PSC23NSWA SS GE profile fridge front panel not lighting up

[Ryan W]

Hello all,

 

Troubleshooting a PSC23NSWA SS GE profile fridge which is working fine except for the fact that the front ice/water control panel is completely dark. (fridge+freezer maintain temp fine, even makes ice)

Symptoms started when I was troubleshooting issues with water not being dispensed when trigger pressed. Was reseating connector for the front display at the door when eventually the display stopped working (might have put connector in wrong orientation once or twice, not sure if that blew out some capacitors?). Have tried various power cycles with no luck.

Used a multimeter to check voltage getting to the board, and we have voltage coming in to the input connector of the board (13.6 volts) as shown below:

 

Red(labeled “12v” on the board) -> common (black) : 13.6 V

Red -> ground (blue) : 13.6 V

White -> black: 13.6 V

White ->

Red -> White (heater) : 0V

 

When the board is connected, the 13.6 V connections drop to ~11.4 V, and others stay the same.

 

I got another (used) front control board and it exhibits the same symptoms, but this is complicated by the fact that it seems to have been slightly damaged in shipment (capacitors bent). I straightened the capacitors and there doesn’t seem to be any permanent damage, but I am not 100% sure I can trust testing results from this board.

Further reading seems to lead down a path of replacing the main control board of the fridge. I’m conflicted as to the right way to go here, either getting another front control board (since it seems to be getting voltage?) or replacing main control board in the back because I have yet to try that yet.

 

Any advice as to the best path to proceed/other things to check, ect?

 

Thanks!

 

--Ryan

[Vance R]

6 hours ago, Ryan W said:

Any advice as to the best path to proceed/other things to check, ect?

Unfortunately ge doesn't give any voltage information in the tech sheet. The red to black looks like it should be the power, blue is probably used for communications between the 2 boards. Without information it comes down the your best guess. 

[Ryan W]

Agreed with your guess as to which wire does what.

 

Going to see if we have any issue with the lower door hinge failing under load (those connectors are notoriously unreliable and this one seems flaky/was already electrical taped by previous owner). This might be responsible for the voltage drop at the board? 

If not, will have to reevaluate and figure out best next path forward. Thanks for your help!