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Customer Questions and Answers for Defrost Heater by Whirlpool

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Manufacturer Part
4.89 (64)
By: Whirlpool
Part Number: OEM18016680
Manufacturer Part Number: WP12729128

The Defrost Heater is an OEM part for Whirlpool refrigerators. This part prevents the build-up of frost and ice on the evaporator coils. By periodically heating up to melt away frost, this component ensures that air can flow freely through the coils, maintaining the refrigerator's efficient cooling performance.

Causes of a bad defrost heater can include electrical issues, such as a blown fuse or faulty wiring, wear and tear over time, or a malfunction within the heating element itself.

Symptoms of a bad Defrost Heater include:

  • Frost or ice buildup on the evaporator coils
  • The refrigerator or freezer compartment warming up
  • The refrigerator cycling on more frequently or for longer durations
  • Poor cooling performance throughout the refrigerator

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 Heater (Part Number: OEM18016680)

Kiley for Model Number WRB322DMBM00

My fridge seems to not cycle the defrost correctly, leading to ice build up on the back of the freezer. The fridge is constantly "running" and I can hear the fridge opening and closing the valve in the back to allow the cold air into the fridge. But after a few days of the constant running, the ice builds up enough to stop the flow of cold air to the fridge. I have to manually defrost and suck up the water in the evaporator pan. Sometimes the fridge will run for a week or two normally after I manual defrost, sometimes it will continue with the constant running after I restart it and will need to be defrosted again after a few days. No issue with temperature in freezer or anything else other than ice build up. What should I try replacing first? Thanks!

1 Answer

You will need to look on your unit for a tech sheet (the tech sheet will be hidden somewhere on the unit) to find help with recommended testing and procedures.

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1 Answer

Gordon, Check to make sure that the fan in the freezer is running and if it is no then check to make sure that it is getting power to it. If it is but not running then replace the fan. If the fan is good then the most likely cause will be the air damper at the top back of the refrigerator section.

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1 Answer

Hello Mike, The defrost heater should have 30O of resistance. The defrost thermostat opens at about 42°F and closes at about 12°F.

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1 Answer

Bernice, It will depend on if you are looking for the heater in the refrigerator compartment or the freezer. If you are looking for the freezer side then you would need to remove the shelving and door from the unit and remove the rear wall in the freezer compartment. You will see a silver part that runs all the way across that will most likely be frozen and it is on the bottom of this part which is the evaporator. If you are looking for a refrigerator heater. Remove the crisper drawers and the shelving. Once removed there will be a cover at the back that will be removed and you will have access to the refrigerator evaporator which will have the heater under it.

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Victor for Model Number KRMF706EBS01

I have replaced the water inlet valve and evaporator fan. The refrigerator compartment is warm and drawers, however, the freezer is fine. Water is behind the drawers at times. Sometimes ice comes out sometimes it does not. Coils have been cleaned front and back. The compressor fan is running in the rear of the refrigerator. There is a humming sound from the refrigerator then it stops. Thank you in advance for any suggestions that may assist us in resolving this problem!

1 Answer

Victor, based on the information provided, it sounds like the defrost drain line is clogged up under the refrigerator evaporator. The moisture from a clogged defrost drain can cause the evaporator to accumulate too much frost and block airflow, potentially building up frost around the fan blade near the evaporator. It would be recommended that the defrost drain is thoroughly cleared and the drain tube extension W11745092 near the compressor would need to be cleaned or replaced.

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1 Answer

James, It sounds as if you may have a control issue, you would need to check the control board to see which components are getting power with a multi-meter. If you have a meter and are comfortable making the check then call and speak to one of our agents and they will assist you in the process. our number is 1-877-477-7278

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1 Answer

Vidal, This issue will be a defrost issue. You will want to check the defrost heater and thermostat for continuity. If this check ok for continuity then this will be a faulty control board.

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1 Answer

Gee, Are you sure you have a defrost issue, There is a large heavy buildup of ice on the back wall of the freezer compartment ? Basically, you'll need to remove everything in the freezer, after you remove power to the refrigerator, remove the baskets, door and door rails, remove the door rail supports, then the diffuser and the screws holding the back wall to the refrigeratore liner. Disconnect the wiring harnesses and remove the wall. We'll send you some more information that should be a bit more helpful. Thanks

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