I have been in touch with the dealer almost daily and they have it plugged in (AC) and it is supposedly running. No failures that they have told me about and are telling me they check it twice a day. Who really knows but I choose to believe them given what I know of the dealer.
I did buy a OEM thermistor to run the check that you mentioned but won't know until we go out over Easter weekend in a couple of weeks. I still believe you're right about the blockage given what is happening. I am willing to spend $40 to see if it is the thermistor since everything else is more expensive........especially pulling the refer and installing a new cooling unit. This will be our first trip since winterizing the unit last October.
Just an FYI, it was both compartments warming up....not just the refrigerator side. The freezer always cold enough to keep ices and frozen foods but ice cream was soft.
Thanks again.......I appreciate your input.