Maytag Refrigerator Defrost Thermostat, Sensor

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

• 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

This defrost bimetal thermostat opens and closes with temperature to protect the evaporator from overheating during defrost. It helps clear frost buildup while preventing damage, supporting stable cooling and efficient refrigerator operation.

• Monitors evaporator temperature and interrupts the defrost heater when the set limit is reached
• Helps resolve symptoms like warm fridge/freezer, heavy frost on evaporator, or long/no defrost cycles
• Can cause frequent temperature swings or compressor short cycling if failing
• Typically mounted on or near the evaporator coil in the freezer

• Disconnect power before servicing; defrost ice as needed to access the evaporator area
• Note wire locations; replace using existing connectors or approved splices
• Ensure the thermostat clips firmly to the evaporator tubing in the original location
• After install, restore power and confirm the unit enters and exits defrost normally

This defrost thermostat senses evaporator temperature to control the defrost heater. Replacing a failed thermostat restores proper defrosting, prevents overheating during the defrost cycle, and helps maintain stable cooling performance.

• Monitors evaporator coil temperature and closes to power the defrost heater during defrost
• Opens the heater circuit as the coil warms to terminate defrost and prevent overheating
• Helps clear frost from the evaporator so air can circulate between freezer and refrigerator
• Failure may present as heavy frost/ice buildup, reduced cooling in the fresh food section, the evaporator fan hitting ice, or a defrost cycle that fails to start

• Disconnect power before servicing; defrost heavy ice as needed for access
• Located on/near the evaporator coil behind the freezer's rear panel, typically clipped to tubing
• Match original clip orientation and wire routing; ensure firm thermal contact with the coil/tube
• After installation, confirm operation with a continuity check at freezer temperature or run a manual defrost test per the service manual

This thermostat regulates appliance temperature to help maintain proper heating and cycling for safe, consistent operation. It replaces a failed thermostat to restore correct temperature control and reduce unexpected shutoffs or inconsistent heat. What it does:

• Senses and opens/closes the circuit to control heating elements or compressors
• Can stop heating when the set temperature is reached to prevent overheating
• Commonly used when the appliance won't reach or maintain the correct temperature
• Helps address intermittent heating, continuous running, or overheating symptoms

• Disconnect power before servicing to avoid shock or injury
• Handle thermostat terminals carefully; ensure secure, correct wiring connections

Open(F) 47, close(F) 15, clip style - snap-on

This bimetal defrost thermostat controls the defrost cycle by sensing evaporator temperature to protect the fridge from overcooling during defrost. Replaces a failed thermostat to restore proper defrost operation and temperature control. What it does:

• Opens and closes the defrost circuit based on evaporator temperature to allow timed heater operation
• Prevents the defrost heater from running when the evaporator is already warm
• Commonly used when the freezer is frosting up or the compressor runs excessively during defrost
• Helps maintain consistent cooling by ensuring proper defrost cycles

• Disconnect power to the appliance before attempting any service
• Mount and wire in the original thermostat location; follow OEM wiring and routing for the capillary/sensor
• Inspect the defrost heater and wiring while replacing the thermostat; replace any damaged components

This clip-mount bimetal defrost thermostat senses evaporator temperature and closes to allow the heater circuit during defrost cycles, helping prevent ice buildup on the evaporator. It restores proper defrost operation when the thermostat has failed. What it does:

• Opens and closes based on evaporator temperature to control the defrost heater circuit
• Allows the defrost heater to run when ice buildup requires melting
• Common symptom: excessive frost or ice on the evaporator coils
• Common symptom: defrost cycle not activating or freezer running intermittently

• One bimetal defrost thermostat with mounting clip

• Disconnect power to the appliance before servicing to avoid shock
• Replace only when the original defrost thermostat is faulty; handle the sensing element carefully
• Ensure the thermostat is securely clipped to the evaporator tube and wiring connections are tight

This bimetal defrost thermostat monitors evaporator temperature and helps control the defrost cycle so frost doesn't build up on the evaporator. It replaces a failed thermostat to restore proper defrost operation. What it does:

• Opens or closes the defrost heater circuit based on evaporator temperature
• Prevents the heater from running when the evaporator is warm
• Helps stop excessive frost buildup that can reduce cooling performance
• Common symptom: repeated frost/ice buildup or defrost heater not cycling

• One bimetal defrost thermostat

• Disconnect power to the appliance before servicing
• Access may require removing the evaporator cover or rear panel
• Avoid crushing or bending the sensing element during installation
• After installation, verify defrost operation and wiring connections; test continuity with a multimeter according to service manual procedures