ge cafe dual evap with warm fridge only

[timb]

I have a GE CAFE side by side, dual evaporator, model CSP5UGXAFSS and developed a problem with a warm fridge (fresh food side) only, panel showing 7 deg freezer, and 47 fresh food side.  First step, cleaned condenser and verified fan is running and compressor too.  I opened up freezer and got eyes on evaporator.  lower half covered in frost and fan running.  melted fan with steam cleaner/blaster, and made sure drain line is clear, it was. left it running and watched it frost up again, seems to be getting plenty cold.  Found instructions to troubleshoot defrost and opened motherboard to test it.  heater is fine and thermostat ok too.  Checked thermistor too and resistance is within range.   So on to fresh food side... (this is a dual evaporator model, climatekeepr II, with variable speed compressor.

I opened up the fridge side and removed the shelves, etc., and there was an ice block covering the evaporator and cover, back to the motherboard to check the thermistor before melting... within range.  Used steam to melt ice block.  Lots of rust in pan so cleaned out, removed pan, pan has holes so need to replace that, found part, only $22 nice.  put back together for now.  checked fan at motherboard, voltage correct, fan running with door open for three minutes. 

but now.... no frost forming on fresh food evaporator. Surprised because this was totally solid block of ice yesterday, and now no cold on evap.???

I am stumped on why, and what to do next...  (wife is getting impatient with this problem)

 

[Scottthewolf]

Recheck your model #, it's not coming up.

[timb]

CSCP5UGXAFSS, sorry I missed a letter.

[Scottthewolf]

More than likely you have a sealed system problem. Not for the do it yourselfer.  I recommend calling GE Factory Service.   1-800-432-2737

[timb]

So is did call them, and there is no warranty on this unit beyond five years, so have to use third party repair, and pretty sure they will give me same advise... "sealed system problem, buy new fridge."

I'm confused though because the compressor is running and the freezer is getting plenty cold, and the fridge evaporator was frozen over yesterday, how can it be dead today?  I must have changed something when I was testing the motherboard or pulling the pan.

 

 

[timb]

I'm stumped on this and about to give up and buy a new fridge.  Its it wise to put money into trying to fix this one?  its it fixable by a service tech?

[Hiroshi]

You don't have to use third party repair... you just don't have a warranty anymore- you're best bet is a factory supported servicer.

When a refrigerator evaporator freezes, it is a sign of problems as a FF evap should never get below freezing (ideally)

[timb]

Thank you Hiroshi.  They told me third party when I called GE service, since I suppose that is all that is available in my area is what was mentioned.  I'm in Los Angeles, CA. 

I think the signs point to not worth repairing on this unit.  Its a shame because I have two of them, one in kitchen, one in garage, both with the same warm fridge problem now.  Its a nice model and they still looks nice and all, but just wish they would work properly.  Around $2,800 each about 8 years ago.

Is it worth trying to fix them, and how do I find some one who can do it properly for a fair price. I don't want to waste money on them if they aren't going to be operational long term.

[timb]

One more question, Hiroshi, for now anyway.  Is it a sign of problems with the sealed system, or problems with the thermistors, fan, or motherboard?

Thanks,

Tim

[Richard Demint]

On 6/29/2017 at 3:39 PM, timb said:

I have a GE CAFE side by side, dual evaporator, model CSP5UGXAFSS and developed a problem with a warm fridge (fresh food side) only, panel showing 7 deg freezer, and 47 fresh food side.  First step, cleaned condenser and verified fan is running and compressor too.  I opened up freezer and got eyes on evaporator.  lower half covered in frost and fan running.  melted fan with steam cleaner/blaster, and made sure drain line is clear, it was. left it running and watched it frost up again, seems to be getting plenty cold.  Found instructions to troubleshoot defrost and opened motherboard to test it.  heater is fine and thermostat ok too.  Checked thermistor too and resistance is within range.   So on to fresh food side... (this is a dual evaporator model, climatekeepr II, with variable speed compressor.

I opened up the fridge side and removed the shelves, etc., and there was an ice block covering the evaporator and cover, back to the motherboard to check the thermistor before melting... within range.  Used steam to melt ice block.  Lots of rust in pan so cleaned out, removed pan, pan has holes so need to replace that, found part, only $22 nice.  put back together for now.  checked fan at motherboard, voltage correct, fan running with door open for three minutes. 

but now.... no frost forming on fresh food evaporator. Surprised because this was totally solid block of ice yesterday, and now no cold on evap.???

I am stumped on why, and what to do next...  (wife is getting impatient with this problem)

 

look up frost patterns on evaps. The entire evap should be covered in frost if only half is covered you have sealed system issue. Yes it can be fixed but do you want to spend the money on it? And do you know anyone in your area that does sealed system work? Not all shops do and most try and stay away from it but yes it can be fixed.