Whirlpool R0161088 Defrost Thermostat OEM Part

After running some tests I determined that the problem was a bad defrost timer. The timer would occasionally fail to trigger the compressor to restart at the end of the defrost cycle. Since I had the unit taken apart, I replaced the termination t-stat and the compressor start relay at the same time. Parts came quick 1.5 days, job completed and the unit is up and running.

Removed tall cover in back of freezer compartment. Evap fan not running but lots of frost on coils. Measured no voltage to evap fan. Defrost thermostat measured open. Short it out, fan runs. Ordered defrost thermostat from A.P.P. regular shipping, received in less than two days. Replaced defrost thermostat, everything is working. Note 1: There is a plug around back of fridge to short out the defrost thermo for testing. You don't have to break the seals and re-route the wires through the back wall for replacement. You can cut them off and wire-nut to the new ones, or just forget about them and let the new plug roam free. Note 2: As soon as the froze-up thermostat warmed, it started to function (tested by freezing it), but likely had some moisture in it which caused the failure. Total cost of repair about $40 (including shipping).

I took off the back panel on the inside of the freezer. I noticed that the evaporator fan (which circulates cold air through the freezer) was not working. Only the very bottom of the freezer was cold since that's where the cold air comes out. After testing the fan motor with a multimeter, which checked out fine, I figured it must be the defrost thermostat. The thermostat appeared to have gotten water inside it, as it was bulging when frozen and leaking when thawed. It was super easy to disconnect the wires and hook up the new thermostat. Now it's running great!

Removed bottom half of covers in back of freezer compartment. Coils frozen on top half and around evap fan. Defrost thermostat bulged and probably the problem. Melted ice with hair dryer. Had already ordered defrost timer and thermostat from A.P.P. regular shipping, received in less than two days. Replaced both, everything is working well.

Replace thermostat