Compressor only starts in Diagnostic Test Mode

[Jimk]

My GE Arctica side-by-side is not cooling on either side.  Model PCF25PGTA WW / Serial RL421493

The J15 output to the inverter is 5.3v during the 100% Run Time diagnostic (compressor working fine) but .33v all other times (compressor not running).  The refrigerator is currently room temperature.

An Electronic diagnostic test mode shows all thermistors passing, but the J1-1 FF evaporator thermistor resistance is much higher than the rest of the thermistors when tested on the J1 motherboard location.  I am guessing it should be replaced, howerver...

That same J1-1 FF evaporator thermistor has a unique cord design which inserts into a round hole in a cold sink block on the back of the FF evaporator.  I do not see that thermistor part on the parts assembly diagram so is it a unique part? 

I need help to determine if a WR55X10025 thermistor without the fancy cord can be used in this location. 

Or does this sounds more like a motherboard issue?

I did all of the fan tests, as well as other tests shown on other videos on your site and everything else seems to be working.  The motherboard visually looks fine with no obvious problems (burning,  capacitors, resistors, fuse, bad solder joints).

Any recommendations?  Thanks!

[Vance R]

Ge parts shows that as the substitute for older thermistor.

[Jimk]

Thanks!  I will replace the thermistor and see if this thing fires up again.

If not, will probably replace the control board.

[Jimk]

I have replaced the bad thermistor, main control board, and inverter control board.  The compressor resistance values are equal across the 3 windings.  The compressor is now running and warm but I have zero cooling.

Could it be a freon issue?  There is not a refrigerant valve in the original system so would have to add one to check system pressures.  I did have frost on the evaporator coils last week when I noticed things in the freezer were not frozen, but now I cannot get any amount of cold in the coils.

Are there other components can I check?

Thanks for any guidance on this!

 

[Vance R]

Yes it could be a sealed system issue. Rest of the easy checks are condenser clean, condenser and evaporator fan running. Any heat on discharge line going to the condenser? Presume you let it run for at least a couple of hours with doors closed to check for full frost pattern. If that was all good then it would be time to tap the system.

[Jimk]

Yes. All of the easy checks seem fine.  All fans are running normally.

The discharge line is as warm as the compressor near the compressor, but quickly turns room temperature as it moves toward the condenser.

After a 12 hour test, there was no frost on the evaporator coils.  Compressor was running.

Will tap the system and see if that is the issue next.  Thanks!

 

 

[J5*]

2 hours ago, Jimk said:

After a 12 hour test, there was no frost on the evaporator coils.  Compressor was running.

System issue plain and simple