How to replace the defrost heater in a Frigidaire refrigerator

You open your Frigidaire refrigerator, expecting a rush of cold air, but instead, you’re greeted with a lukewarm welcome. This unexpected warmth in your fridge may signal an issue with the defrost heater, a critical component that prevents your appliance from turning into a miniature ice age landscape.

But don’t let this warm-up session in your fridge leave you cold. Replacing the defrost heater may be the key to bringing back the chill. Thankfully, replacing the defrost heater is an easy task that doesn’t take much time. Let’s get your fridge back to its normal self.

If you need a replacement defrost heater for your Frigidaire refrigerator, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find one.

Disclaimer: The part replacement information provided in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What you need

• 1/4-inch nut driver

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• 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 electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• 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 appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• 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.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.
• If your appliance has any parts that hold water, turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.

Replacement steps

Step 1 – Access the defrost heater

1. Open the refrigerator door and remove the shelving.
2. Remove the shelving rails on the side by taking out the ¼” screws that hold them in place.
3. Remove the 4 – ¼” screws that hold the back panel in place.

Step 2 – Remove the defrost heater

1. Find the defrost heater at the bottom of the evaporator.
2. Disconnect the wire connectors at the top of the evaporator.
3. Remove the 1/4-inch screw from just above the evaporator.
4. Pull the heat shield and evaporator out and then slide the evaporator out from the shield.
5. Release the straps at the bottom of the evaporator that hold the old heater.
6. With the straps released, gently pull the evaporator forward from the bottom.
7. When you get the evaporator out far enough, pay close attention to where the heater goes up the sides, then slide the heater out from the bottom of the evaporator.

Step 3 – Reinstall the defrost heater

1. Slide the heater back into place from the bottom of the evaporator.
2. Place the straps back around the element and lock it in place.
3. Push the evaporator back into the heat shield.
4. Gently push the heat shield and evaporator back in place.
5. Install the 1/4-inch screw that secures it to the wall.
6. Put the rear panel back in and secure it with the 4 – 1/4-inch screws.
7. Reinstall the shelf rails.
8. Reinstall the shelving and drawers.

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the defrost heater in your Frigidaire 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. We can also help you troubleshoot common fridge problems here.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to see our latest repair guides!