How to Troubleshoot & Replace Whirlpool AP4070403 / 61005988 Defrost Control Board

Thawed out the evap/heat exchanger assembly, replaced the overload/relay kit as well as the defrost control board and the fridge was back in business, everything working fine. I'm kicking myself for not ordering these parts earlier. there was a clicking sound coming from the compressor that I ignored which was a huge mistake. 

Purchased a new one. 

I purchased a defrost control board and defrost element and temperature control module for the fridge, installed all of them and now it works great. The parts were shipped quickly and they arrived in two days and they were in perfect order. 

A friend of a friend worked on the fridge a few years ago and then gave up, so it sat in my garage until I saw the video. It was clear and well explained. So, I ordered the part and completed the project in under 30 minutes. 

Replaced defrost board as suggested by Appliance Parts Pros. Replacement took about 10 minutes. Note that the fridge side cooling took 24 hours to work I assume because the main board needed to request a defrost cycle. Working great now. 

I first replaced the Defrost Heater Assembly. This took about an hour (much of the time was spent defrosting the coils with a hair dryer). When I took out the existing heating element, I found that it was corroded through. After replacing the heating element, the coils frosted over again and the buzzing sound started happening intermittently. Then I replaced the Defrost Control Board. This was a fifteen minute job with the help of Youtube videos. I haven't heard the buzzing since then and the jury is still out on whether this will fix the problem with the coils freezing over. 

Watching videos and tips from Youtube I determined that the Automatic defrost control board was bad. I also felt that the heater element could of been a problem too. So I ordered both which replaced all parts to remove frost from coils. Parts to me cost less than a service call or loss of food or getting sick. Parts ordered exactly as found and installed without trouble, (watched video before) Everything seems to be working and Refrigerator remains cold after 5 days. 

I replaced the thermostat, defroster, and defrost control board. 

This is the third time I have replaced the defrost control board in 12 years. It is known to be defective. APP has always been faster and cheaper than sears for replacement parts. Hopefully the manufacture will fix the problem in future replacement parts. 

The repairman wanted almost $400.00 ! so i got the part numbers, ordered with you ( very simple ) watched your videos (awsome vids ) and a few days later my fridge is cold ! THANK YOU