GE Refrigerator Defrost Thermostat (WR50X10068)

The GE Refrigerator Defrost Thermostat monitors the temperature of the evaporator coils and cuts off power to the defrost heater once the coils reach a safe temperature during the defrost cycle. It acts as a safety switch, preventing the heater from running too long and causing damage to the freezer compartment or surrounding components. The GE Refrigerator Defrost Thermostat can fail when the internal bimetal strip loses its ability to open and close reliably after years of repeated heating and cooling cycles. Corrosion, fatigue from temperature stress, or a thermostat stuck in the open or closed position are common causes that prevent the defrost cycle from completing properly. These symptoms may indicate the defrost thermostat needs to be replaced: - Thick frost or ice buildup on the back wall of the freezer compartment - Refrigerator or freezer not cooling as well as it used to - Food in the refrigerator section is warmer than expected - Evaporator coils are completely frozen over and airflow is blocked - Defrost heater does not appear to run during the defrost cycle - Ice or frost buildup that returns quickly after manually defrosting - Unusual sounds from the freezer caused by a fan struggling through ice buildup