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Customer Questions and Answers for Defrost Timer (Refrigerator) by Whirlpool

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Manufacturer Part
4.89 (64)
By: Whirlpool
Part Number: OEM18031698
Manufacturer Part Number: WP68233-2

The defrost timer controls your refrigerator's automatic defrost cycle, periodically pausing cooling to power the defrost heater. Replacing a faulty timer restores proper defrosting to help prevent frost buildup, temperature swings, and excessive run time.

  • Advances the system between cooling and defrost at set intervals
  • Sends power to the defrost heater, then returns the unit to cooling
  • Failure may cause heavy frost on evaporator coils and weak airflow
  • Fresh food section may run warm while the freezer ices over
  • Unit may run constantly, never defrost, or get stuck in defrost
What's included: 1 defrost timer Installation notes:
  • Disconnect power before servicing
  • Location varies by model; access the timer (often in the control housing or rear compartment), note wire positions, and transfer one at a time
  • Mount and secure the timer as originally installed; reuse existing bracket/fasteners
  • After reassembly, restore power and verify the unit advances through cooling and defrost

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Questions & Answers

For Whirlpool Defrost Timer (Refrigerator) (Part Number: OEM18031698)

1 Answer

John, Yes, that is correct for the defrost heater and defrost thermostat. The defrost timer however is in the machine compartment at the lower back of the refrigerator.

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1 Answer

Meg S, Thanks for the question and sorry we don't have a video specific to the model in question but we do have one that is in general to the brand. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MYn-BFIycM

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1 Answer

Hello John, this is an old model design, according to the parts index it is located on the inside of the rear refrigerator cabinet just to the side of the compressor area, usually the left side. Remove the rear compressor cover and look on the inside of the cabinet, it will have two mounting screws holding it in place.

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Dennis for Model Number MSD2732GRW

Refrigerator has been working flawlessly. We left on 3 month trip to find freezer and fresh food sections to be 49 degrees. Unplugged waited 30 minutes plugged back in fan and compressor came on and run, temperature inside dropped down to 50 degrees air blowing is 50 degrees on coldest setting. Everything sound normal compressor is running, condenser fan is blowing interior fan is blowing. What can I do to trouble shoot or what is most likely part failure?

1 Answer

Dennis, You would want to check the evaporator coils and make sure that there is a good even frost pattern. If there is very little frost on the coils then service would be required to repair this issue.

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1 Answer

Hello Tom. First disconnect power. Then you will reach to the back of the cover in the top and there will be 2 slots to put your finger. Pull down and forward in those spots and it should allow you to remove the panel. Next remove the screws from the upper housing and drop it down to access and replace the timer on the unit.

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1 Answer

Ed, The defrost timer would be located either in the back of the unit on the side of the frame or on the front of the unit under the kickplate on the frame. You may have to look for a hole that has a dial in it.

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1 Answer

Michael, If the thermostat and defrost heater check good for continuity and the units evaporator is getting impacted with ice then the defrost control will be part number 61005988.

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1 Answer

Hello Peg, Remove the knobs by pulling them straight out and press up near the rear of this part 61003217 and slip it straight out of the front toward you. The two slots with reversed "flag shaped" openings are the catches. To re-install, place the cover in position and the tabs in the square part of the holes and hold up while sliding the part into the ceiling of the unit.

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