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Goldstar Refrigerator defrost drain clogged

If your Goldstar refrigerator has a defrost drain clogged or frozen, start by checking the evaporator fan motor—if the fan isn’t running or the blade won’t turn freely, cold air can migrate and create ice in the drain. A frozen defrost drain or a simple clog in the drain tube is the next likely cause; clear it with warm water from a turkey baster and make sure the drain tube trap and trough are free of debris. Some models use a drain strap that conducts heat from the defrost heater into the drain; if the strap is missing or out of position the drain is more apt to ice over. Also inspect any drain heater for proper placement and function. Only after testing the fan, heater, strap and drain should you suspect the main control board, since it can stop voltage to the defrost system. If you need replacement parts, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact evaporator fan, drain heater, drain strap, or control board that fits your refrigerator.

01 - Goldstar Refrigerator Fan Motor

If the refrigerator's defrost drain is clogged, it's possible the evaporator fan motor is not working. If the evaporator fan is not running, cold air from the evaporator can migrate to the defrost drain causing ice buildup in the drain. To determine if the evaporator fan motor is defective, try turning the fan blade by hand. If the fan blade does not turn freely, replace the fan motor. Additionally, if the motor is unusually noisy, replace it. Finally, if the motor does not run at all, use a multimeter to test the motor windings for continuity. If the windings do not have continuity, replace the evaporator fan motor.
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02 - Clogged or Freezing Defrost Drain

The defrost drain might be clogged or frozen. If the defrost drain is frozen, the water will overflow the drain trough and drip down to the bottom of the compartment. You can use a turkey baster and warm water to help clear out a frozen defrost drain and tube. You should also make sure the drain tube trap is clear by the drain pan.
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03 - Goldstar Refrigerator Drain Strap

Some defrost drains are outfitted with a drain strap. The drain strap is a small piece of copper or aluminum that attaches to the defrost heater and extends partway into the defrost drain. When the defrost heater turns on, heat is conducted through the drain strap to melt away any ice that may have accumulated further down in the defrost drain. If the drain strap is not in place, the defrost drain may be more likely to freeze over.
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04 - Goldstar Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor

If the refrigerator's defrost drain is clogged, it's possible the evaporator fan motor is not working. If the evaporator fan is not running, cold air from the evaporator can migrate to the defrost drain causing ice buildup in the drain. To determine if the evaporator fan motor is defective, try turning the fan blade by hand. If the fan blade does not turn freely, replace the fan motor. Additionally, if the motor is unusually noisy, replace it. Finally, if the motor does not run at all, use a multimeter to test the motor windings for continuity. If the windings do not have continuity, replace the evaporator fan motor.
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05 - Goldstar Refrigerator Drain Heater

Some refrigerators are equipped with drain heaters. Drain heaters prevent the water in the drain pan from re-freezing and clogging the defrost drain. If your drain heater is defective or is not in the proper position, the defrost drain might freeze over.
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06 - Goldstar Refrigerator Main Control Board

The main control board regulates the power supply to all of the refrigerator components, including the defrost system. If the main control board is defective, it may stop sending voltage to the defrost system which can lead to the defrost drain becoming clogged with ice. Control boards are frequently misdiagnosed—before replacing the main control, first test all of the defrost system components. If none of the defrost system components are defective, consider replacing the control board.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I clear a defrost drain that's clogged?
Where is the defrost drain located on my refrigerator?
Can a bad evaporator fan motor cause the defrost drain to clog?
My refrigerator is not defrosting. Could the main control board or drain heater be the problem?
How do I use my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement part?

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