Customer Questions and Answers for Refrigerator Temperature Control Thermostat by Whirlpool

Hello,

We need to make a few checks before we can order parts. First check to see if there is a frost build-up on the back wall of the freezer compartment. If there is, this is a defrost issue. More than likely, because of the design, I would guess the defrost heater has failed. This would be the heater harness assembly WR51X10031. This part replaces the defrost heater, the defrost thermostat, and the harness that connects them. I always remove the light lens on the fresh food side and use the defrost timer shaft to advance the unit into defrost first. Then I use a hair dryer to melt the ice away, starting at the bottom since heat rises. The unit will be in defrost from 22 to 30 minutes. Allow it to cycle all the way through defrost on its' own. This proves the defrost timer to be fully functional as far as advancing goes. Once the ice is melted away, the unit will operate normally for 5 to 7 days. This way you will have a refrigerator until you get the replacement part.

Now for the alternative. If there is no frost build-up, you will need to check several things. The fans should all be running and the compressor also. If not, remove the light lens on the fresh food side and advance the defrost timer to make sure we aren't in a defrost cycle. If not in defrost and nothing is running, the points in the defrost timer WR9X489 have burned and it will require replacement.

If the fans are running, you will need to pull the unit out from the wall and remove the cover at the bottom rear to check the compressor. You may have to place your hand on it to tell if it's running or not. If not, the start device, (start relay and overload), may have failed. If you follow the wires to the compressor, you should remove the one on top and shake it. If it rattles, the start relay is bad and will have to be replaced.

If you require further assistance, if you could include an e-mail address, we can send you some literature to guide you through the diagnostic process.