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 Heater by Whirlpool

Best Seller
Manufacturer Part
4.89 (64)
By: Whirlpool
Part Number: OEM18022044
Manufacturer Part Number: WP2323198

The Heater is an OEM part for Whirlpool refrigerators. This part prevents frost buildup by heating the evaporator coils during the defrost cycle. This part ensures that air flows freely over the coils, improving the efficiency of the cooling system and maintaining the refrigerator at the optimal temperature. 

Causes of a bad heater can include electrical failures, such as a blown fuse or a faulty wiring connection, or physical damage to the heater element itself.  

Symptoms of a bad Heater include:

  • Frost buildup on the evaporator coils
  • The refrigerator and freezer not maintaining the desired temperatures
  • Increased energy consumption as the refrigerator works harder to cool
  • Unusual noises from the refrigerator as the fan hits frost buildup

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

More
$48.95
Compare At:
$59.96
You Save:
$11.01

IN STOCK
Ships Today Guaranteed
Add to Cart

Questions & Answers

For Whirlpool Defrost Heater (Part Number: OEM18022044)

Jerry for Model Number ED25PQXDW03

My 1997 Whirlpool two door refrigerator, model number ED25PQXDW03, has started tripping the GFCI breaker on the electrical outlet it’s plugged into (in the garage) after running for a while. It’s been in the garage for about 5 months now and it just started doing this last week. The breaker is always tripped when the defrost timer is in defrost mode. During troubleshooting via YouTube the defrost thermometer failed the ice water ohm meter test so I replaced it. I also checked the heating element while I was in there and it passed the continuity test I did with the ohm meter. I decided to do a mini rebuild on my refrigerator while I had it apart and the following items have also been replaced as well: the overload and relay for the compressor, the cold control (old one had some black powder under it) and the defrost timer. The underside grill was cleaned out of all dust with a grill brush I bought. Everything was running fine and the unit was cooling down when I went to bed last night. This morning when I got up the GFCI was tripped (and the timer was in defrost). I tried to reset the fuse and it kept popping. When I turned the timer out of defrost the fuse could be rest and the refrigerator started running again. I read in another Q&A for a different model refrigerator the GFCI its self could be the problem (with nuisance tripping). Is that true with my model as well? I can change out the electrical outlet and change the fuse in the fuse box if need be. Thank you, I’ve learned allot about refrigerators during this.

1 Answer

Hello Jerry. Yes, the manufacturer never recommends a refrigerator to be on a GFCI outlet.

Read More...

1 Answer

Lynette, We reviewed the video for the heater element replacement. We find it to be pretty accurate. In your case, you have molded in "slides" for the lower bin(s). You may find it easiest, if once you have the evaporator cover screws removed and the top portion remove from the fan housing assembly, to raise the cover up enough the clear the molded in slides, then slide the cover up and out of the freezer compartment. You'll need to be careful, the cover does have sharp edges, and can damage the freezer liner, you'll find it safer to slightly "twist" the panel to keep the edges away from the liner.

Read More...

1 Answer

Hello Richard, The manufacturer advises against plugging into a GFCI receptacle. This is directly from an installation guide for a 22 cubic foot refrigerator: Electrical: A 115 Volt, 60 Hz., AC only, 15- or 20-amp electrical supply, properly grounded in accordance with the National Electrical Code and local codes and ordinances, is required. It is recommended that a separate circuit, serving only your refrigerator, be provided. Use a receptacle which cannot be turned off by a switch or pull chain. IMPORTANT: If this product is connected to a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) equipped outlet, nuisance tripping of the power supply may occur, resulting in loss of cooling. Food quality and flavor may be affected. If nuisance tripping has occurred, and if the condition of the food appears poor, dispose of it. Water: A cold water supply with water pressure between 30 and 120 psi (207 and 827 kPa) is required to operate ice maker and water dispenser. If you have questions about your water pressure, call a licensed, qualified plumber. Reverse Osmosis Water Supply: The pressure of the water coming out of a reverse osmosis system going to the water inlet valve of the refrigerator needs to be between 30 and 120 psi (207 and 827 kPa). I doubt that there is anything wrong with the unit since it has a strong current draw during defrost and during the initial start-up of the compressor. If you wanted to check for sure, you could use a heavy duty three prong appliance extension cord to try plugging the unit into a standard receptacle. It has to be a dedicated line so if anything else is running off the same breaker, the additional load would have to be removed to prove a problem with the unit.

Read More...
Jeff for Model Number 106.56689502

Mine is definetly frosting the rear panel in freezer. The bi metal is continuously open and will not close when cold so I know it is bad. When that circuit is open I am getting 78 volts to the plugs for the heater. When I close that circuit by putting the bimetal leads together the voltage to the heater leads drops to 17volts. In either situation the heater will not get warm. Are those the proper voltages and should the heater be getting warm? Also is there a timer or programer of some sort involved? Thanks for your help.

1 Answer

Hello Carl. If the heater and the thermostat are good, but the unit does not defrost, you will need to replace the electronic control WP2313177. If you turn the unit on and off, 5 times within 10 seconds, it should go into defrost. Hope this helps.

Read More...

1 Answer

Hello John. It sounds like you may have a defrost problem with the unit. Check and see if there is any frost build up on the back wall of the freezer. If so, you will need to test the defrost heater WP2323198 and the defrost thermostat. They should read closed for continuity when cold. You can test this with a multi-meter TJMA-DMT3. I will include a link at the end to assist you how to use the multi-meter if needed. If both parts are good, you will need to replace the defrost timer. Once the problem is repaired, you will need to thaw out the ice on the coils before the unit will operate properly. Hope this helps. http://forum.appliancepartspros.com/oven-repair-including-ranges-cooktops/4810-how-check-continuity-ohmmeter.html

Read More...

1 Answer

Hello Judy. It sounds like you may have a defrost problem with the unit. Check and see if there is any frost build up on the back wall of the freezer. If so, you will need to test the defrost heater WP2323198 and the defrost thermostat WPW10225581. They should read closed for continuity when cold. You can test this with a multi-meter TJMA-DMT3. I will include a link at the end to assist you how to use the multi-meter if needed. If both parts are good, you will need to replace the defrost timer 8201661. Once the problem is repaired, you will need to thaw out the ice on the coils before the unit will operate properly. Hope this helps. http://forum.appliancepartspros.com/oven-repair-including-ranges-cooktops/4810-how-check-continuity-ohmmeter.html

Read More...
Bob for Model Number ED5FHEXMS00

My freezer started dripping and noticed refrig was not cold. Pulled it out cleaned coils and vacuumed. It was unplugged for 1 1/2 hours. Then plugged it in and checked about 1/2 hr later. Both refrig and freezer getting cold. Heard it making ice, then about a couple hours later saw ice maker was dripping again. I know there are a couple of possibilities.One being defrost control board. How would I test it to know if that is the part I need. Please walk me thru what it could be and how to diagnosis Thanks !

1 Answer

Bob, did you ever notice a patch of heavy frost, or ice on the back wall of the freezer, this would indicate a defrost problem. If all you have is an icicle from the icemaker drip, it's most likely causing the evaporator fan to seize up and not turn and ciculate the air. If that's the case you'd want to consider a new fill valve W10408179 or adjusting the fill time/level of the icemaker. Thanks and Good Luck

Read More...

1 Answer

Hi Guy. Yes, 60% of defrost failures are because of the defrost thermostat part # WPW10225581. You can use a ohm meter to check the continuity of the heater should read 11-18 ohms. This part # is WP2323198. Thank you.

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