How to replace defrost heater MEE62225101 in an LG freezer

Is your LG freezer turning into an unintentional ice kingdom? Don’t fret! A frosty freezer is often the result of a faulty defrost heater, and replacing it is simpler than you might think. Follow our step-by-step guide and watch the included video below to see how you can tackle this repair yourself and save on costly technician fees.

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So your LG freezer’s frosting up like a snowstorm? Don’t stress—it’s likely just the defrost heater acting up. We’ll show you exactly how to replace the MEE62225101 defrost heater, step-by-step. It’s easier than it sounds, and you’ll save a bunch by doing it yourself. Let’s get into it!

Watch the full repair here!

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.

Gather the necessary tools and parts

Before starting any appliance repair, make sure to unplug the refrigerator. You’ll need the following tools:

• Phillips and flathead screwdrivers – to remove screws and pry off panels
• Needle nose pliers – for bending and manipulating metal components
• Side cutters – to clip off a zip tie
• Small zip tie – to re-secure wiring
• New defrost heater – (MEE62225101)

Safety precautions   

Safety should always be a priority when working on any appliance. Here are a few practical tips to help you stay safe:

• Turn off the power to the appliance by unplugging it or switching off the circuit breaker before starting any maintenance or repairs. This protects you from the risk of electric shock.
• Wear insulated gloves to shield your hands from sharp edges, pinching hazards, or debris.
• Work at a steady pace and take your time to avoid accidents or injuries.
• Make sure your workspace is well-lit so you can clearly see and access the parts you’re working on.
• Keep the area clear of clutter, and ensure children and pets stay out of the workspace.
• Never handle internal parts with wet hands. Check that both your hands and the work area are completely dry.
• Refer to your appliance’s user manual for any specific instructions or safety guidelines related to the part or repair.
• Handle parts gently to avoid damage to the appliance or potential injuries from applying too much force.
• Use safety glasses when dealing with chemicals, dust, or large debris to protect your eyes from harm.
• If the appliance was recently used, give it enough time to cool down before working on any heated components.
• Take photos or notes of wiring connections and terminals before disconnecting anything to make reassembly easier.
• Avoid touching exposed wires or terminals. If you must handle wires, use non-conductive tools or wear insulated gloves to minimize the risk of electrical shock.

Remove refrigerator interior components

1. Remove all contents from the freezer.
2. Take out any baskets, trays, and shelves.
3. Open both freezer and refrigerator doors fully.
4. Locate the screws securing the freezer door rails.
5. Use a phillips screwdriver to remove the screws.
6. Carefully lift up the door, sliding it off the hinges.
7. Set the freezer door aside in a safe location.
8. Now pull out the freezer drawers completely.
9. On each side, disengage the drawer rails by lifting up the plastic tabs and pushing the rails back into the freezer compartment.
10. Fully remove the sliding drawers.
11. Take out the removable freezer tray.
12. Also, remove any other loose baskets or shelves from the freezer interior. This clears space to access the back panel.

Access the defrost heater

With the freezer emptied out, we can now get to the faulty defrost heater. 

1. Remove the temperature sensor cover on the back freezer panel. 
2. Insert a flathead screwdriver into the slot and gently pry the sensor out.
3. Use the flathead screwdriver to pop off the left edge and top portion of the rear panel. 
4. Slowly pull the panel out while being careful not to damage the wiring plugs.
5. Disconnect the wiring harness plugs from the defrost heater and temperature sensor. 
6. Cut off the zip tie bundling the wires together using wire cutters.
7. Release the evaporator coils from the openings in the rear panel. 
8. Bend the mounting brackets out of the way using needle nose pliers.
9. You can now access and remove the defrost heater assembly. 
10. Pull it down and out to detach it from the evaporator housing. 
11. Slide the heater out from the coils.
12. Use pliers to remove the plastic spacer attached to the old defrost heater. This spacer will be transferred over to the new part.

Install the new defrost heater

With the old heater removed, we’re ready to install the replacement part. 

1. First, press the plastic spacer onto the middle of the new defrost heater.
2. Position the new heater into the rear panel cutouts. 
3. Slide the left side into the coils, pressing the right side into the mounting bracket. You may need to bend the brackets with pliers to fit.
4. Secure the bottom with the bent metal tab. 
5. Lift the coils and hook them back into the panel openings. This holds the heater tightly in place.
6. Reconnect the wiring harness plugs according to color coding – yellow on the left, and white on the right. 
7. Use a zip tie to bundle the wires together, snipping off any excess tail.
8. Carefully snap the rear panel back into place over the defrost heater assembly. 
9. Press along the edges to adhere the panel back to the freezer housing.
10. Plug the temperature sensor cover and wiring back into their ports.
11. Push the cover until it clicks into place.

Reassemble refrigerator interior

With the new defrost heater installed, we can now reassemble the appliance. 

1. Place the freezer door back on its hinges, inserting the bottom hinge pins first then lowering the top. 
2. Secure with the original screws.
3. Replace any shelves, baskets, or trays in the freezer compartment. 
4. Slide in the freezer drawers on their rails until they click into the locked position.

More information

Thanks for reading! If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, you can find more resources including our DIY blog at AppliancePartsPros.com. There, you can enter your model number to order the exact parts you need. Most orders arrive in two business days.

You can also reach our award-winning customer service team at 1-877-477-7278, chat with a pro on our website, and watch thousands of free video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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