This defrost thermostat senses the evaporator coil temperature and controls the defrost heater. Replacing a failed thermostat restores proper defrosting to prevent heavy frost buildup and helps your refrigerator keep consistent, reliable cooling.
- Monitors evaporator temperature to allow the defrost heater to energize and to terminate the cycle as the coil warms
- Protects against overheating in the evaporator area during defrost
- Failure symptoms include frost/ice buildup on the evaporator cover, reduced airflow, fresh food section warming, or the unit not defrosting
- Typically mounts clipped to the evaporator tubing inside the freezer
What's included: One defrost thermostat Install notes:
- Disconnect power before servicing and remove the freezer's rear panel to access the evaporator
- Transfer the clip/bracket if present and mount the new thermostat in the same location, ensuring firm metal-to-metal contact with the evaporator tubing
- Route wires away from the heater and moving parts; secure connections and reassemble panels before restoring power
- Wear cut-resistant gloves—sheet-metal edges can be sharp
Do-It-Yourself Stories from Customers like You
Clips heater and thermostat defrost was rusted and not operating Jacqueline S. • New Orleans , LA • March 15, 2015
I removed the back panel in freezer and light cover then the following: remove the rusted clips, unplug heater and replaced new heater, the thermostat defrost I unfasten, clip on replacement and connected plugs.
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