Refrigerator Manual Defrost Parts

This refrigerator defrost thermostat monitors the evaporator temperature and shuts the defrost heater off once the ice has melted. Replacing a failed thermostat restores automatic defrost, reducing frost buildup and helping maintain steady, reliable cooling.

• Senses evaporator coil temperature during defrost cycles
• Opens to terminate the heater when the coil warms; closes when cold for the next cycle
• Helps prevent overheating during defrost and ice accumulation on the evaporator
• Helps if you notice heavy frost on the back wall/evaporator, poor airflow, warming temps, or prolonged/absent defrost cycles

• Disconnect power before servicing; wear appropriate safety gear
• Access the evaporator behind the freezer's rear panel; clear ice as needed
• Mount the thermostat in the same position on the evaporator tubing and make secure, insulated wire connections; route wires away from sharp edges and heat sources
• Restore power and monitor the next defrost cycle for proper operation

This refrigerator defrost heater warms the evaporator coil during the automatic defrost cycle to melt frost and keep air moving. Replacing a failed heater helps restore stable temperatures and prevents ice buildup on the freezer back panel. What it does:

• Melts frost from the evaporator coil during the defrost cycle
• Keeps airflow passages clear for consistent cooling
• Failure can cause heavy frost on the freezer/back panel
• Can result in fan noise from ice contact and longer run times

• One defrost heater assembly

• Disconnect power before service; wear cut-resistant gloves
• Access through the freezer rear panel; avoid damaging evaporator fins or tubing
• Note wire routing and mounting orientation; reconnect using the original clips
• Ensure the heater sits clear of plastic parts and wiring after installation

The Thermistor is an OEM Replacement Part that maintains the temperature inside your Frigidaire refrigerator. This thermistor handles reading the internal temperature. After reading, it transmits this information to the control system. At a temperature of 29 degrees, the thermistor should exhibit a resistance of about 35k ohms. While at room temperature, it should read approximately 5k ohms.

Causes of a bad thermistor can include regular wear and tear, exposure to moisture, or electrical issues. Over time, the thermistor may become less accurate or stop working altogether.

Symptoms of a bad thermistor include:

• Inconsistent or incorrect temperature readings
• The refrigerator being too warm or too cold
• The cooling system running continuously or not at all
• Error codes related to temperature control

This OEM replacement is also compatible with Electrolux, Gibson, Kelvinator, and Kenmore models.

The defrost heater mounts at the evaporator to melt accumulated frost during the automatic defrost cycle. Replacing a failed heater restores airflow and temperature stability, preventing ice buildup that blocks vents and reduces cooling performance. What it does:

• Heats the evaporator coil to clear frost during the defrost cycle
• Maintains airflow across the coil for consistent cooling
• Common symptoms: heavy frost on the back wall or coils
• Weak/no airflow or fan hitting ice; warmer temperatures; long run times

• One defrost heater

• Disconnect power before servicing
• Access the evaporator and allow heavy ice to thaw—do not force ice off the fins
• Transfer any mounting clips and route wires like the original, away from sharp edges
• Handle the element carefully; reinstall the evaporator cover before restoring power

This is the electric heating element that warms the evaporator during defrost. It clears frost from the coils so air can circulate, helping restore proper cooling and consistent temperatures.

• Melts frost accumulation on the evaporator during the defrost cycle
• Helps resolve symptoms like frost buildup, weak airflow, warm fridge section, or frequent icing
• Supports stable temperatures and efficient cooling performance

• Unplug the appliance before service; allow ice to melt or carefully defrost as needed
• Access is typically from the freezer section behind the rear panel
• Handle the glass/metal element carefully; avoid bending or damaging terminals
• Verify correct routing and secure connections; do not overtighten mounting clips

This defrost thermostat is the temperature limit switch for the evaporator. It lets the defrost heater run when coils are icy and opens as they warm to end the cycle, helping stop frost buildup and restore steady cooling.

• Monitors evaporator temperature; closed when cold to allow the defrost heater to energize
• Opens as the coil warms to terminate defrost and protect components from overheating
• Failure may cause heavy frost on the back wall/evaporator and weak airflow or a warm refrigerator section
• Can also lead to long run times or cooling that returns only briefly after a manual defrost

• Unplug the refrigerator or disconnect power before servicing
• Located behind the freezer's rear panel on the evaporator; remove shelves/ice bin and panel to access
• Reinstall in the same position/clip for firm contact with the coil or tubing
• Make secure, insulated wire connections and route wiring away from sharp edges and moving parts

This factory heater restores proper, controlled heat in the location your appliance was designed to warm. Replacing a failed heater helps eliminate freeze-ups or moisture-related issues so the system can operate as intended. What it does:

• Supplies localized heat for the appliance's intended function (defrosting, anti-sweat, or freeze prevention)
• Helps clear ice/frost that can restrict airflow or block passages
• Can resolve performance issues tied to insufficient heat or a failed heater circuit
• Typical signs include persistent frost/ice, moisture/condensation problems, or error codes related to the heater

• 1 heater

• Disconnect power before servicing; turn off water supply if working near ice maker or dispenser components
• Access and routing vary by model—photograph wiring and harness path before removal
• Handle the element and wiring carefully; avoid contact with sharp fins and plastic liners
• Ensure secure electrical connections and proper routing; do not allow the heater to rest against plastic surfaces

All metal liner SxS production built January 2003 through January 2007 (serial numbers AF through AM): Models BSS, DSS, ESH, GSH, GSS, GST, HSS, SSS

This defrost bi-metal thermostat senses evaporator temperature during the defrost cycle and opens to stop heater power at the safe cutoff. Replacing a failed thermostat restores reliable defrosting and helps prevent ice buildup that restricts airflow and cooling.

• Monitors evaporator temperature to control the defrost heater
• Closes when cold to allow defrost; opens at cutoff to terminate defrost and prevent overheating
• Helps maintain clear evaporator coils for proper airflow
• Common symptoms: heavy frost on the back wall/evaporator, poor cooling, or defrost heater not energizing

• Disconnect power before servicing; wear cut-resistant gloves
• Access the evaporator; mount the thermostat in the original location with firm contact on the tubing
• Transfer any original clip or insulation as found to ensure proper sensing
• Secure all connections and route wiring away from the heater and moving parts; clear existing ice before restoring power

This heater harness installs in the refrigerator's fresh food section. It provides defrost heat and the correct wiring connections to clear frost from the fresh food evaporator, restoring airflow so the compartment cools evenly and reliably.

• Delivers defrost heat to the fresh food evaporator to melt frost and ice
• Includes the correct harness/wiring for a precise, plug-in connection
• Helps restore proper airflow and temperature regulation in the refrigerator compartment
• Symptoms include heavy frost on the fresh food evaporator cover or back wall
• Also presents as a warm fridge (with normal freezer) or fan noise from ice contact

• Disconnect power before servicing; use cut-resistant gloves
• Access is behind the fresh food evaporator cover; protect delicate fins and sensors
• Route the harness exactly as the original and fully seat all connectors/clips
• After reassembly, ensure the drain path is clear and the fan spins freely

This defrost heater warms the evaporator coil during the automatic defrost cycle to melt frost and clear airflow. Replacing a failed heater helps prevent ice buildup and restores more consistent cooling performance throughout the refrigerator. What it does

• Heats the evaporator during defrost cycles to melt accumulated frost
• Keeps airflow paths clear so temperatures stay stable
• Helps prevent frost-clogged coils that reduce cooling
• Common signs of failure: heavy frost on the back wall/evaporator cover, weak cooling, evaporator fan hitting ice, or ice returning soon after a manual defrost

• One defrost heater

• Disconnect power before servicing; wear cut-resistant gloves
• Access is behind the freezer's rear evaporator cover; remove shelves/bins and the panel
• Defrost heavy ice before removal to avoid damaging the coil or insulation
• Transfer any original mounting clips/insulators and route wires exactly like the original; avoid bending the heating element

This defrost bi-metal thermostat monitors evaporator temperature and acts as a safety cutoff for the defrost heater. Replacing a failed thermostat helps prevent frost buildup and restores consistent cooling and defrost performance. What it does:

• Senses evaporator coil temperature and closes when cold to allow defrost heat
• Opens at a safe temperature to terminate the defrost cycle
• Protects the evaporator from overheating during defrost
• Common failure symptoms: heavy frost on the evaporator/back freezer panel, poor airflow, warm refrigerator section, long run times, or the defrost heater not energizing

• 1 defrost bi-metal thermostat

• Disconnect power before servicing; wear cut-resistant gloves
• Access the evaporator behind the freezer's rear panel; thaw ice as needed to reach the thermostat
• Note wire connections and clip location; attach the new thermostat in the same spot, firmly clipped to the evaporator tubing
• Route wiring away from sharp edges and the heater, then restore power and observe operation

This is a GE refrigerator defrost heater assembly. The defrost heater assembly is the component responsible for defrosting the freezer compartment.If the refrigerator has been having trouble defrosting or making loud noises when the defrost heater turns on, this part could need a replacement. When this part malfunctions there could be a noticeable increase in ice building up in the freezer compartment. This situation should be fixed quickly because the increasing ice could damage other parts. Start any repairs by unplugging the refrigerator first. Take all the shelves out of the freezer and remove the freezer light shield. Unthread the two screws securing the rear freezer panel inside of the freezer. Detach the clip and remove the panel. The defrost heater should be accessible at this point. This part is located near the bottom of the freezer. Unthread the screws holding it in place and disconnect it from its wiring. Repeat these steps in reverse to install the new appliance.This is a genuine OEM replacement product sourced directly from GE. This heater assembly is only available individually and is not included with other parts.

This thermistor service kit monitors internal refrigerator temperature and relays it to the control to regulate cooling. The plastic-housed sensor restores accurate readings and steadier temperatures when the original sensor is damaged, out of range, or intermittent.

• Senses compartment or evaporator temperature and sends a resistance signal to the control
• Helps the control manage compressor and fan operation for consistent cooling
• Common signs of a faulty sensor: temperatures too warm/too cold, long run times or short cycling, frost buildup, or thermistor/sensor error codes

• Disconnect power to the appliance before servicing
• Access the sensor location (often behind an interior panel or on the evaporator cover); remove the original sensor/holder
• Install the new sensor in the same position/orientation; route wires away from sharp edges and moving parts; ensure the plastic housing is fully seated
• Restore power and allow up to 24 hours for temperatures to stabilize

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

• 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

This refrigerator defrost thermostat senses evaporator temperature and controls power to the defrost heater. It helps prevent ice buildup and overheating so the unit can defrost properly and maintain steady, efficient cooling.

• Monitors evaporator coil temperature and controls the defrost heater circuit
• Opens to terminate the defrost cycle at the correct temperature to prevent overheating
• Failure symptoms can include heavy frost on the evaporator, reduced airflow/cooling, longer run times, or the freezer warming
• Also known as a defrost terminator/bimetal thermostat

• Disconnect power to the refrigerator before servicing
• Access the evaporator behind the freezer's rear panel; note the thermostat's original location/orientation on the tubing
• Clip the new thermostat securely to the same spot for good thermal contact; make solid, insulated wire connections and route leads away from moving parts
• Reassemble panels and restore power; monitor for normal cooling and defrost operation