The Defrost Thermostat is an OEM part for Whirlpool refrigerators. It monitors the temperature of the evaporator coils and triggers the defrost cycle when the coils get too cold, preventing frost buildup and ensuring efficient cooling. It operates by closing the heater circuit to initiate the defrost cycle. It opens the circuit when the temperature rises above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. It then resumes operation when the temperature drops to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Causes of a bad defrost thermostat can include regular wear and tear, exposure to moisture, or electrical issues. Over time, the thermostat may lose accuracy or stop working altogether, leading to frost accumulation or inefficient cooling.
Symptoms of a bad defrost thermostat include:
- Excessive frost buildup in the freezer
- The refrigerator running continuously or not cooling properly
- The defrost heater not activating
- The refrigerator cycling on and off frequently
This OEM part is also compatible with Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper, and Kenmore models.
This part fixes the following symptoms- Freezer not defrosting
- Frost buildup
- Fridge too warm
- Fridge runs too long