This problem is on the top-and-bottom refrigerators (as opposed to the side-by-side). What’s going on here is that the condensate drain hole in the freezer gets plugged with ice. Once this happens, all the frost melted off the evaporator during subsequent defrost cycles can no longer drain and so spreads out on the freezer and dribbles down into the beer compartment below, as shown here (click for larger view). So, here’s whatcha do…

Unplug the refrigerator and pull everything outta the freezer, and I mean everything. Then, remove the bottom panel inside the freezer so you can see the condensate trough in the back of the freezer as shown here, click it for a larger view. Notice that the condensate trough is filled with ice– all that has to be cleared out. Take it easy back there, delicate parts are exposed– don’t start hacking at it with an ice pick because chances are you’ll just end up puncturing the evaporator and you’ll turn a simple, inexpensive repair into a majorly expensive one.

Once all the ice is cleared away and the condensate drain opening is cleared, then you’re ready to apply the fixite el permanenté, as they say down in Ol’ Mehico. Here’s the three-step repair procedure:

1. Come git you a defrost drain strap.

2. Install according to the supplied directions.

3. Pop a cold one and buy me one, too. Domo, compadre. 🙂

To learn more about your refrigerator, or to order parts, click here.

If the temperature control seems erratic in your Sub-Zero 600-series fridge, you probably need to replace both thermistors. For more info, read this topic at the kitchen appliance repair forum.

Here’s an update on this on-going lawsuit from our friends at BringGoodThingstoLife.org:

Most people across the country are unaware of the National Class Action lawsuit and Settlement Argreement pertaining to 304 models of GE defective refrigerators. Consumers are for the most part totally unaware that their GE refrigerator is included in a lawsuit. The Settlement Agreement provides for refunds for previously paid repairs, refunds to those who replaced their refrigerator at their own expense, free replacement refrigerators to those who have had three moisture related repairs and continue to have problems, and free extended warranties. GE is doing everything they can to hide this information from the public and slip this lawsuit and Settlement Agreement quietly through the court. We were able to get the deadlines for registering extended to Sept. 4, 2006. Once final approval happens in court, anyone who did not get registered in time will be forever barred from any claim against GE for losses or damages. Please do what you can to help us spread the word!

Our website has been updated with the latest information. http://www.BringGoodThingsToLife.org We do have an entire new website (much better) that will be uploaded within a day or two.

We know that there are more than 304 models affected, we know that the defects are not limited to just the Bloomingtion, Indiana factory, and we know that the defects continued into 2003 models. Defective doors appear on 2004 and 2005 models. Anyone who has a model not included in the current class action – we want to hear from. We have accumulated substantial evidence of additional models that should have been included in this lawsuit. Please help to spread the word, only 7 weeks remain for hundreds of thousands of people to get their claim forms submitted in time.

We did not initiate this class action; we more or less have been “bird dogging” it so to speak as a Boston Globe reporter put it. If you check out our site, you will get picture.

Cathy Cannivet

GE has posted a webpage on this class action lawsuit as well.

To learn more about your refrigerator, or to order parts, click here.

If you have one of those infernal GE refrigerators with the muthahboard in the back and you know how to use a multimeter to make simple electrical measurements, this tech sheet is a powerful weapon to have in your troubleshooting arsenal.

(click to enlarge)

(Courtesy of Jabko, one of the Sublime Masters of Appliantology at the Samurai Appliance Repair Forum.)

CODE INDICATION

05 Refrig. Cabinet Thermistor read open or shorted for 10+ seconds, or repeatedly read erratic temp’s

06 Refrig. Evaporator Thermistor read open or shorted for 10+ seconds, or repeatedly read erratic temp’s

07 Freezer Cabinet Thermistor read open or shorted for 10+ seconds, or repeatedly read erratic temp’s

08 Freezer Evaporator Thermistor read open or shorted for 10+ seconds, or repeatedly read erratic temp’s

20 Defrost Under-heat with No Voltage Feedback Through Gray/White Wire at Defrost Start

21 Defrost Overheat

22 No Voltage Feedback Through Gray/White Wire at Defrost Start

23 Defrost Overheat with No Voltage Feedback through Gray/White Wire at Defrost Start

24 Defrost Under-heat

30 Excessive Icemaker Water Valve Solenoid Activation (Exceeded 15 Seconds)

40 Excessive Freezer Compressor Run

50 Excessive Refrigerator Compressor Run

NOTE: If a refrigerator evaporator thermistor is faulty, the refrigerator compressor is not energized until compartment air temperature exceeds high offset by 5°F (3°C). SERVICE flashes and Error Code 06 is logged.

To learn more about your refrigerator, or to order parts, click here.

This is usually bad news in Baghdad, Budrow, ‘cuz it means you have a sealed system leak. This topic in the kitchen appliance repair forum discusses how to tell for sure and how to get it repaired under the Sub-Zero quasi-recall program.

To learn more about your refrigerator, or to order parts, click here.