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Customer Questions and Answers for Defrost Bimetal by Whirlpool

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Manufacturer Part
4.89 (64)
By: Whirlpool
Part Number: OEM18027960
Manufacturer Part Number: WP4387503

The Defrost Bimetal is an OEM part for Whirlpool refrigerators. It acts as a safety thermostat that monitors and controls the temperature during the defrost cycle. This component ensures that the defrost heater turns off when the evaporator coil reaches a specific temperature, preventing overheating and potential damage.

Causes of failure may include a malfunction due to wear and tear over time, electrical failure, or damage from moisture and ice.  

Symptoms of a bad Defrost Bimetal include:

  • The refrigerator is constantly running without cycling off
  • Frost buildup on the evaporator coils, leading to reduced cooling efficiency
  • The refrigerator or freezer compartment is too warm
  • Unusual fluctuations in refrigerator temperature

This OEM Whirlpool part is also compatible with Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper and some Kenmore models.

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Questions & Answers

For Whirlpool Defrost Bimetal (Part Number: OEM18027960)

1 Answer

Hello Alami, the defrost thermostat is attached to the evap coil tubing behind the freezer rear wall, it is part WP4387503, if needed there is a repair video listed under that part number on our website .

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Brad Harris for Model Number WRT111SFDM03

My refrigerator and top freezer stays warm and will not get cold. I have replaced start relay, run capacitor and the bi-metal defrost thermostat. The compressor turns on and runs and get warm to touch and one of the lines get cool, also the evaporator fan works but only warn air in the freezer. This unit does not have a compressor fan. I'm wondering what should be the next thing I should troubleshoot. I would appreciate any help that you can provide. Thank You, Brad Harris

1 Answer

Brad, If the compressor is running but the unit is not cooling then it would be recommended to have service on the unit as it sounds like there is a sealed system issue.

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Samuel for Model Number WSF26C2EXY02

I have this side by side. One day it stopped cooling. The compressor and the condenser fan don't start. I bypass fan separately and compressor plugged in directly and it was running well. I thought it's the relay and capacitor so I bought a 3in1. Relay combo kit. Looks like does the same as before with the old relay, makes a short kick, and doesn't want to start. Do you think can be the control border? I checked the white and red wire the once who enter the compressor and I had 0.3-0.5V on the 200V scale. Feels like it doesn't get power to fire the compressor. The funny thing is when I plugged just the compressor and fan directly was working fine. Usually how many volts I should get from control board on those white and red wire?Thanks Sam L. for Model Number WSF26C2EXY02

1 Answer

Samuel, Based on the information provided it does not sound as if you are getting the voltage from the board, the red and white wires should read 120vac if the board is in the run position.

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Sam L. for Model Number WSF26C2EXY02

I have this side by side. One day it stopped cooling. The compressor and the fan don't start. Check the fan separately and was running well. I thought it's the relay and capacitor so I bought a 3in1. Relay combo kit. Looks like does the same as before with the old relay, makes a short kick, and doesn't want to start. I did the service diagnostic mode and the only one looked different was the defrost heater/by-metal was on bimetal open. Is there something I should check other than the relay? Can it be something about the thermostat? Thanks

1 Answer

Hello Sam, The compressor, condenser fan, and the evaporator fan should all come on at the same time. The start relay has nothing to do with either fan motor. The only time I use a 3 in 1 device to see if a compressor that is not starting, will start and run with the extra kick of amperage. If anything is not running you should eliminate the wiring as a cause first then verify voltage from the board.

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John for Model Number whirlpool-gr9shkxkq00

Wondering if the range on my Defrost Thermostat is adequate for this freezer. It is marked L62-14F. It seems kind of high for limits and closing (48F). I'm pure amateur but from reading on thermostats, it seems the range is just outside the upper range of acceptable. I've replaced the thermostat in our freezer and tested with multimeter. It definitely works. However, the freezer coils still freeze over. Assumming at this point it is the actual heater and have one on the way and should be here tomorrow! Just curious though, is the temperature range on this thermostat acceptable?

1 Answer

Hello John, the defrost thermostat temp range is matched to the ref model design, the defrost heater can checked and is rated to be between 31-42 ohms, the defrost timer controls defrost cycle timing based on compressor run time.

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1 Answer

Joseph, The defrost bimetal is a possibility, but not likely, based on your post description. You most likely have a clogged or frozen defrost drain trough or drain tube. The defrost water doesn' t drain, accumulates in the trough, and overflows out the evaporator cover. You'll need to access the defrost trough in the freezer, and remove the ait tunnel cover at the back of the refrigerator ceiling. use a turkey baster, hot water and a flexible line (trombone cleaner, large-diameter trim line from a weed eater, and clear and flush the drain tube, then install the 819043 D/F Drain Heat Probe and check both doors for proper closure and seal.

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1 Answer

Kirk, the defrost bi-metal being in an open condition will certainly cause a cooling issue as it creates a defrost issue. The defrost bi-metal can be verified for failure from the main control by testing at connection P2 from the pink wire to the brown wire for continuity. If there is not continuity, then the bi-metal has failed. If there is continuity, then it is likely that the main control has failed. The defrost heater can be tested for condition by testing at connection P2 from the brown wire to the white wire at the power supply board on connection P1. The defrost heater should measure 30 ohms of resistance.

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1 Answer

Hello Johnv, check the condenser assembly is clear and the condenser fan is running. Next remove the inner rear wall of the freezer and check the frost build up on the evaporator coil. If there is a heavy build up then there is a defrost problem. If very little frost then the sealed system has a problem.

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1 Answer

Woody, For the issue of the fill tube freezing then will be a faulty water valve and the issue with the ice int he bottom under evaportoar you will want to in clean trough and install drain hea probe 819043.

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1 Answer

Rose, Unfortunately we do not have any parts for SubZero products to be able to assist with your question.

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