KitchenAid Freezer defrost drain frozen: Common Causes & How to Fix

Repair Instructions:

When your KitchenAid freezer's defrost drain freezes up, it might be because the KitchenAid freezer's temperature is excessively cold, far below 0° Fahrenheit. To troubleshoot this, you can use a tool called a multimeter to measure the resistance changes in the temperature control thermostat as it cools and heats. If the resistance remains the same or if there's no resistance at all, it means your thermostat isn't working properly and you will need to replace it.

How to Replace KitchenAid Freezer Temperature Control Thermostat

1. Unplug KitchenAid freezer - Unplug the KitchenAid freezer before starting to avoid electric shock.

2. Remove control knob - Carefully pry off the temperature control knob to access the mounting screws.

3. Unscrew thermostat - Unscrew and remove the mounting screws to detach the old thermostat from the KitchenAid freezer wall.

4. Disconnect wires - Disconnect the wiring harness from the old thermostat terminals.

5. Install new thermostat - Attach the wiring harness to the terminals on the new thermostat. Position it on the wall and secure with the mounting screws.

6. Replace knob - Line up the knob correctly and snap it back onto the new thermostat shaft.

7. Plug in KitchenAid freezer - Plug the power cord back in once the new thermostat is fully installed.

8. Set temperature - Turn the control knob to set the KitchenAid freezer to the desired temperature.

9. Allow time to cool - Let the KitchenAid freezer run for a few hours to reach the set temperature before returning food.

10. Test operation - Monitor the temperature and adjust as needed to confirm the new thermostat maintains the proper KitchenAid freezer temperature.

Repair Instructions:

You should defrost the drain to ensure it's unblocked. A quick way to do this is by using a turkey baster filled with warm water to melt the ice and break down any blockages. The water should easily flow into the tray near the compressor. If the drain is blocked, even a functional drain strap won't prevent the water from freezing.

Repair Instructions:

If your KitchenAid freezer's defrost drain is freezing up and the temperature of the KitchenAid freezer is well below 0° Fahrenheit, even though the thermistor (temperature sensor) shows suitable resistance changes when tested with a multimeter, it might be due to a malfunctioning control board. This board might be sending uninterrupted voltage to the compressor. To confirm this, inspect the board for any signs of burn marks or a shorted component. If you find any such signs, you may need to replace the control board.

How to Replace KitchenAid Freezer Control Board:

1. Safety Precautions:

   • Make sure your safety by unplugging the KitchenAid freezer or disconnecting it from the power source to prevent electrical accidents.

2. Prepare the Workspace:

   • Empty the KitchenAid freezer and remove any items from inside to access the control board easily.

3. Locate the Control Board:

   • The control board is typically located on the rear interior wall of the KitchenAid freezer or inside the control panel on the exterior of the appliance.

4. Disconnect Wiring:

   • Carefully take note of how the wires are connected to the control board. Unplug or disconnect the wires from the board, remembering their positions.

5. Remove the Old Control Board:

   • The control board may be secured with screws or clips. Remove these fasteners to release the old board from its mounting location.

6. Replace with a New Control Board:

   • Position the new control board in the same location as the old one, ensuring it's properly aligned with any mounting holes or brackets.

7. Reconnect Wiring:

   • Reattach the wires to the new control board, making sure they are connected in the same way as on the old board.

8. Secure the New Board:

   • Fasten the new control board in place with screws or clips.

9. Restore Power:

   • Plug the KitchenAid freezer back in or reconnect it to the power source.

10. Test the KitchenAid Freezer:

    • Make sure the KitchenAid freezer is running and cooling as expected. Adjust the temperature settings on the control board to the desired level.

11. Final Checks:

    • Monitor the KitchenAid freezer for a while to verify that it maintains the set temperature and functions properly.

Repair Instructions:

A frozen defrost drain in your KitchenAid freezer could happen if the KitchenAid freezer's temperature is too low, dropping well below 0° Fahrenheit. If tests with a multimeter show the thermistor (temperature sensor) is responding correctly, the issue could lie with the user control and display board. This board might be malfunctioning, which would prevent it from properly controlling the cooling circuit. This means that even when the KitchenAid freezer is cold enough, the cooling doesn't stop as it should.

How to Replace KitchenAid Freezer User Control and Display Board:

1. Safety Precautions:

   • Prioritize safety by unplugging the KitchenAid freezer from the power source to prevent electrical accidents.

2. Prepare the Workspace:

   • Empty the KitchenAid freezer and remove any items from inside to access the control and display board easily.

3. Locate the User Control and Display Board:

   • The control and display board is typically situated on the KitchenAid freezer door or inside the KitchenAid freezer compartment, depending on the KitchenAid freezer model.

4. Disconnect Wiring:

   • Carefully take note of how the wires are connected to the control board. Unplug or disconnect the wires from the board, remembering their positions.

5. Remove the Old Control and Display Board:

   • The control and display board is usually secured with screws, clips, or brackets. Remove these fasteners to release the old board from its mounting location.

6. Replace with a New User Control and Display Board:

   • Position the new control and display board in the same location as the old one, making sure it's properly aligned with any mounting holes or brackets.

7. Reconnect Wiring:

   • Reattach the wires to the new control board, making sure they are connected in the same way as on the old board.

8. Secure the New Board:

   • Fasten the new user control and display board in place with screws, clips, or brackets.

9. Plug the KitchenAid Freezer Back In:

   • Reconnect the KitchenAid freezer to the power source, ensuring it's properly plugged in.

10. Test the KitchenAid Freezer:

    • Power on the KitchenAid freezer and check that the control board functions correctly. Verify that the KitchenAid freezer maintains the desired temperature and that the display board responds to user input.

11. Final Checks:

    • Monitor the KitchenAid freezer for a while to verify that the control and display board performs its functions without any issues.

Repair Instructions:

If your KitchenAid freezer's defrost drain is freezing, it could be because the KitchenAid freezer is too cold, likely much below 0° Fahrenheit. To figure this out, you can use a multimeter to check the temperature sensor. This involves observing changes in resistance as the sensor heats up and cools down. If the resistance remains constant or if there's no resistance, it signifies that the temperature sensor is not working properly. In that case, you'll need to replace it.

Repair Instructions:

If your KitchenAid freezer's defrost drain is freezing over, it could be because the KitchenAid freezer's temperature is way lower than 0° Fahrenheit. In such a case, use a multimeter to check the thermistor, which is a sensor responsible for detecting temperature changes. By measuring the resistance as the sensor cools and warms, you can assess its functionality. If the resistance stays the same or there's no resistance detected, it indicates that the thermistor isn't working properly and should be replaced.

How to Replace KitchenAid Freezer Thermistor

1. Unplug KitchenAid freezer - Unplug the power cord before starting to avoid electric shock.

2. Locate thermistor - The thermistor is usually mounted to the side wall inside the KitchenAid freezer compartment. Consult the KitchenAid freezer manual if unsure.

3. Disconnect wiring - Remove the thermistor wiring harness connector by gently pulling it off the thermistor pins.

4. Remove mounting screws - Unscrew and remove any mounting screws securing the thermistor bracket to the KitchenAid freezer wall.

5. Install new thermistor - Secure the new thermistor to the wall using the mounting screws. Reconnect the wiring harness to the thermistor pins.

6. Check connections - Make sure the wiring connections are fully secured and any loose wires are tucked away neatly.

7. Plug in KitchenAid freezer - Plug the electrical cord back into the outlet once the new thermistor is installed.

8. Allow KitchenAid freezer to cool - Let the KitchenAid freezer reach its set temperature before returning any food items.

9. Test operation - Monitor the temperature over time to confirm the new thermistor is giving accurate readings.

10. Contact support - If temperature issues persist, unplug the KitchenAid freezer and contact support for troubleshooting.

Repair Instructions:

Sometimes, the cause of a frosted-over defrost drain in a KitchenAid freezer could be a faulty or missing drain strap. This small piece, often made of copper or aluminum, is attached to the defrost heater and dips into the defrost drain. When the heater is active, it sends heat down the strap to melt any ice build-up in the drain. However, if this strap is damaged or has fallen off, it can't help to melt the ice, leading to a frosty defrost drain.

How to Replace KitchenAid Freezer Drain Strap

1. Unplug KitchenAid freezer - Unplug the power cord to shut off electricity while you work.

2. Remove food and shelves - Take out all food items and removable shelves to clear the work area.

3. Locate drain strap - The drain strap is a thin metal band clipped around the drain tube at the bottom rear of the KitchenAid freezer.

4. Remove old strap - Use pliers to detach the old rusted or broken drain strap from the drain tube.

5. Attach new strap - Clip the new drain strap securely around the drain tube using pliers.

6. Confirm fit - Make sure the new strap fits snugly in place and is not obstructing the drain tube opening.

7. Replace shelves and food - Return the shelves and food to their positions in the KitchenAid freezer.

8. Plug in KitchenAid freezer - Reconnect power once the new drain strap is fully installed.

9. Check for leaks - Let the KitchenAid freezer run for 1-2 hours then check beneath for any water leaks from the drain tube area.

Repair Instructions:

If your KitchenAid freezer's defrost drain is freezing up, one reason could be that the KitchenAid freezer's temperature is excessively low—considerably below 0° Fahrenheit. If the thermistor (the temperature sensor) shows correct resistance changes when tested with a multimeter, the problem might be with the main control board. This board could be malfunctioning, continuously sending voltage to the compressor. To verify this, you can check the board for any signs of burn marks or shorted components. If such signs are present, replacement of the board might be necessary.

How to Replace KitchenAid Freezer Main Control Board:

1. Safety Precautions:

   • Prioritize safety by unplugging the KitchenAid freezer from the power source to prevent electrical accidents.

2. Prepare the Workspace:

   • Empty the KitchenAid freezer and remove any items from inside to access the control board easily.

3. Locate the Main Control Board:

   • The main control board is typically situated on the rear exterior of the KitchenAid freezer, often behind a protective cover or panel.

4. Identify Wiring Connections:

   • Carefully note how the wires are connected to the control board. Take a photo or make a diagram to remember the connections.

5. Release the Old Main Control Board:

   • The control board is usually secured with screws or clips. Remove these fasteners to release the old board from its mounting location.

6. Replace with a New Main Control Board:

   • Position the new main control board in the same location as the old one, making sure it's properly aligned with any mounting holes or brackets.

7. Reconnect Wiring:

   • Reattach the wires to the new control board, making sure they are connected in the same way as on the old board.

8. Secure the New Board:

   • Fasten the new main control board in place with screws or clips.

9. Plug the KitchenAid Freezer Back In:

   • Reconnect the KitchenAid freezer to the power source, making sure it's properly plugged in.

10. Test the KitchenAid Freezer:

    • Power on the KitchenAid freezer and check that the control board functions correctly. Verify that the KitchenAid freezer maintains the desired temperature and operates as intended.

11. Final Checks:

    • Monitor the KitchenAid freezer for a while to verify that the control board performs its functions without any issues.