Whirlpool refrigerator defrost thermostat W11260592 replacement

Is your Whirlpool refrigerator struggling to cool or freezing up with unwanted frost? Don’t worry—this common issue might just be a faulty defrost thermostat or wiring harness. Dive into our step-by-step guide and watch the accompanying how-to video below to tackle this simple DIY repair and restore your fridge to its optimal performance.

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Have issues with your Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling properly or noticing frost buildup in the freezer? It could be an issue with the defrost thermostat or wiring harness. This essential part helps regulate the defrost cycle to prevent ice from accumulating on the evaporator coils. Replacing this component is an easy DIY repair that will restore proper cooling function.

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.

Materials required

To complete this repair you will need:

• Quarter-inch nut driver
• Flat blade screwdriver
• Needle nose pliers
• Replacement defrost thermostat and wiring harness (Part # W11260592)

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.

Removing the freezer door

The first step is to remove the freezer door to access the interior components.

1. Use a quarter-inch nut driver to remove the two screws at the base of the door on both sides. Loosen but do not fully remove the top screws.
2. Lift the door upward and off of the top screws to detach it. Set it aside.
3. Remove the freezer basket and supports by lifting up and out.
4. Disconnect the gear assembly rod by sliding it out of the longer front gear.
5. Take out the quarter-inch screw below the drawer on each side.
6. Pull out the freezer drawer and remove the ice bin.
7. On each side, use a flat-blade screwdriver to press in the tabs and slide up the outer cover.
8. Fully detach the covers and remove the freezer drawer.
9. Remove the three-quarter-inch screws from the side rails. Detach the rails from the wall and slide them out.
10. Unplug the connector and remove the screws to detach the icemaker. Set it aside.
11. Pry off the temperature sensor cover with a flathead screwdriver.
12. Push up the tabs on the vent grille with a flathead and remove it.

Accessing the defrost thermostat and wiring

With the freezer interior exposed, you can now access the faulty defrost thermostat and wiring harness.

1. Take out the four-quarter-inch screws from the corners of the rear panel.
2. Disconnect the wire plug by pressing the tabs.
3. Slowly pull off the rear panel, being careful of the temperature sensor line.
4. Unplug the defrost thermostat connection by pressing the locking tab.
5. Use needle nose pliers to detach the double green ground wire from the heat shield.
6. Remove the two screws from the fan motor bracket and slide it off.
7. Use the pliers to detach the mounting clips and remove the old wiring harness.
8. Detach the wire terminals from the motor housing using a flathead screwdriver.

Installing the new defrost thermostat and wiring

Once the old wiring is removed, you can install the replacement part.

1. Attach the new wiring harness terminals to the motor housing.
2. Route the new harness through the opening and attach the mounting clips.
3. Position the fan motor bracket and replace the screws.
4. Reconnect all of the wire plugs to the defrost thermostat and heater.
5. Replace the green ground wire on the heat shield.
6. Feed the ice maker and temperature sensor wires through the rear panel.
7. Secure the rear panel with the four-quarter-inch screws.
8. Snap the temperature sensor cover and vent grille back into place.

Reassembling the freezer

With the new defrost thermostat and wiring installed, reassemble the freezer interior.

1. Replace the ice maker, making sure the fill tube aligns properly.
2. Install the side rails and tighten the mounting screws.
3. Insert the freezer drawer, close the rail covers, and replace the ice bin.
4. Attach the connecting rod and replace the basket supports.
5. Slide on the door and tighten the base screws.

Completing the repair

1. After all components are replaced, plug the refrigerator back in and verify proper operation. 
2. Allow several hours for temperatures to normalize.
3. Monitor the freezer and refrigerator compartments to ensure they are cooling correctly without excessive frost buildup.

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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