How to replace Whirlpool fridge defrost heater WP2315530

Is your fridge struggling to stay cool or frosting too heavily? A faulty defrost heater could be the culprit behind these pesky issues. Fear not, because our step-by-step guide and handy how-to video are here to show you how to easily replace it and restore your refrigerator’s efficiency in no time!

A refrigerator’s defrost heater is responsible for preventing ice buildup on the evaporator coils, which helps keep your refrigerator cool. If you’re seeing excessive frost or ice formation in the freezer or experiencing inconsistent cooling in your fridge, you may need to replace the defrost heater.

You can find a replacement defrost heater WP2315530 here. If you need other replacement parts for your Whirlpool refrigerator, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find them. It’s that easy! Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Watch here: How To: Whirlpool/KitchenAid/Maytag Defrost Heater WP2315530

What you’ll need

• 1/4-inch nut driver
• Needle nose pliers
• Insulated work gloves
• Replacement defrost heater WP2315530 (make sure it’s compatible with your fridge model)

Read more: How To Find Your Appliance’s Model Number

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 you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock.
• 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.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• 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.

Read more: How to Replace a Refrigerator Defrost Thermostat

Replacement steps

Step 1 – Access the defrost heater

1. Turn off the fridge and unplug it from the power source.
2. Turn off the water supply to the fridge at the outlet.
3. Open the freezer door.
4. Lift the right side of the freezer shelf and slide the shelf to the right.
5. Lift the opposite end of the shelf and remove it.
6. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the two screws that hold the freezer floor panel in place.
7. Use the nut driver to slide out the freezer floor panel.
8. Find the ice maker inlet cover in the top left corner of the rear evaporator cover and remove the screw holding it.
9. Release the tab and disconnect the power plug from the ice maker inlet cover.
10. Remove the green ground wire.
11. Use the 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the two screws holding the rear cover panel.
12. Lift the panel up and out of the freezer.

Step 2 –  Remove the old defrost heater

1. Open the tab and disconnect the power plug of the old defrost heater.
2. Release the heater wire from the retainers around the evaporator coils.
3. Remove the two foam insulators on either side of the evaporator.
4. Use needle-nose pliers to bend the bottom locking tab and release the old defrost heater.
5. Pull the heater out of the clamp on the left to remove it.
6. Use the 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the screw and detach the drain heater clip from the old heater.

Step 3 – Install the new defrost heater

1. Install the drain heater clip onto the new defrost heater without tightening it yet.
2. Place the new defrost heater with the plug on the left side around the evaporator coil.
3. Insert the drain heater clip into the opening and snap the left side of the heater into the clip.
4. Use needle-nose pliers to close the locking tabs on all three brackets.
5. Use the nut driver to tighten the drain clip.
6. Connect the heater power plug and secure the wire into the retainer.
7. Place both foam insulators back on the sides of the evaporator between the coils.
8. Install the cover panel with the air duct first, then push it back.
9. Use the nut driver to secure the cover panel with the two screws.
10. Attach the green ground wire.
11. Plug in the ice maker power plug.
12. Place the small cover on and use the nut driver to secure it with the screw.
13. Slide the floor panel back in and secure it with the two 1/4-inch screws.
14. Slide the freezer shelf into the holes on the right side and then into the holes on the left side.
15. Close the freezer door.
16. Plug the refrigerator in and turn on the water supply.
17. Allow the fridge to run for a few hours to make sure the fan is working and blowing air into the refrigerator compartment.

Read more: Refrigerator Not Defrosting: Top 6 Reasons & How to Fix

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide 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. We can also help you troubleshoot common fridge problems here.

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