Ryan January 27, 2023 for Model Number 363.58261896 I have a 99 model Kenmore model 363.58261896 fridge. The ice maker stopped making ice and I found out that the evaporator coils were all frozen. When I took my old heater out, I found it was broken and the pink wire had some burn marks on it. This page said this heater is compatible so I ordered it and installed it by moving the pink wire which was down the left side over to the right side and plugged the blue wire in the back port and the pink one in the front (no need for any splicing). I plugged the fridge back in and after about 10-15 minutes, the heater came on. I then declared victory in my head and went to bed. The next morning, I opened the freezer and found that the freezer bulb for some reason wasn’t coming on. It looks like it was blown out but I’m not sure just yet. The coils were still frozen but there was a little ice made. The next evening, I made sure the new heater looked okay and reinstalled the panel to see if it would start working if I unplugged it and plugged it back in. The heater didn’t come on like it did the other day but it may have come on later in the night. This morning, I came down and felt the panel which was cold but not frozen like it was before. There was some ice made but not too much. The freezer light bulb is still not working. I’m not sure if the switch went out or the bulb yet but the light in the fridge side is still working. Could everything be fine now that the panel is on, or does it sound like I blew out something or there is a problem with the thermistor? Thanks for your help.
1 Answer Ryan, based on the information provided, it sounds like the defrost heater is working properly and that the freezer is reaching proper temperature. In regards to the light not coming on, the socket can be tested for 120VAC. If there is voltage reaching it when the door is open, the light bulb 40A15 would be the cause of failure. Read More...
Mike February 15, 2022 for Model Number GSH25JSTASS I am looking to replace the defrost heater assembly. I know the direct replacement part is WR51X10055, but I also thought GE replaced most of these single element assemblies with a double element. The only one I can find is WR51X10101. I already have a similar model and used WR51X10101 as a replacement. If memory serves me right it was too small to be mounted without some additional pieces. Is there a better solution if I am wanting to get a double element assembly?
1 Answer Mike, For the model that uses the WR51X10055 element, they did not change it to a double element. This was only a design change on the smaller elements that they had. Read More...
1 Answer Ray, For the freezer to go through the defrost cycle every 6 hours is ok. If the unit is staying in defrost too long when it defrost then check the temperature sensor on the evaporator coil and if it is good the replace the main control board. Read More...
Robin August 17, 2020 for Model Number WR51x10101 defrost heater harness Our new part the harness is on right side, our old heater has harness on left side, we can hook it up but the mounting brackets won't line up now. Any ideas Thanks
1 Answer There is a jumper wire on there, you can switch the jumper wire to the opposite end. Read More...
Steph June 20, 2020 for Model Number GSS25KGPACC Have replaced defrost heater twice within 6months. Noticed freezer fan running constantly again.
1 Answer Hello Steph, the defrost heater uses quartz tube heaters, if the control board WR55X10942C ref is not scheduling defrost cycles correctly there can be a frost /ice buld up that can crack/damage the defrost heater. Read More...
Elisha May 27, 2020 for Model Number #GSS23WSTASS Thank you for answering my earlier question. I was able to install all three parts. Thermistor / High Limit Thermostat / Defrost Heater Assembly. My question is, now that I changed the thermostat, the freezer and refrigerator are cooling back down. They were at 60 degrees. As they are cooling back down Freezer to 0 and refrigerator to 38. Will the heating system turn on during the cooling or will it turn on once it reaches the specific temperature setting. I am noticing some frost build-up on the coils. I wasn't sure if this was normal or part of the process. thank you once again for helping me out. I appreciate it.
1 Answer Elisha, having a light frost coating on the evaporator is common and indicates a properly running sealed system. The defrost system will activate depending on how many times the door is opened, how long the compressor operates, and how much time has passed. The defrost will turn on within 8 to 68 hours based on these things. Read More...
Elisha May 26, 2020 for Model Number Refrigerator Model #GSS23WSTASS My question is. How do you replace a single emement heater to a dual elemetn heater? The wires are on opposite ends the pink and blue. Then i have the simple jumper wire on the dual. Im stuck, hoping you can help. Thanks again. P.S A video of replacing a single to a double would be amazing. Just a thought.
1 Answer Elisha, When you install the heater, put the side with the jumper on the left and then use the wire that came with the part to splice to the wire that was on the left and you should be able to connect both wires to one side. Read More...
Jessica May 01, 2020 for Model Number gss22sgress I just replaced the defrost heater. The new one you guys sent had the white/yellow wiring on the right side where as my old one was on the left side. So I connected both the blue and pink wires on the left side, luckily the wires were long enough to reach (the pink one just barely), but the blue one hangs just above some copper pipe on the left side, is this okay? I checked on the freezer after being turned on for a couple of hours and can now see a reddish/orange light at the bottom of the panel and I heard what sounded like a water drip on something hot, so like the steam/hiss sound. Is all of this okay? How long will it take to freeze something? Thank you very much for your help.
1 Answer Jessica, As long as the defrost heater has come on then the wiring of it is fine. They added the extra wiring just in case you needed a little more to connect it. The orange glow you are seeing would be the defrost heater working. Give the unit 24 hours of operation to get back down to the temperatures they should be at. Read More...
Larry April 30, 2020 for Model Number TFX20JRX Trying to replace the defrost heater. The element is burnt out and broke in half. Problem I am having is the all the videos that I have watched show the wires to element real easy to just pull out. Mine does not, I have used pliers and it wont budge. Appears to have a shring wrap or something around end of wire where it attaches to the element. any advice on removing?
1 Answer Larry, For your refrigerator, we are showing the defrost heater kit would be part number WR51X442. This will come with wiring that you will want to use. Read More...
Ken Hickey February 23, 2019 Replaced the defrost heater part# WR51X10101 had to use the wire w/ female spade connector that was in the kit! I need another one of those wires w/connector as My old terminal is loose when I plug it on the heating element...What is the part# of that wire??? Thanks!
1 Answer Ken, Unfortunately the manufacturer does not list the part number for the wire and would need to get a piece of wire and a terminal for this. Read More...