How to manually start defrost cycle - Samsung RS2630WW Side by Side Refrigerator

There is a defrost timer that starts the defrost cycle. If the timer is not working you will have your situation.

defrost system MUST function automatically in order fro refrigeration to function. It sounds like you have a malfunction in the defrost system. Find the time and advance into defrost cycle. If defrost cycle begins (The fridge will stop running and water will start trickling after a few minutes), replace the timer. if not, you may have defective heater or defrost thermostat.

Defrost cycles in normal conditions can last from five (5) to 25 (25) minutes, depending on variables like humidity, runs times and how often the door is opened. Defrosting the unit manually as you've done is merely a short term solution as it recurs again over time. You should find out why it is not working automatically, as intended. This could be a problem with poor air flow (fan, blower or restricted air), a bad control, or even loose connections. Forcing defrost without correcting the underlying issue will not eliminate the problem.

8145-20 is 240Volt defrost timer:
http://waterheatertimer.org/Paragon-timers-and-manuals.html#8045

You are testing the 8145-20 timer.
The timer dial should rotate continuously. Trippers on dial rotate around. When they reach the trip switch, the timer starts the defrost cycle.
Terminal 3 has power during defrost cycle.
Terminal 4 has no power during defrost cycle.
With 240Volt timer, terminals 1 and 2 and N and X test for live power to ground at all times.

The limit switch is connected to terminal X and to terminal N.
During the defrost cycle, the limit switch measures the pressure or temperature.
When pressure or temperature reaches the set point, the limit switch closes the circuit and this trips the solenoid inside timer. The solenoid turns off the timer relay, and the defrost cycle ends.
At this point the timer turns off the defrost, and sends power to the refrigeration.
Terminal 3 has no power during refrigeration cycle. (The opposite of defrost cycle).
Terminal 4 has power during refrigeration cycle.
Test these terminals for power to ground. One or the other should have power at all times, but not both.

If timer will not enter defrost cycle, make sure the X-3596 trippers are not worn down.
Disconnect the wire to terminal X and see if defrost cycle will start.
Test terminals 3 and 4 again and see if removing wire from X caused a change.

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Hi and welcome to FixYa. I am Kelly.

I note this is a 23 June question and any response I have is belated for you. The unit is most likely not properly defrosting. Inside the fresh food compartment in the overhead about 5 inches from the front center is the defrost timer. It has 2 tabs on it. Rotate that with something flat or your thumb until you hear an audible CLICK. The compressor and BOTH fans will shut off as the defrost cycle starts. After about 45 minutes the defrost cycle should self terminate and the unit should restart normally by itself. If after you manually starting the defrost cycle it does not defrost then there are other problems. Those failures can be 1. Defrost element
2. 60 Deg F bi-metal thermostat
3. Defrost circuit wiring
4. Defrost control
These are the basics but apply to your unit. Hopefully My response is not too late to be of any assistance.

Thanks for using FixYa.

Kelly

Hi.

You cannot manually initiate a defrost check on this unit because this is an automatic self defrost cycling fridge/freezer.

There is no way to start a manual defrost check. Manual defrost can be done disconnecting the power plug from main overnight. In that case check the drain pan located at the bottom of the unit before defrost is done.

If there is ice buildup on condenser coil, then defrost system is malfunctioning.

In that case the parts in the defrost system must be tested.

Here temporary link to user manual.

If that does not work, use this link.

Here link to part list and diagram.

Regards.

On this model, the push button in the center of the temperature control is for starting a manual defrost cycle.

If you see ice building up on the evaporator (the freezer section), you just push the button and the fridge will stop the cooling cycle and initiate a defrost cycle to melt the ice.

The unit will automatically start cooling after the pre-determined defrost cycle time has elapsed.

Hope you find this Very Helpful and best regards!

unplug overnight started OK

It may just be a defrost timer. Search online for information. There is plenty to be had. Check with the website of GE for a parts breakdown or your manual if you still have it for the location of the defrost timer. You can turn it manually so it goes into defrost. Does the unit seem to be running all the time and never shuts off? If so that timer could be stuck in the cool mode and the evaporator is freezing up solid so air wont flow over it to properly cool. I've had two refrigerators I've had to repair that had defrost timer problems. One stuck in the defrost cycle and wouldn't turn on to cool, the other did what you are describing. It stuck in the cool cycle and wouldn't defrost you may need to manually bypass the cooling cycle several times to allow it to completely defrost. Usually it cycles in cool from 6,8 or ten hours and only stays in defrost for over twenty minutes. That should defrost it and allow it to start cooling again. If you notice that frost has disappeared inside on the wall replace the timer.

It might be the timer motor, if it doesn't run. neither does the timer. Easily replaceable and cheap. good luck. John