How to Troubleshoot & Replace Whirlpool AP6007245 / WP2315530 Defrost Heater

I ordered the heating element by phone and when I promptly recieved the part I watched the installation video provided on the website and easily changed out the part. My refrigerator is over 10 years old but I am currently buying a home which will have a refrigerator in it so buying a new one at this time was not needed. Being able to purchase the part at a reasonable price and do the repair myself was great! 

Replaced timer and heater to fix both problems. Hardest step was removing the old timer, as it was held in place with one way clips instead of screws. Had to disassemble freezer to access the defrost heater, then bend more clips to replace it. Worth fixing, 21 cubic feet uses only 510 kwh per year, near modern standards, and is electrically insulated enough to run on a ground fault outlet. 

Called Appliance Parts Pros to discuss potential issues with parts that could impact the issue. Was quickly guided to video's and customer Q&A on their web page, as well as technical input from the customer service representative. Ordered the parts and installed per the video guidance on Appliance Parts Pros web site. Works perfectly now. 

Replaced the defrost bi-metal and all is well (except the ice maker still isn't working but will figure that out shortly.) Checked online and fell upon this awesome website which gave probabilities of what the problem was and how to fix it. Part arrived less than 24 hours after I ordered it, magically. Completely satisfied!! PS, the actual replacement of the part is relatively easy. Much of the 2+ hours consisted of getting the food out of the freezer, and melting the ice, removing the shields, etc. 

Replaced it 

Watched the video, attached and was simple. 

Replacement was quick and easy to y after defrosting with hair drier. It took about 2 to 3 minutes to install the new piece.