How to Troubleshoot & Replace Whirlpool AP4246797 / R0131577 Defrost Timer Kit

Replaced defrost timer and defrost thermostat. 

My freezer was working fine but the fridge section was warm. Also, there was no air flowing into the fridge section. I replaced the defrost thermostat. for this model 596.69279991. To replace the thermostat you need to open the freezer section. when you open the freezer door, you will see screws at the back. Unscrew them and take the back plate out. The defrost thermostat is on the right-hand side. After I replaced it, the fridge is working like a charm. 

Replaced the defrost timer switch. Very easy to do. The timer is located bottom front of the fridge. Two nuts to remove cover and two nuts to remove the timer. Unplug the old-timer and plug in the new timer and reverse the procedure. Walla, it works no worries!!!! 

Due to Covid 19 I could not purchase a new refrigerator due to curbside delivery only. Repair service ordered the parts privately but had major delivery issues (unsuccessful part order 2 times). Finally on the 6th day of waiting with no refrigerator use. I ordered the parts from Appliance Parts Pros for a 20-year-old refrigerator. Thank goodness they had the parts that were delivered within 2 days. Had repair service install them on the 8th day of no fridge. Feels good to have a working fridge. 

Replaced defroster timer and heater. Timer took under 10 minutes. Defroster heater took awhile because I had to use a heat gun and melt all the ice. The heater had an open circuit in the wire. A word of advice, unplug the fridge and open it a few hours before replacing the defrost heater. Save a lot of time. 

Replaced the defrost timer and thermostat. 

The two screws are too thick to work, but I used old ones. So, the job was a easy repair. Every repair part I have got from you was the best ! You supply everything needed for a easy repair. And a video for the more complex repairs. And you always have the part. I don't even look elsewhere for my parts now. 

Ordered a replacement timer. Unfortunately the two machine screws that came with it were too large in diameter to fit the holes in the timer. My current timer had two self-tapping screws which I used to mount the new timer. Other than that, the timer is doing its job and cycling the defroster properly. 

Replaced the defrost timer and thermostat. 

Parts not needed ..all { parts [ originals ] in working order ... did NOT replace new parts for " working " original parts ... apparently a broken wire .... somewhere in harness ... possibly / probably in insulation .............. NOT worth complete disassembly to find ... I will instead install a TIMER between unit and power source to AUTOMATICALLY let unit " rest " without power 1.5 hours every night ... then AUTOMATICALLY re-power up and return to WORK mode.