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Customer Questions and Answers for Defrost Timer by Whirlpool

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Manufacturer Part
4.89 (64)
By: Whirlpool
Part Number: OEM18022548
Manufacturer Part Number: WP3-81329

This defrost timer controls when your refrigerator or freezer enters and exits the automatic defrost cycle to clear frost from the evaporator coils. Replacing a failed timer restores reliable defrosting to help maintain airflow, cooling performance, and stable temperatures.

  • Advances on a timed schedule to initiate and end the defrost cycle
  • Sends power to the defrost heater during defrost, then returns the system to cooling
  • Helps prevent heavy frost buildup that restricts airflow and cooling
  • Common symptoms of a bad timer: unit not defrosting or warming over time, heavy ice on the evaporator/cover, stuck running or stuck in defrost, or a timer that won't advance
What's included: 1 defrost timer Install notes:
  • Disconnect power before servicing
  • Access the timer (commonly in the control housing or machine compartment)
  • Note/photograph wire positions and move leads one at a time to the new timer; mount securely
  • Restore power and monitor for proper cycling; some models allow using the timer's advance slot to start a test defrost

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Questions & Answers

For Whirlpool Defrost Timer (Part Number: OEM18022548)

1 Answer

Sharon, If you pull off the kickplate of the unit, there will be a box under the front which holds the defrost control board 12050506. Unfortunately the defrost control board has been discontinued by the manufacturer with no suitable replacement available.

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1 Answer

Herschel, The defrost timer will be located in one of 3 positions on this unit. You will want to pull the unit out and look in the compressor compartment, pull the kickplate off and look on the front of the unit behind the kickplate or will be located in the control housing.

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1 Answer

Hello Stephen, Since there is no "set screw", I am assuming you simply advanced the timer WP3-81329. If this is the case, there is no reason to bother it since this is the advancing screw and is rotates slowly during normal operation.

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1 Answer

Elizabeth, Unfortunately we do not have any technical information if this defrost timer WP3-81329 will work for your unit. This timer is a 12 hour timer.

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1 Answer

Cecil, Yes, the WP3-81329 defrost timer is a very likely issue. The internal contacts could be defective or the mechanical gears of the casement could be worn and holding the timer in an extended or prolonged defrost cycle, causing the freezer to thaw completely, replace the timer and you should be fine.

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1 Answer

Harry, With the unit not working and the light working, the issue may be a stuck defrost timer or a bad thermostat. You will want to access the defrost timer and turn the timer dial and see if the unit clicks on. If it does then the issue would be a faulty timer WP3-81329. If not then the most likely issue would be the thermostat WPW10474749.

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1 Answer

Hello Bruce. It looks like it is in the control panel of the unit. Also, check the toe panel and by the compressor. It does not list the exact location on the unit.

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Grumpyinseattle for Model Number Whirlpool Side-by-Side Fridge and Freezer Ice Buildup

We just bought these dual Whirlpool Side-by-Sides to replace older units that were starting to have issues. Unfortunately the new units ice up after a couple of weeks. If I manually advance the 3-81329 defrost timer then everything is great. My theory is that Whirlpool is being to optimistic (waiting too long to defrost) to keep the energy efficiency high. And this is causing the ice buildup - especially with our very humid climate in Seattle. We also read that this timer only counts the time the compressor runs - not elapsed time. Not sure if this is true or not. In any case, we would like to replace this 12-hour timer with say an equivalent 8-hour timer or least a timer that is more aggressive about running the defrost cycle. Any recommendations?

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