How to Replace Defrost Heater WP2263749 on a Whirlpool Refrigerator

Is your Whirlpool refrigerator leaving you out in the cold with excessive frost buildup and malfunctioning cooling? Fear not! Our quick DIY solution, complete with an easy-to-follow video guide, will show you how to replace that faulty defrost heater and restore your fridge to peak performance in no time.

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

On a Whirlpool refrigerator, the defrost heater WP2263749 is responsible for melting frost buildup in the freezer, allowing your refrigerator to cool efficiently. Common signs that indicate the need for replacement include excessive frost accumulation, or the refrigerator not cooling properly. Fortunately, with a few basic tools and some patience, you can tackle this repair yourself and get your refrigerator back in working order. So, let’s get started!

If you need any replacement parts for your appliance, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

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.

Watch here: How To: Whirlpool/KitchenAid/Maytag Refrigerator Defrost Heater WP2263749

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 injury from electric shock.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• 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 safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 
• Take pictures or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.
• 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.

Tools and materials needed

• Replacement part (make sure it’s compatible with your model before installing)
• 1/4″ nutdriver
• Pliers
• Utility knife

Replacement steps

Step 1: Disassembly and removal

1. Take out the ice bin from the ice maker to clear the area.
2. Carefully slide out the glass shelf to provide more working space.
3. Use a quarter-inch nut driver to take out the quarter-inch screw at the bottom of the ice maker.
4. Next, remove the two screws at the top of the ice maker (one on each side).
5. Support the ice maker while unscrewing; do not remove the top screw completely.
6. Lift the ice maker up and out, then set it aside.
7. Pressing the locking tab and pulling the plug apart.
8. Using a quarter-inch nut driver, take out the two quarter-inch screws from the cover panel (one in each corner).
9. Lift the cover panel to remove it.
10. Take out the ground wire clip and set it aside.
11. Use the quarter-inch nut driver to remove a couple more quarter-inch screws that secure the rear panel.
12. Lift the rear panel slightly and tilt it forward to disengage it from the bottom air tower.
13. Disconnect the light bulb connector by pulling up the tab and separating the two pieces.
14. Locate the defrost heater, which is L-shaped and positioned underneath and on the left side of the evaporator coil.
15. Pull the air ducts straight out to clear the area.
16. Remove the green ground wire attached to the heat shield on the left side of the evaporator coil.
17. Slide out the foam barrier.
18. Carefully slice off the safety tape surrounding the heater plug using a knife.
19. Disconnect the heater plug by lifting the tab and pulling it apart.
20. Gently bend the evaporator coil to expose the brackets on both sides.
21. Use needle-nose pliers to bend the tabs holding the heater in place, then carefully release the evaporator coil and remove the old defrost heater.

Step 2: Installation and reassembly

1. Position the new defrost heater in place, ensuring the tabs are secured.
2. Reconnect the heater plug and make sure it is locked in place.
3. Clip the ground wire back into place on the heat shield.
4. Use pliers or a screwdriver to carefully straighten any bent aluminum fins.
5. Slide the air ducts back into their original position.
6. Place the foam barrier back in its position.
7. Plug in the light bulb connector, then lift and install the cover panel, securing it with the quarter-inch screws.
8. Slide the ground wire clip back into place.
9. Position the rear panel back in place and secure it with the screws.
10. Plug the ice maker back in and position it under the top screw.
11. Ensure the inlet tube fits into the round cutout.
12. Secure the ice maker with the screws at the back, front, and bottom.
13. Slide the glass shelf back into place.
14. Place the ice bin back under the ice maker, ensuring the arm is in the lower position for activation.
15. Close the freezer door and plug the refrigerator back in.
16. Ensure the refrigerator is cooling properly after the repair.

Additional information

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

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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