How to replace defrost heater WP12049801 on a Whirlpool refrigerator

Is your Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling efficiently or plagued by excessive frost buildup? A faulty defrost heater could be the culprit causing this chilly chaos. Fear not, because we have a quick and easy fix for you—check out our step-by-step guide and watch the included video to learn how to replace the defrost heater yourself in just a few minutes!

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 heater is responsible for preventing frost buildup on the evaporator coils. Over time, the defrost heater in your refrigerator may become faulty or worn out, resulting in excessive frost buildup on the evaporator coils, causing the freezer temperature to rise and potentially affecting cooling of the fresh food section also. If you notice these symptoms, it is likely that the defrost heater needs to be replaced.

The good news is that replacing the defrost heater in a Whirlpool refrigerator is generally a straightforward and relatively quick repair. With the right tools and following the provided instructions, the entire process should take only a few minutes. Let’s get started with the step-by-step instructions!

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1RPw3tiBlI

What you’ll need

• Quarter-inch nut driver
• Needle-nose pliers
• Plastic zip tie
• Scissors or other cutting tool
• Insulated work gloves
• Replacement part (check compatibility with your model)

The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

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.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• 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.
• 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 safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 

Replacement steps

1. Before working on the appliance, make sure it’s unplugged and the circuit breakers are off to avoid the risk of injury.
2. Open the freezer door. The defrost heater is located behind the back panel inside the freezer compartment, underneath the evaporator coils.
3. Take out all the shelves and remove the ice bin. Lift up the sides of each shelf and remove them. Slide out the ice bin and the bottom shelf.
4. Remove the three top and two bottom quarter-inch screws that secure the rear evaporator panel. Once the screws are removed, lift up on the upper panel and remove the bottom panel.
5. Cut the zip tie that secures the wiring to the defrost heater. 
6. Disconnect the two plugs attached to the defrost heater. 
7. Pull the insulation on the left side out and bring the wires down.
8. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to remove the two retaining clips that hold the old defrost heater. Grab each clip with the pliers, lift it up, and remove it.
9. Use the needle-nose pliers to slightly bend open the left evaporator bracket if necessary. 
10. Slide the new defrost heater into the right side retainer. Push it down using the pliers. Make sure the clip comes over to secure it. 
11. Pull the harness through and plug it into the connectors. Use a zip tie to secure the harness, and cut off any excess.
12. Bend the bracket back into place. Install the insulation on the left side, pushing it in securely. 
13. Install the rear panel and secure it with the five screws. 
14. Place the bins and shelves back into their respective positions.
15. Pay attention to the position of the coupler at the back of the ice bucket. Turn it vertically so that it lines up. Slide the ice bucket back into place.
16. Close the freezer door. Plug the refrigerator back in and check that it’s cooling properly.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this article helped you replace the defrost heater in 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.

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.

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