Needtoknow for Model Number Whirlpool Freezer Model Number EV201NXMQ02 Dear www.appliancepartspros.com I have a Whirlpool Freezer: Model: EV201NXMQ02 L1 Serial: EWR1463296 Refrigerator Defrost Timer Manufacturer Model: 4357124 Age: It is 6 years old. Problem: Intermittently, the food in the freezer defrosts for no apparent reason (No power interruptions, door is tightly closed, freezer temp is set correctly, etc.) For the following reasons, it appears to me that the defrost timer is intermittently malfunctioning: a. The evaporator fan does not always come back on after the defrost cycle should have had plenty of time to complete. The evaporator fan is off even though the compressor is running. 1. Often, if I do not manually advance the defrost timer, the compressor runs continuously, but the evaporator fan never comes on and everything in the freezer eventually defrosts. 2. However, if I wait for 1 to 2 hours after the glow of the defrost heater goes off (to make sure the defrost cycle has plenty of time to complete) and then manually advance the timer, the evaporator fan comes on and everything freezes fine. I am trying to determine several things: a. Am I correct in my thoughts that the defrost timer is bad?? If it is not the defrost timer, what do you think the problem is?? b. On the timer, it says it is a “12 hour timer”…does this mean that it should go through a complete defrost cycle every 12 hours?? c. There is no markings on the timer that indicates how long the defrost cycle should last. How many minutes should the defrost cycle last?? d. If it is the defrost timer that is the problem, is it better to replace it with the same OEM mechanical timer or to replace it with an electronic (no motor) type defrost timer?? If the electronic model is better, but more expensive, I don’t mind paying the extra money for a more reliable timer which provides me with more peace of mind. Thank you very much in advance. You folks provide a great service to home owners and we appreciate it.
Answer Hello! Here are the answers to your questions: A. The way you describe it, it sounds like the defrost timer, but that does not explain why the fan is not coming on. There have been some models made where the defrost thermostat has to be satisfied before the evaporator fan will kick on. B. Typically, its 12 hours of compressor run time. There are some models where it is actual 12 hr run time, with this model this is not the case. C. Typically, somewhere around 20 mins. D. We are not aware of an electronic timer that will replace the current timer that you have. You can purchase the timer WP3-81329 to see if this will correct your issue. If for any reason it does not, you have 365 days to return the part. Here is our return policy information for you to view, thanks! http://www.appliancepartspros.com/customerservice/returns.aspx Read More... Answered by AppliancePartsPros.com | Wednesday, June 8, 2011