{"id":15503,"date":"2025-04-07T10:27:44","date_gmt":"2025-04-07T17:27:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/b\/?p=15503"},"modified":"2025-08-12T08:30:27","modified_gmt":"2025-08-12T15:30:27","slug":"how-to-replace-the-defrost-heater-on-a-whirlpool-refrigerator","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/c\/how-to-replace-the-defrost-heater-on-a-whirlpool-refrigerator\/","title":{"rendered":"How to replace defrost heater WP12049801 on a Whirlpool refrigerator"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"av_textblock_section \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock  '   itemprop=\"text\" ><p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\">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\u2014check 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!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n<div  class='avia-video avia-video-16-9   av-lazyload-immediate  av-lazyload-video-embed  '   itemprop=\"video\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/VideoObject\"  data-original_url='https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=v1RPw3tiBlI' ><script type='text\/html' class='av-video-tmpl'><div class='avia-iframe-wrap'><iframe title=\"How To: Whirlpool\/KitchenAid\/Maytag Defrost Heater WP12049801\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/v1RPw3tiBlI?feature=oembed&autoplay=0&loop=0&controls=1&mute=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/script><div class='av-click-to-play-overlay'><div class=\"avia_playpause_icon\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<section class=\"av_textblock_section \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock  '   itemprop=\"text\" ><p><b>Looking for the right part?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">[search]<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n<div  class='avia-image-container  av-styling-    avia-builder-el-3  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_textblock  avia-align-center '  itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"  ><div class='avia-image-container-inner'><div class='avia-image-overlay-wrap'><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class='wp-image-15692 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-15692 avia_image' src=\"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Updated-blog-rectangle-45.jpg\" alt='' title='' height=\"500\" width=\"1600\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Updated-blog-rectangle-45.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Updated-blog-rectangle-45-300x94.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Updated-blog-rectangle-45-1030x322.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Updated-blog-rectangle-45-768x240.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Updated-blog-rectangle-45-1536x480.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Updated-blog-rectangle-45-1500x469.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Updated-blog-rectangle-45-705x220.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<section class=\"av_textblock_section \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock  '   itemprop=\"text\" ><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/whirlpool-heater-evap-wp12049801-ap6005422.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">defrost heater<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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&#8217;s get started with the step-by-step instructions!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Watch here: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=v1RPw3tiBlI\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=v1RPw3tiBlI<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What you&#8217;ll need<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quarter-inch nut driver<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Needle-nose pliers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plastic zip tie<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scissors or other cutting tool<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insulated work gloves<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Replacement part (check compatibility with your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/b\/how-to-find-your-appliances-model-number\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">model<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Safety precautions<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t test wiring with a multimeter for live voltage if you\u2019re unfamiliar with how to prevent short circuiting when testing.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take your time and don\u2019t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Replacement steps<\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before working on the appliance, make sure it&#8217;s unplugged and the circuit breakers are off to avoid the risk of injury.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Open the freezer door. The defrost heater is located behind the back panel inside the freezer compartment, underneath the evaporator coils.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cut the zip tie that secures the wiring to the defrost heater.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Disconnect the two plugs attached to the defrost heater.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pull the insulation on the left side out and bring the wires down.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use the needle-nose pliers to slightly bend open the left evaporator bracket if necessary.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pull the harness through and plug it into the connectors. Use a zip tie to secure the harness, and cut off any excess.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bend the bracket back into place. Install the insulation on the left side, pushing it in securely.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Install the rear panel and secure it with the five screws.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Place the bins and shelves back into their respective positions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Close the freezer door. Plug the refrigerator back in and check that it&#8217;s cooling properly.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additional information<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thanks for reading! We hope this article helped you replace the defrost heater in your Whirlpool refrigerator.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/\"><b>AppliancePartsPros.com<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While you\u2019re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/b\/\"><b>DIY blog<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and watch thousands of video tutorials on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@appliancepartspros\/videos\"><b>our YouTube channel<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be sure to follow us on <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/facebook.com\/appliancepartspros\"><b>Facebook<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/applpartspros\"><b>Twitter<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/instagram.com\/appliancepartspros?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==\"><b>Instagram<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to see our latest repair guides!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep Reading:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/b\/how-to-replace-a-refrigerator-defrost-thermostat-with-video\/\"><b>How to Replace a Refrigerator Defrost Thermostat<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/b\/the-inner-workings-of-refrigerators-explained\/\"><b>The inner workings of refrigerators explained<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/b\/how-to-replace-whirlpool-fridge-start-device-wpw10194431\/\"><b>How to replace Whirlpool fridge start device WPW10194431<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n<div  class='av-social-sharing-box  avia-builder-el-5  el_after_av_textblock  avia-builder-el-last  '><div class='av-share-box'><h5 class='av-share-link-description av-no-toc '>Share this entry<\/h5><ul class='av-share-box-list noLightbox'><li class='av-share-link av-social-link-facebook' ><a target=\"_blank\" 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Learn how to replace the WP12049801 heater.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":15693,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[84,11],"tags":[72,6318,6317,6319,66,6316,5995,1208,6311,6315],"class_list":["post-15503","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-appliance-repair","category-refrigerator","tag-appliance-maintenance","tag-defrost-heater-replacement","tag-defrost-heater-wp12049801","tag-refrigerator-defrost-issue","tag-refrigerator-repair","tag-replace-defrost-heater","tag-whirlpool-appliance-repair","tag-whirlpool-refrigerator","tag-whirlpool-refrigerator-issues","tag-wp12049801"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to replace defrost heater WP12049801 on a Whirlpool refrigerator - AppliancePartsPros Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If your Whirlpool refrigerator isn\u2019t defrosting properly, it could be the defrost heater. 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