Skip to Content
  • time delivery images 2 Day Quick Delivery!
  • box-refresh images 365 Day Return Policy!
  • lovely images 15 million satisfied customers
  • boxes images Over 2.1 Million Parts In Stock
  • headphone imagesFree Tech Support!
  • google images Google Trusted Store

Customer Questions and Answers for Defrost Timer Kit by Whirlpool

Best Seller
Manufacturer Part
4.89 (64)
By: Whirlpool
Part Number: OEM12740400
Manufacturer Part Number: R0131577

The Refrigerator Defrost Timer is an OEM Replacement Part designed to manage the automatic defrost system in Whirlpool freezers. Housed at the top inside of the appliance, this component shuts off the cooling system and activates the defrost heater. The timer operates at 120V 60Hz and activates for 33 minutes every 8 hours. The dial on the timer can be turned clockwise to advance it into and out of defrost.

Causes of a faulty Defrost Timer Kit can include electrical issues, mechanical wear and tear over time, or problems with the timer's internal components.

Symptoms of a bad Defrost Timer Kit include:

  • Freezer not defrosting properly, leading to excessive ice buildup
  • Refrigerator running constantly or not cooling effectively
  • Condensation or moisture issues inside the refrigerator
  • Error codes related to the defrost system

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

More
$51.30
Compare At:
$61.05
You Save:
$9.75

IN STOCK
Ships Today Guaranteed
Add to Cart

Questions & Answers

For Whirlpool Defrost Timer Kit (Part Number: OEM12740400)

1 Answer

Hello Glen, this model uses a defrost timer, defrost thermostat and a defrost heater. Using a multimeter the defrost heater can be checked for 29 ohms, the defrost thermostat is closed at 20 deg and lower, it opens at 50 deg, the defrost timer with ref running should be turning, you can usually see the internal gear turning thru a small sight window on the side of it. or hear it running, it can be manually advanced into a defrost cycle and it shoulds send 120v out to the defrost circuit on terminal 2 of the time and it should come out of defrost and back to running the compressor after about 20 min.

Read More...

1 Answer

Hello Andy, the number you gave for a model number shows as invalid. Please repost your question with the model number. so we can locate the tech information sheet on your model to assist you. As far as the no cool, check if the compressor /condenser fan motor is running.

Read More...

1 Answer

Hello William, The defrost timer R0131577 on this unit is under the refrigerator behind the kickpanel toward the right side as you face the unit.

Read More...

1 Answer

Amber, in regards to the long defrost time, if the defrost cycle allows for the defrost heater to heat for a full 30 minutes then the defrost thermostat R0161088 would be suspect. However, if the heater is not heating, but the defrost cycle is lasting for 30 minutes before any fans or the compressor turn on, then this is normal and can cause a slight rise in temperature within the compartments. If the evaporator fan is operating while the unit is in defrost mode, then there is an electrical short which would most likely be in the fan motor itself. The serial number would be necessary to identify which motor would be needed for your model. If the defrost cycle is lasting for longer than 30 minutes, then there is an issue within the defrost timer R0131577. In regards to the water not dispensing, there could be an intermittent issue in the dispenser switch 12419601, main control 12513302, or the valve WP12544101 may not have been opening properly. This can be tested by testing the water valve for 120VAC with the dispenser activated and the water filter verified as good. If the valve gets 120VAC and there is no water being dispensed, then the issue would be with the valve.

Read More...

1 Answer

Cheryl, The defrost timer will advance into the defrost cycle, after the defrost thermostat has closed, and the compressor has "accumulated" eight(8) hours of "run time" . Power to the defrost timer is supplied by the temperature control/thermostat, as long as the contacts are "closed", the compressor and fans are running the timer motor advances. When the cold control senses the selected temperature is reached, the contacts "open" and power to the compressor,fans and defrost timer is eliminated, until the temperature control calls for cooling again. Once the eight(8) hours of accumulated run time is reached, the timer will advance into the defrost cycle for 33 minutes(+/- 10 %). No the defrost cycle will not occur every eight (8) hours. Yes, this is the same operation/cycle as your "original" defrost timer. Thanks,

Read More...

1 Answer

Cheryl, the defrost timer is going to operate based on compressor run time. On this defrost timer, it will engage a defrost cycle after 8 hours of compressor run time. If the compressor is running for more than 8 hours and the timer does not advance to defrost, then yes you would have a timer issue. However, if the compressor does not run, then the timer will not advance.

Read More...

1 Answer

Curtis, You will want to remove the wall in the freezer compartment and test the defrost thermostat and defrost heater to make sure that they have continuity. If they check ok then the defrost control would be the issue. The defrost control will be part of the control board WPW10503278.

Read More...

1 Answer

Alan, Check your condenser fan for function and it should run when the compressor is running. Make sure you don't have a defrost problem,[ice forming on the back wall of freezer], dirty condenser coils.

Read More...
Rick for Model Number Amana SRD21VL

My Amana SRD21VL fridge doesn't cool. Evaporator fan doesn't run. The evaporator fan works, but there is no power to the fan. Defrost thermostat works. There is continuity through the heating element although it does not feel warm in defrost mode. The compressor and compressor fan work. Top third of coils are frozen. Turning off power to thaw out doesn't help. Simply rotating the timer solved the problem for a week, then back to the same problem. Replacing the timer did not fix. Any ideas?

1 Answer

Rick, You will want to test to see if the evaporator fan motor is getting 120 vac to it. If there is power then this will be a faulty fan motor but if no power then the issue will most likely be a faulty defrost thermostat R0161088.

Read More...

1 Answer

Camille, Presumably this is the freezer compartment ? Check the freezer and door gasket, make sure the door aligns to the front of the cabinet, the door closes properly and the door seals all the way around the opening(especially the bottom). Then you'll need to check the defrost drain, if the drain opening or defrost drain tube is clogged with ice or debris, the defrost drain water will flow out of the evaporator cover and onto the floor of the freezer, and turn into frost and/or ice.

Read More...

Have questions? Ask our pros!

Contact us in a way that is convenient for you

Call us 1-877-477-7278
Need Help? Chat with a Pro
Or ask a question by filling in the form

Share your thoughts with other customers

Ask a Question
  • boxes images Over 2.1 Million Parts In Stock
  • time delivery images 2 Day Quick Delivery!
  • box-refresh images 365 Day Return Policy!
  • headphone imagesFree Tech Support!
  • google images Google Trusted Store