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Customer Questions and Answers for Defrost Heater With Thermostat (Refrigerator) by Ge

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Manufacturer Part
4.89 (64)
By: Ge
Part Number: OEM6214404
Manufacturer Part Number: WR51X443

This defrost heater and thermostat assembly melts frost from the evaporator and shuts off at the proper temperature during the defrost cycle, restoring airflow and helping the refrigerator maintain steady, reliable cooling performance.

  • Heats the evaporator to clear frost/ice during the automatic defrost cycle
  • Thermostat opens to terminate heat once a safe temperature is reached
  • Helps restore air circulation to the fresh food section
  • Common failure signs: heavy frost on the freezer back wall/evaporator, poor cooling or warm fridge, fan noise from ice contact, little or no water in the drain pan after "defrosts"
What's included: 1 pre-assembled defrost heater with defrost thermostat Install notes:
  • Disconnect power before service; work on a fully de-energized appliance
  • Access is typically behind the freezer's rear panel; remove shelves/ice components as needed
  • Fully defrost before installing the new assembly to prevent damage and ensure proper fit
  • Reinstall in the original locations; clamp the thermostat to the evaporator tubing and route wiring exactly as factory, away from sharp edges and moving parts

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Questions & Answers

For Ge Defrost Heater With Thermostat (Refrigerator) (Part Number: OEM6214404)

1 Answer

Hello Ronnie. You can still unplug the wires from WR51X443 on the unit. However, it is best to replace the harness with the heaters. You just pull out the old wiring harness and push the new harness behind the evaporator coils. The unplug the wiring connector at the top and install the new thermostat onto the evaporator.

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Dave for Model Number TFX24PRX5WW

My existing refrigerator had a separate thermostat and defrost heater. The thermostat was in the upper section of the freezer, the heater was in the bottom section. The heater had a contact left and right which were glued on. I have mangled the plastic sheathing removing the contacts but the female attachment still is ok. So I have left and right electrical contact. They have since combined the heater and thermostat into one unit which is a WR51X443. Do I just cap the old thermostat when using the new part? I see there is a lot of cord. Where should this thermostat be placed? If there are videos on this it would be helpful. The one that exists on your site does not apply. Read more: http://forum.appliancepartspros.com/refrigerator-freezer-repair/540039-ge-refer.html#ixzz2mWxa68PN http://forum.appliancepartspros.com

1 Answer

Hello Dave, The part you are looking at WR51X443 is a good substitution for the original part. The wiring is simply tucked in the sides between the heat shield and the evaporator coil. Just make sure it is tucked in so the wiring is not pinched when the cover is re-installed.

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J Conner for Model Number TPH21PBSMAA

The lower defrost heater in my freezer/refrigerator is burned out. The replacement part number for the defrost heaters and harness given in the literature that came with the appliance is WR51X0372. On searching for the replacement I fine that WR51X433 is offered, with the comment that the manufacturer has made the change. The ...0372 heaters are mounted horizontally one above the other and have different resistances, but the ...433 heaters are to be mounted vertically on either side of the coils. It would seem the heaters have the same resistance. My question is whether the ...433 item is really the proper replacement for the ...0372. If not how do I find the correct replacement?

D. Walters for Model Number TPH21PBSMWW

The defrost heater assembly went out on my GE Profile TPH21PBSMWW so I replaced it. It worked at first. However, the freezer still ices up after one month. The defrost heater doesn't turn on on its own (I can tell because I can see the orange glow behind the cover when it does turn on), even when I manually turn the timer to the defrost position. However, if I take off the cover then un-clip the thermostat and play with it or just hold it in my hand, the heaters will then turn on. From there, I re-assemble the cover, let the coils defrost, and I'm back in business...until next month when I have to do it all over again. Any thoughts? FYI, when I get the heater working again, I can turn the timer one click and it will shut the heater off. Then I can turn the timer all the way back around and the heater will turn back on. Faulty thermostat possibly?

2 Answers

Hello D. Walters. No, the defrost timer is bad and will need to be replaced on the unit.

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D. Walters for Model Number TPH21PBSMWW

The defrost heater assembly went out on my GE Profile TPH21PBSMWW so I replaced it. It worked at first. However, the freezer still ices up after one month. The defrost heater doesn't turn on on its own (I can tell because I can see the orange glow behind the cover when it does turn on), even when I manually turn the timer to the defrost position. However, if I take off the cover then un-clip the thermostat and play with it or just hold it in my hand, the heaters will then turn on. From there, I re-assemble the cover, let the coils defrost, and I'm back in business...until next month when I have to do it all over again. Any thoughts? FYI, when I get the heater working again, I can turn the timer one click and it will shut the heater off. Then I can turn the timer all the way back around and the heater will turn back on. Faulty thermostat possibly?

2 Answers

D. Walters, Yes this issue does sound like it would be a faulty defrost thermostat if you have to play with the thermostat to get the heater to turn on.

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1 Answer

Hello James. If one of the heaters are bad on the unit, it is best to replace both heaters. That is why they sell them as a kit WR51X443. Hope this helps.

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1 Answer

Hello Albert. Yes, based on the model number you provided, WR51X443 is the correct defrost heater and thermostat assembly. Hope this helps.

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