How to Locate the Defrost Control on a GE Refrigerator

A General Electric (GE) refrigerator, like any refrigerator, is designed to keep food inside from being spoiled. The defrost control monitors the compressor circuit during the cooling mode and can be initiated manually if too much ice is accumulating on the back wall of the refrigerator. The control is hidden so as not to be disturbed during normal use.

Things You'll Need

• Bath towels
• Hair dryer
• Plastic putty knife

Instructions

1. Unplug the General Electric (GE) refrigerator's power cord from the wall outlet. Remove all of the food from the shelves of the refrigerated section.

2. Place towels against the bottom of the refrigerator to catch the water spills. Plug the hair dryer into an AC socket for power. Put on work gloves.

3. Play the hot air stream from the hair dryer against the back wall of the refrigerator to loosen the ice stuck there.

4. Chip at the ice with the tip of a plastic putty knife. Pull the pieces of ice off the back wall with your hands. Dispose of the ice in the kitchen sink.

5. Pull the two control knobs off the plastic shield that is against the top shelf. Grip the plastic shield and pull up on one side to loosen the hinges. Repeat this on the other side of the plastic shield. Pull the plastic shield off to reveal the defrost control. Set the control to midway between the two extremes noted on the settings. Place the plastic shield back on and return the control knobs to their original positions on the shield.

6. Wipe the interior of the refrigerator dry with bath towels. Return the food to the refrigerator and plug the power cord back into the wall outlet.

References

• GE Appliances: GE Refrigerator FAQ - Frequently Asked Questionts, Refrigerator FAQ

Resources

• Appliance411 FAQ: How Does A Frost Free Refrigerator Defrost