How to replace the defrost timer on a Whirlpool refrigerator

Is your Whirlpool refrigerator struggling to keep its cool? A faulty defrost timer could be the culprit, wreaking havoc on your appliance’s performance. Don’t worry—our step-by-step guide and how-to video below will walk you through the easy process of replacing it yourself, saving you both time and money.

Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!

The defrost timer on a Whirlpool refrigerator is part of the defrosting system. It controls the timing and duration of the defrost cycle, which prevents ice from accumulating on the evaporator coils in the freezer section. Over time, the defrost timer can wear out or malfunction, leading to problems with defrosting and affecting the refrigerator’s cooling.

Replacing the defrost timer is a relatively straightforward repair that you can do yourself, saving you time and money on professional service. With the right tools and a bit of patience, this repair can typically be completed within an hour or two, depending on your familiarity with appliance repairs.

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MYn-BFIycM

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

What you’ll need

• 1/4″ nutdriver
• Flathead screwdriver 
• Phillips screwdriver
• 5/16″ socket with ratchet

Safety precautions

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Don’t test wiring with a multimeter for live voltage if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short circuiting when testing. 
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 

Replacement steps

Removal 

1. Open the refrigerator door to access the control panel.
2. Remove the control panel section by unscrewing the four screws holding it in place.
3. Take off the front trim by unscrewing the two quarter-inch screws located at the back.
4. Carefully use a small screwdriver to pop out the knobs on the control panel.
5. Gently pry it off the front trim, being cautious not to break it.
6. Once the front panel is removed, unscrew the two screws to gain access to the inside.
7. Lower the control panel now that the four screws are removed.
8. Locate the defrost timer, held in place by two Phillips screws.
9. Unscrew the two Phillips screws to remove the defrost timer and disconnect the wiring harness.

Installation

1. Read the instructions provided with the new defrost timer for installation on your model.
2. Determine the version of defrost timer required (continuous run, cumulative version one, or cumulative version two) by referring to the wiring diagram.
3. Based on the version determined, connect the timer motor wire to the corresponding terminal on the new timer (terminal 1 for continuous run, terminal 2 for version one, or terminal 1 for version two).
4. Push the wire down onto the designated terminal and secure it in place by pressing it all the way down with a small flat-head screwdriver.
5. Insert the new defrost timer into the control panel housing, following any additional instructions provided (such as bending terminals, drilling holes, or using supplied screws and extra wire terminals).
6. Mount the timer using the provided screws and nuts. If the holes in the plastic are too small, you may need to screw the entire length of the screw through.
7. Tighten the screws using a 5/16 inch socket.
8. Place the control panel back together by lifting it into place and securing it with the quarter-inch screws. The screws with the big washers should go underneath.
9. Reattach the control panel by hooking it onto the bottom and sliding the grooves into the slots. Push it up until it snaps into place.
10. Install the control knobs by placing the narrow part towards the top and the wide part towards the bottom. Make sure the flat part aligns correctly and insert the knobs.
11. Turn the knobs to make sure they spin freely and set them to the desired settings for your refrigerator.
12. Plug the refrigerator back in and check that it starts to cool.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the defrost timer on your Whirlpool refrigerator. 

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

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