's a good idea to replace both the defrost timer / main board and the defrost thermostat.

[DrZarkloff]

@crawhip2 You can ohm the heater to see if you have continuity. OL Open Line means that it's bad and anything else means that it's good.

[mikeamato100]

@DrZarkloff Ohm out the evaporaor thermistor at the plug-in on the board before replacing the board as that will cause the unit to not defrost if the thermistor fails. 98% of the time it will be a board if the heater and related wiring is OK, but that other 2% of the time a $150 part was wasted when all it needed was a $5 thermistor. This is more the case if you have the early model with the thermistor with the black epoxy fill in it.

[tonyandsonnie]

I have a mini fridge that will not get cold (older model). The compressor in the back is hot. I called an applicance repair shop and they told me it was best to trash it and buy a new one.. What do you think?

[DrZarkloff]

@tonyandsonnie I agree. Trash the old one and buy a new one.

[Khmerica26]

Hi Dr z. I have a question. I have a soda machine that isn't working properly. If I leave the unit plug overnight the soda can inside will froze so I have to unplug everytime I leave for the day. I ohm out the temperature control and is good. I am taking HVAC courses right now. So what can causes this to happen?

Thank you

[73119897312009]

great video helpful easy to fallow details THKS

got any tips on how to fix water dispenser face panel on a 10 year old G.E. refrigerator dispenses ice but tont water (the front panel wont switch to the water).

[DrZarkloff]

@73119897312009 You might want to go to an appliance parts store. Bring the model and serial number of the refrigerator. They should be able to help you get the parts you need.

[macho1ification]

Defrost heating element got it...

[bptaylor11]

How were you sure it was the heater or element instead of the defrost timer?

[Salmmin67bug]

Addendum to previous post:

They have replaced 3 thermostats and 1 heater so far. could the 1st heater been defective?

[DrZarkloff]

You'd have to ohm out the heater to see if you get continuity across the element. If you get OL (open line) then it's bad. The other possibility is that the defrost timer or board (whichever the case) could be bad.

[Salmmin67bug]

I am having a hard time with my 5 yr old maytag refrigerator. It has been giving me the same problems as described in this video . 3 different repair people have tryed to fix it up to this point and still the refrigerator does not work properly. I am usually pretty handy around the home and will never pay for this kind of stuff but I did not want to mess with my refrigerator.. I have decided to fix it myself and I will need your advise. The last repair guy wants to buy the computer?

[Salvador312]

So, How much did you charge her?

[DrZarkloff]

Nothing. She's my wife's friend.

[mgerschovsky]

hi, could you help? I reversed the refrigerator door as instructed but the weatherstripping has been crushed with the original format. How do I expand the crushed side?

[DrZarkloff]

The weather stripping is called a door gasket. You'll need to buy a new one if it has a problem.

[mhelalcaraz]

i just had mine relaced today...the technician charged me $161.12....i'll do my repairs next time...thaks for the video very helpful indeed

[dallasbluescat]

have you worked on any of the lg's or samsungs yet?

[DrZarkloff]

No I haven't.

[lagoonthunder]

Do you know how long a defrost heater lasts?  I've had to change mine twice in 5 years, which seems excessive.

[DrZarkloff]

I'd say that twice in 5 years is a bit excessive. It all depends on the luck of the draw. Sometimes you get them with factory problems.

[dallasbluescat]

ge has also replace that single element heater with a dual element heater now,it lasts longer and works better,they have a kit for that refrigerator,it comes with directions.

[DrZarkloff]

I'll have to check out the dual elements next time. Thanks.

[dallasbluescat]

i plug the drain,and use hot water and a shop vac to defrost the coil,that heat gun can ruin the bi-metal and thermister.and the water is faster.

[mberdem]

thank you very much.i have the same refrigerator with same problem. i can not wait to repair it myself. you saved me 365$. thanx again.

[DrZarkloff]

Cool.

[akouo01]

Great video Doc, I had the same refrigerator with the same problem too, also nice time lapse with the heat gun :) -Robert

[perch2120]

great job ,even I can do that now....

[MrThugBass]

Great video! My freezer looks identicle to this one, and has the same frost accumulation... But the heater element doesn't appear damaged. Can you give any advice on replacing/locating the heater element timer?

[DrZarkloff]

There is a control board that does the defrost cycle. It's located on the back side of the refrigerator cabinet. It's covered by a steel cover that can easily be removed with a screw driver.

[svkid925]

My kenmore has same problem. but I dont have the same part. there is however, a small type of sensor connected to the copper coil. Is that the defrost heating element on mine? hope you can help. Thanx

[duhbirdz1]

Wow! I'm gonna give it a try! You just may have helped me to save a lot of money that I don't have! Thank you, thank, thank you!

[DrZarkloff]

Thank you for watching.

[cdholmes2002]

Hi Dr Zarkloff, i enjoyed watching your videos and i have a question.... i am having problems with my GE Profile refrig unit... both sides of the unit isnt getting cold enough- the ice is melting and the milk is spoiling :( could this still be the defrost heater or a combination of the heater and the control board? please help- and where can i buy the parts and repair myself, any suggestions?

Thanks!

[DrZarkloff]

I'd check the defrost heater first. Then I'd check the defrost thermostat and board.

[forestryman1850]

Great Video. My Fridge is a Kenmore with top and bottom doors. Two weeks ago the fridge started to not be as cold and the freezer actually started to defrost, but it didn't completely. I tossed in a pound or two of dry ice into the fridge and freezer to keep my food good and cold. Freezer stays cold now, but the fridge isn't very cold. Could this be a defrost heater? Do I figure that out with all the frost on the evaporation system? Thanks again!

[DrZarkloff]

You'll have to defrost the evaporator and ohm the heater. If you get OL then it's bad. If you get a reading then it's good. Check to be sure that the evaporator fan runs, too. If the heater and the fan checks out to be good then you might have a bad defrost thermostat. It's usually a small thing with two wires that's clamped on the refrigerant line.

[jyurchesyn]

Great video. I have a question about the defrost coil though. If I fully defrost the coil but have a broken heater how long would you say the coil will go before it freezes up again? Thanks!!

[DrZarkloff]

You might get a couple of days out of it.

[TheFenix974]

gracias from europa

[HDXFH]

that heatgun treatment must've taken some time

[DrZarkloff]

It's easier than just waiting for it to melt. That way you don't have to worry about food spoilage.

[rolando7120]

thanx teacher!

[DrZarkloff]

Thanks for watching.

[shragakrigel]

Dear DrZarkloff

I watch almost all your video regarding air condition all amazing.

Now that I found out that you have also for refrigirator -great.

Thanks for sharing the information

[DrZarkloff]

Thanks for watching.

[goodboy405]

thank you for this video ,, may God beless you and your family

[DrZarkloff]

Thank you and God Bless you.

[Toeknee1205]

Hi DrZ,

I just bought a barley used Gss22jeta.. We set it all up and it got cold in no time. But it wont make ice.. Could we be missing a part? Or what could it be?? Water comes out the door nice.. Just no ice... Any thoughts?? Thanks

[DrZarkloff]

First make sure that the baler is down on the ice machine. If that doesn't work then you probably need a new ice machine.

[ccraig412]

I would have used a blo torch to melt ice. lol jk. haha. if you cook freon.... Ouch!

[theclockman1]

the cooling element is crooked

[mrchino4u]

IS IT DEFROST HEATER GE WR51X10055??

i have the same fridge:

the gm gss22jeta cc

and do they sell em in stores like home depo?

[DrZarkloff]

Look in the telephone book for an appliance parts store. That's your best bet. If, for some reason, you don't have an appliance parts store within a reasonable distance then you might try Johnstone Supply or Baker Distributing or any other air conditioning parts store.

[kaballon1]

sell a book dr zarkloff...IM TRYING TO BE LIKE YOU...YOU ARE THE MAN EINSTEIN HVAC!!!! IM JUST STARTING THE TRADE

[mikecismo]

HOW FIX MY REFRIGERATOR

NOT COOL

[gabes4471]

Just want to say that your a great teacher and love your videos. You should make write a book on hvac that would sell like mad.

[DrZarkloff]

Thank you for the compliment.

[SNL0907]

As always, great videos.

I'm just curious if you charge your neighbor, or just help her out, or if you give a discount on your labor.

Do they ask for help with other appliances as well? (dishwasher, disposal, washer, dryer?) Doesn't any their husbands know how to repair stuff?

[DrZarkloff]

I help out my neighbor because she's a great friend for my wife. They only pay for the materials.

[jd8]

This is enlightening and profoundly irritating at the same time. I have a Fridigaire with freezer on top. I replaced timer and thermostat, so I guess my problem is element. Yours seemed so easy to remove! Mine is embedded in the evaporator coil with two clips that won't come undone! I can barely reach them and they're so fragile. Dr. Z, how can I remove this without damaging the clips or the coil?

[DrZarkloff]

I know that it can be a real pain to undo those clips. You have to be tough with it yet be careful at the same time.

[jd8]

Thanks. I'm determined to beat this thing, but at the same time I have enough faith in my skill and luck (skluk?) that in my attempt to prevent harm to the evaporator that I'll damage the clips in the process. The tail of one has already come off. What do you suggest? Needle-nose pliers? And if they break, is there an adeqate substitute? I don't think the heater I ordered comes with clips. And thanks for the real advice on this stuff; most videos just give you a taste with no follow-up.

[DrZarkloff]

You could use a small screw driver to gently pry the clip from the heater. If the clip breaks then you might be able to find replacements at your local appliance parts store.

[handyman0325]

Hello. just wondering if you have any videos about electric furnaces? Maybe something on how the sequencers work and operate? oh yea, and your vids are very informative as always..

[DrZarkloff]

I do have a heat kit video.

[delacerdaa]

Her Dr. my cousin`s freezer makes too much ice, why is that?

Now are all refrigerators made the same like the one in the video?

[DrZarkloff]

Not all refrigerators are the same. You have to figure out where everything is on every machine.

[1serge6969]

DR. quick question whats the difference between the defrost heater and the defrost timer motor dont they both do the same thing

[DrZarkloff]

The defrost timer energises the defrost heater.

[1serge6969]

nice DR will check mine today I have the tools thanks!!!!

[BADHABITTZ]

i would of poured HOT water on that shit...

[DrZarkloff]

I had to remove the panel to thaw the evaporator then I was able to ohm the heater.

[DrZarkloff]

I ohmed the defrost heater and found it to be open.

[dkstyle702]

is this the same problem if the freezer is not working?? good video

[DrZarkloff]

It all depends on if the evaporator coil is iced up or not.

[ggthangdcgt]

i got the same fridge, my freezer works but the fridge doesnt get cold. could that be the problem????? just curious

[DrZarkloff]

Yes. Check to see if the evaporator coil in the freezer is iced up. If it is then you probably just need a defrost heater.

[Wecamefromthestars81]

Tell those kids to SHUT UP! lol

[luke8119]

do all fridges/freezers have that inside access panel or on some do you have to fix from behind side

[DrZarkloff]

Some are inside and some are outside.

[TRACTMINISTRY]

just learned alot, thanks,could you do a vid on repair of reach in freezer,thanks again dr.z.

[PEALJETSAPPLE]

Nice lesson. I'm in my junior year of tech school for HVAC/R and your vids are helpful. Good work.

[DrZarkloff]

Thanks for watching.

[silyhas]

hey great stuff mr.Z.

im in my last quoter for hvac skool, but i realize people rather pay for refrigeration, so if u can throw some REFRIG in tha mix plz.

thank you.

[DrZarkloff]

Thanks for watching.

[tlewis7777]

You're such a good neighbor!  Thanks for the video.

[DrZarkloff]

Thanks for watching.

[GoldRushDutch]

When I started working on GE's they used to use orange wire for the ground. ORANGE WIRE! Used to drive me nuts.

[DrZarkloff]

That would be really confusing.

[caletcalet]

thanks for the lessons, you are one of the best on youtube cause you teach good things.

[DrZarkloff]

Thanks for watching.

[aznlepkham]

Where would you buy the deforst heater?

[DrZarkloff]

You can buy these parts at any appliance parts dealer.

[jimmymoss7644]

how much does that part cost?

[DrZarkloff]

It was $62. U.S.

[Releasethehoundz]

Thats pretty steep. Its probably cutting it close to the cost of the fridge overall, no?

[DrZarkloff]

$62 is really cheap. A new fridge would have cost them somewhere around $900.

[local614bro]

ive noticed the ads, whats that make you if you dont mind me asking

[DrZarkloff]

The refrigerator is a GE.

[SirZar]

haha i have the same frig and about a year ago i replaced the same part.

[DrZarkloff]

That's GE for you.

[herbertjbuchanan]

Whooo hooo domestic refrigeration!

[DrZarkloff]

Thanks

[itscool1968]

i hope you do a follow up so we can check on it:)

[itscool1968]

wow good job i hope you didnt singe any of the wires with that heat gun i have allways been leery of them due to the high heat

[DrZarkloff]

They're no problem if you keep the heat gun moving.

[bowlingballout]

We had a problem with our 5 year old refrigerator a few months back where it wouldn't get colder than about 50 degrees. I forget now what we were told but basically we were told by more than one tech that it would cost more than $500 to repair and that we should go new.

---

Nice job.

[DrZarkloff]

Typically, refrigerators are 40 degree F and Freezers are 0 degrees F. It's okay if these temperatures go down a few degrees lower as long ast the milk doesn't freeze.

[V8Jagnut]

lol. puting a heater in a Refrigerator. good job.

[DrZarkloff]

Thanks.

[jenko701]

The kids were not that loud ,and the horse sound efects made is seam like a western.Great video Jim.

[DrZarkloff]

Thanks

[Godzilla1985]

It was educational as well as entertaining!

[DrZarkloff]

Thanks.

[mechanicwarrior20]

ahh yes a blown defrost heater...

Are those heaters common to blow on fridges like those?...

[DrZarkloff]

Yes, that's a real common GE maintenance issue.

[294103]

Nice video! Quick question, why is the evaporator design like that instead of finned tube? One more thing, when are you gona put some PINK FLOYD MUSIC ON YOUR VIDEOS!?!?!?!?!?!

[DrZarkloff]

Thanks. I can't use copyrighted music on my videos, as much as I'd like to use some Pink Floyd and Brad Paisley.

[mikie2501]

Lol, proud of the parts as usual! Good video Jim, really appreciate it as ususal! :) Hope you and the family are doing well! Michael

[DrZarkloff]

Thanks.

[astranine]

Hey Doc. Great video! Thanks for sharing your skills. What does a part like that cost?

[DrZarkloff]

The defrost heater was $62. U.S.