Whirlpool R0161087 Defrost Thermostat (Thermostat, Defrost) OEM Part

Condenser was running, evaporator fan was not. My frig has the obsolete adaptive defrost timer card in it. Tried the "trigger door switch 4 times quickly" to force the frig into defrost mode - would not work. If the defrost thermostat fails in the proper state (open, I think), the frig can't enter defrost mode and the condensation on the evaporator coils will freeze solid. The melting ice in the dispenser storage will eventually leak out of the door dispenser and make a puddle at the front left corner of the frig. Replaced the defrost thermostat to repair. I didn't test my thermostat, this could easily have been the fancy timer board, but at $35, it was worth a try for me, and it worked. My thermostat was permanently wired to the frig. I had to cut the orange & brown wires to remove it. I soldered them back together and wire-nutted them to insulate. The other connections plugged together easily. First test: While the condenser and evaporator fans are running, trigger door switch 4 times in a couple of seconds. Frig immediately went into defrost mode (fans & condenser turn off). Next, set it at about 4 1/2 and it froze the milk in the drinks storage. Evaporator coils haven't frozen up in 3 days now, and the freezer will operate at -5°F. Yippie